How to Make Perfectly Crispy Canadian Bacon in the Air Fryer

Canadian bacon sometimes called back bacon or peameal bacon has a delicious sweet, smoky, and salty flavor. While often pan-fried, cooking Canadian bacon in the air fryer results in crispy, mouthwatering results with less mess and added oil. Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook Canadian bacon to crispy perfection in the air fryer.

What is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon comes from the lean loin section of pork and is brined or cured before being rolled in cornmeal or ground yellow peas This gives it a distinctive flavor and texture compared to regular bacon from the fatty pork belly. Canadian bacon is pre-cooked so it just needs to be heated through.

Benefits of cooking Canadian bacon in the air fryer:

• Crispy texture without deep frying
• Cooks quickly and evenly
• Minimal oil needed
• Easy cleanup with no splatter
• Consistent results batch after batch

Ingredients

• Canadian bacon slices or medallions
• Seasoning (optional): pepper, garlic powder, celery salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F This helps the bacon cook fast and crisp up

2. Prepare Canadian Bacon

Select your desired amount of Canadian bacon slices or medallions. If desired, sprinkle lightly with seasoning.

3. Arrange in Single Layer

Place Canadian bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.

4. Cook 5-7 Minutes

Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and slightly crispy. Thinner slices take less time.

5. Flip Midway

Halfway through, flip bacon for even browning. Gently shake basket.

6. Check Doneness

Test doneness after 5 minutes. Continue cooking if needed until hot and crispy.

7. Remove and Drain

Take Canadian bacon out of the air fryer. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy your hot, crispy Canadian bacon right away!

Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality pre-cooked Canadian bacon for best flavor
• Avoid overcrowding slices in the basket
• Spray basket with oil for extra crispiness
• Preheat air fryer fully before cooking
• Cook frozen Canadian bacon even longer, up to 10 minutes
• Don’t overcook or it can dry out

How is Canadian Bacon Different Than Regular Bacon?

While both come from pork, there are some key differences:

• Canadian bacon comes from the lean pork loin while regular bacon comes from fatty pork belly
• Canadian bacon is pre-cooked and just needs reheating while regular bacon needs to be cooked through
• Canadian bacon has a milder, ham-like flavor compared to regular bacon’s robust pork taste
• Canadian bacon is rolled in cornmeal giving it a distinctive coating and crunch
• Canadian bacon is leaner and contains less fat than regular bacon

Both make delicious additions to breakfasts, sandwiches, pizzas, and more! Canadian bacon is a handy pre-cooked option.

What to Serve with Canadian Bacon

This lean and versatile bacon is delicious in various dishes:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Add an egg, cheese, and Canadian bacon on an English muffin
• Pizza – Top pizza crust with Canadian bacon for great flavor
• Salad – Crumble crispy Canadian bacon over greens or wedge salads
• Baked potatoes – Garnish loaded baked potatoes with crumbled Canadian bacon
• Snack – Enjoy crispy Canadian bacon slices straight from the air fryer
• Pasta – Toss crispy Canadian bacon into pasta dishes like carbonara

With its milder flavor, Canadian bacon complements both sweet and savory dishes. Get creative with ways to enjoy this crispy air fried treat!

Common Questions about Cooking Canadian Bacon in the Air Fryer

Should I flip the Canadian bacon during cooking?

Yes, gently flipping the Canadian bacon about halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.

How long does it take to cook frozen Canadian bacon?

Cooking frozen Canadian bacon will take longer, up to 10 minutes at 400°F. Check frequently and adjust time as needed.

Can I add a glaze or seasoning?

Absolutely! A maple glaze or sprinkle of pepper, garlic powder, or celery salt adds extra flavor. Avoid sugary glazes that may burn.

What temperature should I cook Canadian bacon at?

Cook at 400°F to quickly crisp up the exterior of the Canadian bacon slices or medallions in the air fryer.

Can I cook other foods at the same time?

Yes, the air fryer can multi-task! Try cooking eggs, tater tots, or toast alongside the Canadian bacon.

How do I reheat leftover Canadian bacon?

Place cooled Canadian bacon slices in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 400°F until warmed through and crispy.

With the right techniques, you can easily achieve hot, crispy, better-than-restaurant-quality Canadian bacon from your air fryer. Ditch the frying pan and enjoy this lean and delicious bacon with less mess and no splatters.