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Yes, you can make candied bacon in the air fryer! This easy recipe takes just a few ingredients. It’s an awesome Bloody Mary garnish!

We love bacon in my household! Today, I’m so happy to share this Air Fryer Candied Bacon recipe.

Over the years, I’ve shared some awesome bacon recipes like this Millionaire’s Bacon (baked with maple syrup), bacon jam (aka pig candy), Candied Bacon Baked Brie and Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts.

a photo of air fryer candied bacon in a white mug

Bacon is definitely one of our favorite foods, although we typically limit it to the weekends. Frying your bacon strips in the air fryer is definitely a healthier option if you’re like us and only eat bacon as a special treat.

In my opinion, it’s also way easier to make bacon in the air fryer than the oven! No need to rig up baking sheets and cooling racks. The grease will naturally drain through the holes in the air fryer basket.

Check out all of the air fryer recipes on Blackberry Babe.

A mug full of candied bacon

This sweet and salty treat is a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board, as a garnish for a Bloody Mary or this Waffle Ice Cream Cake, or as the best part of your brunch spread.

For the rest of brunch, consider using your air fryer again to make Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos and Air Fryer Quiche, or try out this Brioche French Toast, Savory French Toast and Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal. Homemade Apple Fritters, Sheet Pan Pancakes or Oat and Banana Muffins are also wonderful options!

A photo of bacon slices in brown sugar

Although I think maple syrup is one of the better ways to make candied bacon, I first tested this bacon recipe with maple syrup and it was a disaster!

The strips of bacon started to burn before they were cooked through. The second time I tested using just brown sugar, and it was a huge hit!

You may see recommendations to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil, but I don’t recommend it! While doing this does make for easier cleanup, it limits the circulation of air that helps the bacon cook and keeps the bacon fat from dripping away from the bacon! Frying your bacon strips in the air fryer is definitely a healthier option because the grease is directed away while the bacon crisps.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving this air fried bacon with Monte Cristo Pinwheels, Cinnamon Roll Casserole (Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe), or my Easy Breakfast Charcuterie Board.

Add some protein to the mix with my Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole and something sweet with a classic scone recipe like these Buttermilk Scones or Blueberry Scones!

If you want to make your entire breakfast in the air fryer, check out these Glazed Air Fryer Donuts and Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes!

While I know breakfast is probably the most likely meal for this recipe, it can also be used as an appetizer! Think about using this candied bacon as a topper for grilled brie or on a charcuterie board!

Recipe Substitutions

  • Use thick cut bacon instead of regular bacon
  • Yes, you can use turkey bacon, but it will need less cooking time!
  • Omit the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you don’t like spicy food. But I think just a little bit of heat adds such amazing depth of flavor!
Air Fryer Candied Bacon

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Bacon 

Allow the bacon to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

a photo of air fryer candied bacon in a white mug

Easy Air Fryer Candied Bacon

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Author: Michelle Goth
Yes, you can make candied bacon in the air fryer! This easy recipe takes just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to make this delicious treat.
5 from 2 ratings
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 pound center cut bacon
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If your bacon has a lot of moisture, pat the bacon slices dry with a paper towel.
  • Add brown sugar, black pepper and cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes) to a plate or small bowl and stir to combine.
  • Press each piece of bacon into the brown sugar, coating it entirely.
  • Add slices of bacon in a single layer to your air fryer basket or air fryer rack.
  • Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip with tongs and air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy to your liking
  • You may need to air fry several batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Remove cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and allow to cool before serving.

Notes

You can use thick cut bacon for this recipe but may need to add a few minutes to the cook time.
As with any air fryer recipe, I recommend to check the bacon every few minutes. Each air fryer is different and cook times vary!
Serving: 1, Calories: 471kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 75mg, Sodium: 1282mg, Sugar: 30g
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