Easy Crispy Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon –Our latest culinary creation, easy crispy maple bacon air fryer, is a match made in foodie heaven.
Perfectly cooked bacon, tantalizingly crisp with just the right candied sweetness. The air fryer can transform an ordinary classic breakfast delight into something that will have your taste buds explode.
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Bacon Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER TURKEY BACON, AIR FRYER MAPLE AND BROWN SUGAR BACON, INSTANT POT VORTEX AIR FRYER, BACON AND EGGS, and AIR FRYER, BACON AND CHEESE BREAKFAST PINWHEELS.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Maple Bacon
- Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance: This recipe will give you a balance between bacon’s smoky, salty essence and the sweet, caramelized goodness of maple syrup.
- Irresistible Crispy Texture: The air fryer transforms bacon into crispy, golden perfection.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Versatility at Its Finest: Maple Candied Bacon isn’t limited to breakfast. It’s a versatile delight that can elevate a variety of dishes. Makes for a great snack!
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting brunch, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself,
- Crave-Worthy Aroma: While cooking, Maple Candied Bacon fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.
- Quick and Satisfying: Maple Candied Bacon offers near-instant gratification with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Endless Customization: While maple syrup is a classic choice, you can experiment with flavors like brown sugar, honey, or even a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Ingredients Needed For Maple Candied Bacon Air Fryer
With these ingredients, you’ll create the perfect combination of sweet and savory in your Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Bacon Strips: Thick-cut bacon strips serve as the show’s star, providing that savory, smoky base for your Maple Candied Bacon.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness and a delightful caramelization to the bacon as it cooks.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar complements the maple syrup, enhancing the candied aspect and providing an extra layer of sweetness and caramelization.
- Ground Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle, peppery contrast that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who crave a hint of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can be added to the mixture, creating a sweet-spicy flavor profile.
How To Make Maple Candied Bacon In Air Fryer
Making Maple Candied Bacon in the air fryer is a breeze and delivers irresistibly crispy, sweet-savory goodness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prep the Bacon: Lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface. Dry the bacon slices with a paper towel. You can use a rack or parchment paper in the air fryer basket to keep the bacon elevated and prevent it from sitting in its grease, which helps with crispiness. This will also help with easier cleanup.
Mix the Candying Mixture: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, a pinch of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper (if you want a spicy twist). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Candying the Bacon: Brush or drizzle the maple syrup mixture generously over the strips of bacon. Ensure that each strip is coated on both sides for maximum flavor.
If you prefer, you can also sprinkle the brown sugar and spices directly onto the bacon.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes. Preheating ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the slices of bacon in the air fryer basket or the rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Air Fry the Bacon: Cook the bacon at 400 degrees F (200°C) and set cook time for 8-12 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model. Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning. It should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the Maple Bacon from the air fryer. Let it cool for a couple of minutes on a wire rack to allow the candied coating to set.
Air Fryer Maple Bacon Recipe Variations
- Candied Spice Blend: Create a custom spice blend by adding ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the brown sugar mixture for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Smoky Bacon Bliss: Infuse your candied bacon with a hint of smokiness by incorporating smoked paprika into the maple syrup mixture.
- Nutty Crunch: Before cooking, sprinkle finely chopped pecans, almonds, or candied walnuts onto the bacon strips. The nuts will toast as the bacon cooks, adding a delightful crunch.
- Herb-Infused Candied Bacon: Experiment with savory herbs like rosemary or thyme by adding them to the candying mixture.
- Coconut Bacon: Replace the traditional brown sugar with coconut sugar and sprinkle shredded coconut on the bacon strips.
- Maple Sriracha Bacon: If you enjoy a sweet-spicy flavor combination, add a drizzle of Sriracha sauce and some red pepper flakes or chilli flakes to the maple syrup mixture for a sweet heat that’s truly irresistible.
- Savory Candied Bacon: Mix things up by adding a touch of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of crushed garlic to the candying mixture for a savory-sweet bacon experience.
- Chocolate-Dipped Bacon: After air frying, dip the cooled candied bacon in melted dark chocolate and let it set.
- Maple Candied Bacon Bites: Cut the bacon strips into bite-sized pieces before air frying for a perfect party snack or appetizer.
Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon Recipe Tips
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon strips, as they hold up better to the candying process.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake or maple-flavored syrup.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, add an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
- Even Coating: Ensure that each bacon strip is evenly coated with maple syrup. Use a brush or your fingers to spread it evenly, avoiding clumps or excess pooling.
- Watch the Time: Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model.
- Space Them Out: Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket.
- Flip Midway: Flip the bacon strips halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get evenly crispy and candied.
- Pat Excess Grease: After cooking, pat the bacon lightly with paper towels to remove any excess grease.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candied bacon to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the candied coating set and become delightfully crunchy.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices, nuts, or glazes to create your unique candied bacon variations.
Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon Recipe Faq’s
Can I use regular thin-cut bacon for this recipe? While thick-cut bacon is recommended for the best results, you can use regular bacon if that’s what you have.
What’s the ideal thickness for bacon strips? Thick-cut bacon, typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, works best for this recipe as it maintains its texture and flavor while caramelizing with the maple syrup.
Can I make this recipe with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon? Yes, you can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives, but the texture and cooking times may differ from traditional pork bacon.
Is it necessary to flip the bacon during cooking? Flipping the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time is recommended to ensure even crispiness and caramelization.
How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too sweet? Adjust the sweetness to your preference by using less maple syrup or brown sugar in the candying mixture.
Can I make this recipe in advance? While Maple Candied Bacon is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.
Can I use different spices or flavorings in the candying mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices, herbs, or sauces to create unique variations of candied bacon.
How do I store leftover candied bacon? Let the bacon cool to room temperature before storing. Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Maple Candied Bacon? While it’s possible to freeze candied bacon, it may lose some of its texture and flavor upon thawing.
What are some serving suggestions for Maple Candied Bacon?– Maple Candied Bacon is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a sweet-savory snack, perfect for spice or bacon lovers; serve it as an ideal addition for breakfast or brunch, Bloody Mary, crumbled-on salads, or a unique topping for burgers and sandwiches.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN WRAPPED IN BACON
- AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED SCALLOPS
- EASY AIR FRYER SAUSAGE, BACON, AND EGG SANDWICH
- AIR FRYER BACON-WRAPPED JALAPEÑO POPPERS
- AIR FRYER BLT WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Maple Candied Bacon
Description
Ingredients
- 12 slices center-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface. You can use a rack or parchment paper in the air fryer basket to keep the bacon elevated and prevent it from sitting in its own grease, which helps with crispiness.
- In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, a pinch of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper (if you want a spicy twist). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Brush or drizzle the maple syrup mixture generously over each strip of bacon. Ensure that each strip is coated on both sides for maximum flavor.
- If you prefer, you can also sprinkle the brown sugar and spices directly onto the bacon.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately.
- Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket or on the rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-12 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model.
- Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning. It should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Once done, carefully remove the Maple Candied Bacon from the air fryer. Let it cool for a few minutes to allow the candied coating to set.
- Serve your crispy, sweet-savory Maple Candied Bacon as a delicious snack, a side dish, or a delightful breakfast treat.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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