Air Fryer Bacon (Best. Bacon. Ever!) Recipe

I’m excited to share my spin on Air Fry Bacon featuring 12 thick cut bacon strips seasoned with a pinch of cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet twist. Each strip turns irresistibly crisp on the outside while staying delectably chewy on the inside, creating a unique addition to any breakfast.

I recently discovered a game changer in my cooking routine – air fryer bacon. This recipe quickly became my go-to for when I need that perfect crunch combo: crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside.

I start with 12 strips of thick cut bacon (about 1/8 inch thick, and uncured if you can get it) and let the air fryer do its magic. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper if I feel like giving it a little extra kick, and on another day, I drizzle just a light hint of maple syrup to make it a bit sweet.

I’ve been experimenting with different airfryer recipes for breakfast, snacks, even desserts. Each time, the bacon comes out just right with amazing texture and flavor.

Trust me, once you try this, you may never make bacon any other way again!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I really dig how the bacon comes out crispy on the outside but still chewy on the inside. It’s like the perfect texture combo and there’s nothing better than that crunch mixed with a little chew. Second, it’s super simple and fast. I mean, preheating the airfryer and tossing in 12 strips without having to fuss too much makes it really doable even when I’m in a rush. Third, I appreciate that there’s room for personalization. Whether I want a kick of black pepper or a drizzle of maple syrup to add some sweetness, I can switch it up depending on what I’m in the mood for. And lastly, cleaning up is a breeze since I just have to get rid of the extra grease on some paper towels. Overall, this recipe just hits all the right notes for me.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon provides hearty protein and fats that give rich flavor in the recipe.
• Its natural fats help carry other flavors, keeping every bite moist and delicious.
• Fresh cracked black pepper adds a slight kick and lifts the bacon’s deep taste.
• It introduces spice without overpowering, making every piece pleasantly vibrant.
• A light drizzle of maple syrup balances the savory bacon with subtle sweetness.
• It adds a delicate sweet twist and enhances the overall carbs profile.
• Together, these ingredients create a uniquely balanced dish with flavors that satisfy every craving.
• This secret twist guarantee best bacon ever for any meal enjoyment.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 strips of thick cut bacon (about 1/8 inch thick, and uncured if you can get it)
• Optional: A pinch of fresh cracked black pepper if u like a little kick
• Optional: A light drizzle of maple syrup for those who want a sweet twist

How to Make this

1. First, preheat your airfryer to 400°F so it’s hot and ready to go.

2. Lay out your 12 bacon strips in the airfryer basket in a single layer making sure they dont overlap.

3. If you’re into a little kick, go ahead and sprinkle a pinch of cracked black pepper evenly over each slice.

4. Place the basket into the airfryer and let the bacon cook for about 8 minutes.

5. About halfway through the cook time (around 4 minutes), flip the bacon to ensure even cooking.

6. If you want that sweet twist, lightly drizzle maple syrup over the bacon after you flip it.

7. Keep an eye on your bacon as different airfryers might cook a little faster or slower than others.

8. Once the bacon is a perfect mix of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, carefully remove it from the airfryer.

9. Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up any extra grease.

10. Allow to cool slightly and then serve up your best bacon ever and enjoy every bite!

Equipment Needed

1. Airfryer with its basket since you need to preheat it and line the bacon in a single layer
2. Tongs or a spatula to flip the bacon halfway through cook time
3. Paper towels to absorb the extra grease after cooking
4. A plate to serve and let the bacon cool slightly
5. (Optional) A small bottle or container to drizzle the maple syrup if you’re adding that sweet twist

FAQ

Air Fryer Bacon (Best. Bacon. Ever!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find thick cut bacon, try using turkey bacon or regular bacon even though they might be a little thinner
• If uncured bacon isn’t available, nitrate-free bacon is a good substitute
• Instead of fresh cracked black pepper, you may use white pepper or just a tiny pinch of cayenne if you’re into a bit of extra heat
• If you don’t have maple syrup, a light drizzle of honey or agave nectar works just fine for that sweet twist

Pro Tips

1) Make sure your airfryer is fully preheated before you put in the bacon so its hot enough to cook evenly right away. If its not hot enough, you may end up with bacon that cooks unevenly and isn’t as crispy as you want.
2) Lay your bacon strips out with enough space between them so they dont stick together. When they overlap, the parts that are touching can end up soggy instead of nicely crispy.
3) When its time to flip the bacon, do it gently with a pair of tongs. Sometimes the bacon can break if you flip it too roughly so take your time to keep the strips intact.
4) If you’re experimenting with the sweet twist, be sure not to drizzle too much maple syrup since it can make the bacon too sticky or burn quickly. A light, even drizzle should be just right for that extra flavor kick.