Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
This air fryer turkey bacon recipe delivers shatteringly crisp edges and a tender center in under ten minutes flat. The hot circulating air crisps both sides without any babysitting, flipping, or oil splatter on your stovetop. It's a lighter alternative to pork bacon that comes out perfect every time, with zero greasy cleanup afterward.
Equipment
- Air fryer Basket style works best for even airflow
- Silicone tipped tongs For flipping without scratching the basket
- Air fryer parchment liners Perforated, for easier cleanup (optional)
- Paper towels For draining the cooked bacon
- Instant-read meat thermometer For checking safe internal temperature (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 oz uncured turkey bacon 340g, about 8 to 10 slices, nitrate-free recommended
- avocado oil spray A light mist for extra crispiness (optional)
- freshly cracked black pepper To taste (optional)
Instructions
- Set air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Separate turkey bacon slices and pat dry with paper towels if moist. Lightly mist the basket with avocado oil spray.
- Lay strips in a single layer in the basket with small gaps between each slice. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook at 375°F for 4 minutes without opening the basket.
- Flip each strip with tongs and cook for another 4 minutes. Add 1-minute increments if needed until crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with pepper if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket - cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
- Flip the bacon exactly halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
- Choose thicker-cut turkey bacon if you prefer a meatier bite instead of a shatteringly thin crisp.
- Check doneness a minute or two before the timer ends, since air fryer wattage varies by brand.
- Line the basket with a perforated parchment liner for even easier cleanup.
- Let the bacon rest on paper towels for a minute before serving, since it firms up as it cools.
- For maple-glazed turkey bacon, brush a thin layer of maple syrup over the strips during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- For spicy turkey bacon, sprinkle with cayenne or smoked paprika before cooking.
- Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
Nutrition
Serving: 3slicesCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 11gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 780mg
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