Best Air Fryer Turkey Bacon in Minutes

Are you looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bacon? Turkey bacon is the answer as it has less saturated fat and fewer calories compared with regular bacon.

Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is also easy. Which is great for those busy mornings when you just need a quick breakfast. It also tastes great and cooks perfectly in an air fryer. Air frying is also a healthier way to cook it vs. other frying methods.

In this article, I’ll show you how to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer for crispy and delicious results.

There is a recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Why cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer has several advantages over other cooking methods. By cooking turkey bacon in your air fryer, you will find it…

Crispier – The combination of the heat from the heating element and the circulated hot air will crisp your turkey bacon to perfection. If you want your bacon to be more or less crispy than this recipe produces. Play around with the timings to serve up crispy turkey bacon to your preference.

Healthier – Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, and it doesn’t compromise on flavor. You also do not need to add any extra oil, reducing the calorie count. Combined (air frying and turkey bacon) is perfect for those trying to reduce their cholesterol.

Easy – Using an air fryer is the easiest way to cook turkey bacon. Simply add a single layer of turkey bacon to the air fryer basket. Cook the turkey bacon for 7 to 10 minutes and serve.

Less mess – No need to wipe down the hob or countertop to clean up fat splatters from the pan or clean a cumbersome tray or the inside of an oven.

How long does it take to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

Turkey bacon takes 7 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 390 F (200 c).

How to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

To cook perfect turkey bacon every single time in an air fryer, follow these simple steps…

Step 1 – Pre-Heat (optional)

If you want the crispiest turkey bacon pre-heat the air fryer to 390 F (200 c).

Step 2 – Add oil or a liner if the air fryer basket is not non-stick (optional)

You do not need to add a liner or oil, but if you want to now is the time to add it.

Either use a silicone liner or spray or brush on a little bit of oil to the air fryer basket.

Do not use a parchment paper liner, as the bacon is too light to keep the paper liner in position.

Step 3 – A single layer of bacon

Place the turkey bacon in the preheated air fryer basket.

Arrange the slices of turkey bacon in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. The bacon will cook faster this way. You might not be able to cook all the bacon at once, so cook the turkey bacon in batches.

Step 4 – Air fry

Cook for between 7 to 10 minutes. Depending on the type and thickness of the turkey bacon.

Step 5 – Check

Check the bacon halfway through the cooking time. You might need to re-arrange the slices slightly as they shrink down. Use tongs to avoid getting burnt.

You don’t need to turn the turkey bacon rashers, but you can if you want.

Step 6 – More time

As all air fryers produce different results, you may need to cook the turkey bacon for a little longer and crisp it to your personal preference.

Step 7 – Serve.

Once your turkey bacon is cooked to the state of crispiness you are after, use tongs to remove the bacon.

Top tips

Single layer – Organize the turkey bacon slices in a single layer. If needed cook the bacon in batches. This will produce the best results as the cooking process will not be disrupted.

Turn – To allow the turkey bacon to fully crisp, turn the bacon halfway through the cooking time.

Clean between batches – Before cooking a second batch use a paper towel to wipe out the turkey bacon grease that collects in the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Different cook times – Turkey bacon comes in various thicknesses and different models of air fryers produce different results. Add or reduce cooking times to consider the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

Serve with

The possibilities are endless. Just like regular pork bacon, turkey bacon is equally as versatile. If it can be used as part of an easy breakfast, quick weeknight dinner, or snack. Put it with…

• Pasta and some pesto
• Scrambled eggs or mix the bacon into an omelet
• Some bread for a BLT sandwich
• Add it to the top of some soup or make lentil and bacon soup with it

Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head.

Common questions

How to store leftover turkey bacon?

Personally, I would eat the cooked turkey bacon straight after you have cooked it.

But if you do have some leftover bacon, let the turkey bacon first cool to room temperature.

Once the turkey bacon has cooled to room temperature place the bacon in a freezer bag or airtight container.

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 days. If it starts to smell or changes color, don’t be tempted to eat it. Get rid of it.

How do I reheat cooked turkey bacon?

To reheat your air-fried turkey bacon after it’s been stored in the refrigerator, you can either…

• Place it in an air fryer at 375 F (190 c) for 2-3 minutes.
• Warm it using a microwave for 30 seconds. It might not be as crispy if reheated this way.

Is turkey bacon healthier than pork bacon?

Turkey bacon is deemed healthier than regular pork bacon, as it has slightly less fat and fewer calories.

That said, it is still high in saturated fat and sodium (salt).

If eaten in moderation uncured turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon. Especially for those who don’t eat pork or are more health conscious.

Should I choose cured or uncured turkey bacon?

Uncured bacon is potentially better for you than cured bacon. This is because uncured turkey bacon will contain naturally occurring sodium nitrates from celery. Though as this Healthline.com article explains it’s not by much.

Related articles

Amazing Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes – An collection of quick and easy air fryer breakfast recipes to break the cycle of having cereal everyday.

Best Air Fryer Bacon – Step by step guide on how to cook a variety of cuts of bacon in an air fryer.

How To Cook Frozen Bacon In An Air Fryer (Easy) – A how to guide on how to cook pork bacon from frozen. No need to think ahead.

Recipe card