Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Candied Bacon: Your Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat

Just when you thought bacon couldn’t get any better, prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown by this incredible Air Fryer Candied Bacon recipe. This isn’t just bacon; it’s a culinary revelation that transforms ordinary strips into a dazzling symphony of sweet and salty flavors, boasting an irresistible crispy texture. Forget mundane breakfasts – this “pig candy” is an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

This air fryer bacon recipe is an absolute game-changer, promising to become your new go-to method for preparing perfectly crispy bacon slices. If you’re seeking a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish, this candied bacon needs to be at the top of your list. It’s not just food; it’s an addictive delight that elevates any meal or snack.

Often hailed as “millionaire’s bacon” or “billionaire bacon” due to its rich flavor and gourmet appeal, we simply call it utterly delicious and undeniably addictive. Forget the greasy mess of traditional baking sheets and the tedious cleanup that follows. Our favorite kitchen appliance, the air fryer, makes preparing this sweet and savory treat a breeze, offering significantly easier cleanup every single time. You’re merely minutes away from enjoying beautifully caramelized bacon slices that will leave you completely hooked!

Whether you’re looking for a standout breakfast side or a unique appetizer, candied bacon fits the bill. It pairs wonderfully with a stack of fluffy air fryer pancakes, adding a gourmet touch to your morning. You can even serve it alongside a festive charcuterie board or use it as a surprising, delicious garnish for a Bloody Mary. The possibilities are endless!

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Candied Bacon

The air fryer is truly the secret weapon for achieving perfect candied bacon. Its rapid air circulation ensures that each strip cooks evenly, resulting in that coveted crispy texture without any soggy spots. Unlike oven baking, where bacon often sits in its own rendered fat, the air fryer allows excess grease to drip away into the basket below, leading to a healthier and crispier product. This separation of fat also means significantly less mess and easier cleanup – no more scrubbing stubborn baked-on grease from large pans! Plus, the compact cooking chamber heats up faster and cooks more efficiently, getting your sweet and salty bacon from prep to plate in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients:

Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Candied Bacon requires just a few simple ingredients, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference in achieving that ideal balance of flavor and texture.

• Bacon: For the ultimate crispy-chewy candied bacon experience, thick-cut bacon is highly recommended. Its robust texture holds up beautifully to the sugar coating and air frying process, resulting in delightfully crispy edges and a succulent, juicy center. While regular-cut bacon can be used, it tends to cook faster and might become uniformly crispy rather than having that desirable inner chewiness. Choose your favorite flavor profile – applewood smoked, hickory, or plain – to personalize your treat.
• Brown Sugar: This is the magic ingredient that transforms ordinary bacon into “pig candy.” We suggest using dark brown sugar for its deeper molasses flavor, which caramelizes beautifully and provides a richer, more complex sweetness. However, light brown sugar works perfectly well too for a slightly milder sweetness. You’ll apply just a single, even layer on top of the bacon strips.
• Optional: Red Pepper Chili Flakes: For those who love a hint of heat with their sweet and savory, a sprinkle of red pepper chili flakes adds a fantastic kick. This optional addition creates a wonderful sweet and spicy candied bacon that is truly unforgettable.

How to Make Air Fryer Candied Bacon

Making delicious candied bacon in your air fryer is incredibly simple and takes less time than you might think. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy, sweet, and savory strips every time.

I frequently prepare this delightful recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or a 6.8 quart air fryer. Remember that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer’s brand, model, and wattage. It’s always a good idea to monitor your bacon closely and adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness and caramelization.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Candied Bacon

• Don’t Overcrowd: This is arguably the most important tip for any air fryer recipe. For truly crispy bacon, each strip needs space for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring no pieces overlap.
• Pat Bacon Dry: Before coating with brown sugar, pat your bacon slices thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the sugar adhere better and promotes crispier results by removing excess moisture.
• Monitor Closely: Candied bacon can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly due to the sugar content. Stay near your air fryer and check on the bacon, especially during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Flip for Evenness: While not strictly required, flipping the bacon halfway through cooking can help ensure a more even crispness and caramelization on both sides.
• Cool on a Rack: As soon as your candied bacon is cooked, immediately transfer it to a wire cooling rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy as it cools and allows the sugar to fully harden into that delightful candy-like coating.
• Line Your Basket (Optional): For even easier cleanup, you can line the bottom of your air fryer basket with air fryer-safe parchment paper. Make sure the paper is weighted down by the bacon to prevent it from flying up and potentially interfering with the heating element.

Variations & Flavor Twists

While classic candied bacon is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to customize your sweet and salty treat:

• Make it Spicy: For those who love a kick, add a generous sprinkle of cayenne pepper or more red pepper chili flakes along with the brown sugar. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy is incredibly addictive. The beauty of this is you can spice up just a few slices without altering the whole batch!
• Maple Bliss: For a delightful twist, brush each bacon strip with a thin layer of pure maple syrup before coating it with brown sugar. This creates an “Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon” that’s rich, sweet, and wonderfully aromatic.
• Peppered Bacon: A generous crack of fresh black pepper over the brown sugar coating adds a subtle warmth and savory depth that complements the sweetness beautifully. This is often a hallmark of true “millionaire’s bacon.”
• Smoked Paprika Infusion: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory undertone. It elevates the bacon’s natural flavors, giving it an extra layer of complexity.
• Herbaceous Twist: For an adventurous palate, try a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped dried rosemary or thyme with the brown sugar. These herbs can add an unexpected gourmet dimension to your candied bacon.
• Spice Blend Experiment: Don’t be afraid to create your own signature seasoning blend! Combine brown sugar with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, a touch of cinnamon, or even a dash of liquid smoke for unique flavor profiles. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with seasonings!

How to Serve Candied Bacon

Once your candied bacon has cooled to crispy perfection, the serving options are as versatile as they are delicious! Here are some ideas:

• Standalone Snack: Enjoy it simply as an irresistible sweet and salty treat on its own. It’s truly “pig candy” and a perfect grab-and-go snack for any time of day.
• Breakfast & Brunch Star: Serve it alongside classic breakfast items like scrambled or fried eggs, fluffy air fryer pancakes, waffles, or French toast for an elevated morning meal.
• Gourmet Appetizer: Arrange it elegantly on a charcuterie board with artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers for a sophisticated touch at gatherings.
• Cocktail Garnish: Skewer a strip or two to garnish a Bloody Mary or other savory cocktails. The sweet and salty contrast is fantastic and unexpected!
• Salad Topping: Crumble it over a fresh spinach salad with apples, candied pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette for an explosion of flavor and texture.
• Dessert Delight: Believe it or not, candied bacon can enhance desserts! Crumble it over vanilla ice cream, chocolate sundaes, cupcakes, or even sprinkle it on brownies for a surprising sweet and savory crunch.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your Air Fryer Candied Bacon fresh and delicious, allow it to come to room temperature completely after cooking. Once cooled, store the strips in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3-4 days. For optimal crispness, it’s best to consume them within a day or two.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you have a few reheating options. You can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, although this might make them less crispy. For the absolute best results and to revive that desirable crisp texture, reheating in the air fryer is highly recommended. Simply air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Keep a close watch as reheating times can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Air Fryer Recipes to Explore:

Love your air fryer as much as we do? Here are more fantastic and easy recipes to try, extending your culinary adventures:

• Air Fryer Pickle Poppers – A tangy, cheesy, and crispy appetizer perfect for game day!
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple – Sweet, savory, and juicy bites with a delightful caramelized crust.
• Air Fryer Turkey Bacon – A lighter alternative to traditional bacon, perfectly crisp in the air fryer.
• Air Fryer Twisted Bacon – A fun, unique way to cook bacon that maximizes crispiness and flavor.
• Air Fryer Bacon – The classic, done right every time, with minimal mess and perfect results.

This Air Fryer Candied Bacon recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether you call it millionaire’s bacon, pig candy, or just incredibly delicious, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crispy, all made effortlessly in your air fryer!

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