Learn how to make turkey bacon in the air fryer in under 5 minutes! It’s fast and easy and yields crispy and crunchy bacon every single time.
As much as I love regular bacon, I try and balance it out with healthier alternatives. This is where air fryer turkey bacon comes into the equation. It’s naturally just as crispy but with fewer calories and much less fat. The bonus is cooking it in the air fryer, which cuts down on the excess grease. I love serving this to my family with pancakes or eggs, in sandwiches or salads, or any other way we enjoy pork bacon.Table of Contents
Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years for their ability to make fried foods with little to no oil One of the most common uses of air fryers is to make deliciously crispy bacon with ease But did you know that air fryers are also fantastic for cooking up turkey bacon perfectly every time?
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering turkey bacon in your air fryer, from start to finish.
Why Cook Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer?
There are several great reasons to use an air fryer for cooking turkey bacon:
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It cooks evenly: The circulating hot air surrounds the bacon to crisp it up evenly on all sides. No more undercooked or chewy pieces!
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Less splatter Without the need for grease in a frying pan, there’s minimal splatter and mess.
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It’s fast: Turkey bacon cooks up lightning fast in the air fryer, ready in just 5-10 minutes.
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Easy cleanup: With barely any oil or grease, cleanup is a breeze after air frying.
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Less fat than pork: Turkey bacon has less fat and calories than regular pork bacon. The air fryer removes even more fat.
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Delicious taste: The air fryer locks in flavors and makes turkey bacon taste delicious.
Picking the Best Turkey Bacon for the Air Fryer
You can find quite a few varieties of turkey bacon these days. Here’s what to look for to ensure the best results:
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Uncured: Uncured turkey bacon has no added nitrates or nitrites. This is healthier and recommended.
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No sugar: Some turkey bacon contains added sugars, which can burn in the air fryer. Opt for no sugar added.
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Thick-cut: Thicker slices will come out crisper than thin-cut bacon. Aim for at least 1/8 inch thick.
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Natural brands: Look for quality natural brands without artificial ingredients or fillers.
Some top options are Applegate, Oscar Mayer, Butterball, and Trader Joe’s uncured turkey bacons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked turkey bacon from your air fryer:
1. Pre-heat Air Fryer
- Preheating is crucial for crispy bacon. Pre-heat your air fryer to 370°F-400°F. This takes 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare Bacon
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Take turkey bacon out of the packaging and lay slices flat.
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Pat the bacon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Optional: Spray bacon lightly with avocado oil spray.
3. Add Bacon to Air Fryer Basket
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Place bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Don’t overcrowd the bacon. Cook in batches for even cooking if needed.
4. Air Fry
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Air fry bacon for 5-6 minutes at 370°F to 400°F.
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For thick-cut or uncured bacon, cook for 6-8 minutes.
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Flip bacon slices halfway through cooking.
5. Remove and Enjoy!
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When fully cooked, remove bacon from the air fryer.
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Let cool 1-2 minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth!
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Serve up your crispy air fried turkey bacon and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these handy tips for irresistibly crispy, perfectly cooked air fryer turkey bacon:
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Cook uncured turkey bacon 1-2 minutes longer than cured.
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For ultra-crispy bacon, extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
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Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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Use a silicone air fryer mat for easy cleanup.
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Add an extra 1-2 minutes if cooking frozen turkey bacon.
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Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer before eating.
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Don’t crowd the basket. Cook in smaller batches for even crispiness.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Common Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Questions
If you’re new to making turkey bacon in the air fryer, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does turkey bacon take in an air fryer?
- Most turkey bacon takes 5-8 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Thicker slices take 6-10 minutes. Always cook uncured bacon 1-2 minutes longer.
Do I need to flip the bacon?
- Yes, flipping halfway through is important for even cooking.
Can I make a whole pack at once?
- You can if your air fryer basket is large enough. But be careful not to overcrowd. Smaller batches is better.
Should I spray or oil the bacon?
- You can, but it’s not necessary. Patting the bacon dry helps it crisp up.
Can I air fry frozen turkey bacon?
- Yes! Just add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is air fried turkey bacon healthy?
- Turkey bacon is lower calorie and fat than pork. The air fryer removes even more fat for a healthier option.
More Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Bacon
Crispy air fried turkey bacon is incredibly versatile. Here are just some of the amazing ways to enjoy it:
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Breakfast sandwiches
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Eggs Benedict
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Pizza and flatbreads
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Bacon cheeseburgers
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Cobb salad
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Bacon wrapped appetizers
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BLTs
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Loaded baked potatoes
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Mac and cheese
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Bacon and Brussels sprouts
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Bacon jam
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Soups and chowders
So there you have it! With this complete guide, you can now make perfect turkey bacon from your air fryer. Just follow these simple steps for healthier, crispier bacon the whole family will devour.
How to air fry turkey bacon
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Add bacon: Add the turkey bacon strips to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 2- Air fry: Cook the turkey bacon for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you have leftover bacon, repeat the process until it has all been cooked up.
- You’ll know the turkey bacon is fully cooked once it’s golden brown and folds slightly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the bacon won’t cook evenly. If the bacon won’t fit in there, cook it in batches.
- If the turkey bacon slices out greasy, place them on some paper towel just before serving.
- I love using disposable air fryer liners, which make cleaning up an absolute breeze. Don’t fret, though—the bacon will be just as crispy as you’d expect!
To store: Place leftovers in airtight containers to store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Leftover slices of turkey bacon can be stored in freezer safe bags for up to one month. Microwave them from frozen for quick breakfasts.
Always cook bacon in the air fryer in batches, and never allow the slices to overlap.
Why I love this recipe
- Super fast. Like air fryer bacon, the turkey version has less than 5 minutes cooking time.
- Easy cleanup. The worst part about cooking bacon in a skillet was the clean-up afterward. With the air fryer, though, it’s just a quick rinse.
- Perfect texture. Crispy turkey bacon is imperative, and this one ticks all the boxes!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I always use an air fryer for my bacon the best way to cook it. I often pair it with your air fryer soft boiled eggs“ – Carol
- Uncured turkey bacon. Choosing the right kind of turkey bacon is key. Pick thick cut bacon that has minimal added fat and is nitrate-free. Also, check out the ingredient list and make sure there are no fillers or thickeners in them. I like to use Trader Joe’s turkey bacon as it’s the cleanest (no sodium nitrates!) and best-tasting.
- Cooking spray. Optional, but I sometimes spritz some oil in the air fryer basket before adding the bacon for maximum crispiness.
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon – How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Air Fryer – So Crispy, YUM!
FAQ
How long do you cook turkey bacon?
Do I need to add oil when cooking turkey bacon?
How do you know when turkey bacon is done frying?
Can You air Fry turkey bacon?
Air fryer turkey bacon is so easy to make, you’ll be amazed. Turkey bacon comes out crispy and perfect in your air fryer in less than 10 minutes. Place turkey bacon into air fryer basket or tray. Try not to overlap too much. Air Fry at 360F/182C for 5 minutes. Flip each bacon slice over and return to air fryer.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How long do you cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?
Cook turkey bacon in the air fryer for 4 minutes. Flip the bacon and spread out to ensure the pieces are not touching (they will have shrunk a bit from their original size). Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until crispy. (Bacon will crisp up more as it cools.) Repeat steps 2-3 with the remaining bacon.
What is air fryer turkey bacon?
Air fryer turkey bacon is the perfect way to start your mornings off right! Lower in fat than traditional bacon, but still as crunchy and flavorful, you can easily whip up a complete breakfast in less than 15-minutes! Air fryer turkey bacon is a whole lot of easy, and a WHOLE LOTTA YUM!