Easy Candied Turkey Bacon

Easy Candied Turkey Bacon is the perfect mix of sweet and savory — crispy turkey bacon coated in brown sugar and baked to caramelized perfection. It’s an easy snack, brunch side, or holiday treat that everyone will devour!

Easy Candied Turkey Bacon is the perfect mix of sweet and savory—crispy, caramelized, and downright addicting.

This recipe takes simple turkey bacon and coats it in a brown sugar glaze that bakes up sticky and golden. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even crumbled over salads and desserts when you want a pop of salty-sweet flavor.

The best part? You only need a few minutes and a handful of ingredients to make this irresistible treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Sweet & Salty Perfection – The mix of brown sugar and savory turkey bacon hits every craving.
• Healthier Twist – All the flavor of classic candied bacon with less fat and grease.
• Quick & Simple – Only two ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes—no fancy prep needed.
• Versatile Treat – Serve it for breakfast, crumble it on salads, or use it as a dessert topping.
• Crowd Favorite – Everyone goes back for seconds, so make extra—you’ll thank yourself later.

Ingredients Needed

• Turkey Bacon – Choose your favorite brand; thicker slices work best for that chewy-meets-crispy texture.
• Brown Sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark gives a deeper caramel flavor.
• Optional Add-Ins – A pinch of black pepper, cayenne, or maple syrup for an extra kick of flavor.

How To Make Easy Candied Turkey Bacon

Step One: Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Step Two: Lay out your turkey bacon strips on a sheet of parchment or foil. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each piece, pressing lightly so it sticks.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket – Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overlap, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Set cook time for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sugar is caramelized and the bacon is crisp to your liking.

Step 4: Transfer the candied bacon to a parchment-lined plate and let it cool for a few minutes—it’ll firm up as it cools. Enjoy as a sweet-and-savory snack, crumble over salads, or use it to jazz up your breakfast!

Easy Candied Turkey Bacon Recipe Tips

• Use Parchment or Foil: Line your air fryer or baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Even Coating: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each strip and gently press so it sticks well for uniform caramelization.
• Watch Closely: Cooking times can vary by air fryer or oven, so check frequently near the end to prevent burning.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like it less sweet, use a light sprinkle of brown sugar or try a sugar substitute.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the bacon rest for a minute or two; this helps the sugar set and keeps it crisp.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover candied turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Keep the strips flat to prevent sticking and maintain their crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooked and cooled bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat bacon in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or until warm and crispy. You can also reheat in a conventional oven on a lined baking sheet at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Easy Candied Turkey Bacon Recipe Faqs

Can I make candied turkey bacon in the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon? Absolutely! The recipe works with regular bacon too, but keep in mind it may cook faster and be slightly greasier than turkey bacon.

How do I store leftover candied turkey bacon? Store cooled candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Can I freeze candied turkey bacon? Yes, you can freeze cooked candied turkey bacon. Lay strips flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

Can I make this recipe without brown sugar? You can use alternatives like coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a small drizzle of maple syrup. The sweetness may vary slightly, but it will still create a deliciously sticky coating.

How do you know when turkey bacon is done? Turkey bacon is done when it’s golden brown, slightly firm, and crisp along the edges, with no pink remaining. For safety, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), typically taking 8–12 minutes in an air fryer or 10–15 minutes in the oven.

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