Baked Bean Bacon Cups

Baked Bean Bacon Cups are a great and fun summer appetizer or side dish. I combined two of my family’s favorites into one dish!

Let’s talk about bacon. It’s an Air Fryer’s Dream, it perfectly cooks up, and there is nothing like it.

Then you have baked beans, which are amazing, you can either buy some, or you can make a homemade batch; either way, they come together for a complete summer side dish; who doesn’t love Baked Beans and Bacon at a BBQ/ Served today in a cute and delicious bacon cup!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes, some of my favorites are KETO AIR FRYER PICKLES, AIR FRYER SCALLION PANCAKES, AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS, and AIR FRYER FROG LEGS.

What Are Bacon Cups?

Bacon cups are really nothing special; they have been along for a long time. All you need to do is organize your bacon into a muffin tin so that it creates a cavity for your baked beans.

You can either cut them to fit or wrap them around each other so they create a circle. They are truly the best BBQ side dish you will have this summer!

Ingredients Needed For Baked Bean Bacon Cups

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

• Bacon (any type): Use your favorite type of bacon to wrap around the bean-filled cups for a savory, crispy touch.
• Baked Beans, either homemade or canned: Choose your preferred baked beans to fill the cups for a hearty, flavorful base.
• Muffin Tin: Use a muffin to shape and cook the bacon and beans into perfect cups.

How To Make Baked Bean Bacon Cups

Here are the step-by-step directions:

Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease the muffin tin with a light coat of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon strips in half and line each muffin cup with the bacon, creating a cup shape. Cook the bacon in the air fryer until it’s crispy but not too firm, about 8-12minutes, at 400 degrees F.

Add Baked Beans: Spoon a portion of baked beans into each bacon-lined cup. Make sure not to overfill.

Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the bacon cups from the muffin tin and let them cool slightly before serving.

Bacon Bowls Recipe Tips

• The bacon will shrink as it cooks. Therefore make sure that your bacon is larger than you think.
• You can also roll this into strips.
• I used pie weights to hold down and create a cavity on my second batch. You do not need them, but they make a better bacon cup.
• You can use any bacon, but I recommend wide bacon strips.
• You can use flavored and candied bacon for this recipe.

Bacon Bowls Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of bacon? Yes, you can use any type of bacon you prefer. Regular, thick-cut, or even turkey bacon will work, though cooking times may vary.

How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy? Using a paper towel to pat the bacon before cooking can help reduce excess grease. Additionally, using a rack or placing the muffin tin on a higher shelf in the air fryer can help the grease drip away.

Can I prepare bacon bowls in advance? Yes, you can prepare the bacon bowls in advance. Cook them as instructed, then let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.

How do I make the bacon bowls crispier? Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy but not too burnt. Using thick-cut bacon can also help achieve a crispier texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can use a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bacon bowls for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the beans are heated through.

What are some variations for the filling? You can experiment with different fillings like scrambled eggs, cheese, or vegetables. Just make sure the filling is pre-cooked or suitable for quick heating in the air fryer.

How can I make the bacon bowls healthier? Use turkey bacon or a lower-fat bacon option to reduce the overall fat content. You can also use a lower-sugar baked bean variety or make your own beans with less sugar.

Equipment Used

4-Hole Muffin Pan, Bakeware Non-stick Cupcake Baking Pan, Mini Pie Pans, Whoopie Pie Pan, Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Muffin Tray, Standard Baking Mold Pan

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