Let’s be honest: turkey bacon often gets a bad rap for not being as crispy as its pork counterpart. But when you pop turkey bacon in the air fryer? Game changer. You get that perfectly crispy edge with a tender center—without the grease and mess.
I love using turkey bacon on sandwiches and salads for a smoky, savory boost, and it’s a great way to save a few calories while still enjoying that bacon flavor. Whether you’re team savory or love a touch of sweetness with maple syrup, this recipe has you covered in under 10 minutes!
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Quick and easy—ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Healthier than traditional frying methods.
- Minimal cleanup—no more greasy pans!
- Crispy, tender, and customizable to your taste.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Turkey Bacon ( Uncured is what I used)
- Salt (Optional)
- Pepper (Optional)
- Maple Syrup (Optional for drizzle at end)
Jump to recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
Step 1 – Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Lay turkey bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 3 – Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each strip.
Step 4 – Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.How Long to Air Fry Turkey Bacon?
Optional Step: Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet twist before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Turkey Bacon
- For Extra Crispiness: Add 1-2 more minutes of cook time.
- Avoid Overlapping: Keep the bacon strips in a single layer for even cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Try seasoning with black pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to pair with your turkey bacon:
- Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a balanced breakfast.
- Dice and toss into your favorite salad for a protein-packed topping.
- Wrap it around asparagus spears or chicken breast for a delicious twist.
- Use in breakfast burritos or sandwiches.
Pairings and Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious recipes? Try these:
FAQ
Typically, 8-10 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway through.
Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for cooking turkey bacon quickly and evenly.
390°F is the sweet spot for crispy and tender turkey bacon.
Yes! Turkey bacon generally has fewer calories and fat than pork bacon. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Yes, preheating helps achieve even cooking and ensures the bacon crisps up nicely.
More Common Questions
Yes, it gets perfectly crispy without the need for added oil.
You can! Just increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes and check for doneness.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (28g) of Trader Joe’s Uncured Turkey Bacon:
- Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Air fryer turkey bacon is the ultimate way to enjoy a healthier, crispy breakfast favorite without the mess. Whether you prefer it plain or with a drizzle of maple syrup, you’ll love how easy and quick this recipe is.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me @StuffMattyCooks and use the hashtag #StuffMattyCooks so I can check out your creations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and let me know your favorite way to enjoy turkey bacon in the comments below!
Equipment and Kitchen Essentials
The equipment I used and some kitchen essentials in this recipe is below. I do earn a small commission from the sales of these products at NO COST to you. I really appreciate the support.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt.
Instant Vortex Plus XL 8 Quart 8-in 1 Dual Basket Double Air Fryer
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners, 200Pcs Square Air Fryer Liners
Ninja Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Turkey Bacon (Cured or Uncured)
- 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup (For Drizzle at End)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes
- Place turkey bacon strips in air fryer basket in single layer
- Air Fry bacon 5 minutes
- Flip Bacon
- Air Fry 3 to 5 additional minutes to desired crispness
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup (Optional)
