Candied Bacon
Kid-FriendlyMeal-Prep
Treat yourself to candied bacon, where brown sugar caramelizes into a crunchy, sweet coating. A pinch of cayenne balances the sweetness. This page gives you the simple steps, ingredient list, and exact cook time in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional but recommended)
- pinch black pepper
Steps
- 01Lay bacon strips on a plate. Press brown sugar firmly onto the top side of each strip. Sprinkle with cayenne and black pepper.
- 02Place sugar-side up in the air fryer basket. Single layer.
- 03Ready for the air fryer. The sugar melts, bubbles, and caramelizes during cooking.
- 04Let cool on a parchment-lined rack for 5 minutes. The sugar hardens into a crunchy, glassy shell.
Do not touch the bacon for at least 3 minutes after it comes out. The caramelized sugar is significantly hotter than the bacon itself and will burn your fingers instantly. Once it cools, it hardens into a candy-like coating that shatters when you bite through it. The cayenne is barely perceptible as heat but adds a warmth that keeps the sweetness from being one-note.
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How to Air Fry It
- 01Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- 02Season with the Simple Salt & Pepper or Maple Bacon seasoning and place the bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- 03Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- 04Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.
- 05Remove from the air fryer, check for desired crispness, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
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Season it up
Pairs well
Meal Prep
Stores 5 days refrigerated. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes. Gets extra crispy on reheat.
Discussion
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