Air Fryer Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon is truly amazing! If you have been looking for a great adult way to cook up bacon, this is one of the best!

Craving something sweet, smoky, and totally irresistible? Try this Air Fryer Bourbon Candied Bacon recipe!
The perfect balance of crispy bacon and a rich, caramelized bourbon glaze, this treat is easy to make in your air fryer and ready in just minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or brunch addition, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Don’t miss out on this smoky-sweet goodness—your taste buds will thank you!
But if you are looking for even more Air Fryer Bacon Recipes to impress your family, some of my favorites are CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON, AIR FRYER MAPLE CANDIED BACON, AIR FRYER BACON, and AIR FRYER BROWN SUGAR BACON KNOTS.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!
✔️ Quick & Easy: Made in the air fryer, this bourbon candied bacon is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a fast and delicious treat.
🍯 Perfect Balance of Sweet & Smoky: The bourbon and brown sugar glaze gives the bacon a rich, sweet flavor with just the right amount of smoky goodness.
🔥 Crispy & Caramelized: The air fryer crisps up the bacon perfectly while the glaze caramelizes for a crunchy, flavorful bite every time.
🥳 Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch dish, party snack, or just a treat for yourself, this recipe fits any occasion.
🍽️ Irresistible Flavor: Once you try this bourbon candied bacon, you’ll be hooked—it’s a game-changing combination of flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients Needed

- Bacon: Thick-cut for crispiness and maximum flavor
- Brown sugar: For sweetness and caramelized coating
- Bourbon: To add rich, smoky flavor
- Maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness and depth
How To Make Air Fryer Bourbon Candied Bacon

Prepare the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a plate or tray. You can cut the bacon in half if needed to fit in the air fryer basket.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup until well combined.

Coat the Bacon: Brush the bacon slices generously with the bourbon glaze on both sides. Make sure each slice is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Cook the Bacon: Place the glazed bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. When the bacon is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Be cautious, as the sugar glaze can burn easily. Let the bacon cool for a minute or two before serving. The glaze will harden as it cools, creating a perfect candied coating.

Air Fryer Bourbon Candied Bacon Recipe Tips
🍯 Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best texture and flavor, use thick-cut bacon. It holds up better in the air fryer and gives you that perfect crispy texture.
🥄 Coat Evenly: Make sure to brush the bourbon glaze generously on both sides of the bacon for maximum flavor and caramelization.
🔥 Watch the Cooking Time: The sugar in the glaze can burn quickly. Keep an eye on the bacon during cooking and adjust the time as needed to avoid burning the glaze.
🌡️ Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispier result.
🍁 Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the glaze to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or vanilla extract for a sweeter finish.
🧼 Clean the Air Fryer Basket: After cooking, be sure to clean the air fryer basket thoroughly, as the sugar glaze can leave behind sticky residue.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
📦 Storing: Once cooled, store leftover bourbon candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
❄️ Freezing: To freeze, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes.

Air Fryer Bourbon Candied Bacon Recipe Faqs
❓ Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut? Yes, you can use regular bacon, but thick-cut bacon will provide a better texture and crispiness when cooked in the air fryer.
🍯 Can I substitute the bourbon? If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, whiskey, or a non-alcoholic alternative for a similar flavor profile.
🔥 Why is my glaze burning in the air fryer? The sugar in the glaze can burn quickly. To avoid this, keep a close eye on the bacon, and reduce the cooking time if necessary.
⏱️ Can I cook a larger batch at once? The air fryer basket may become crowded with too many pieces of bacon, which could affect crispiness. It’s best to cook in batches, ensuring the bacon is in a single layer.
🍽️ Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bourbon candied bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
🌡️ How do I know when the bacon is done? The bacon is done when it’s golden, crispy, and the glaze has caramelized. Be sure to check it frequently to avoid burning the glaze.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON
- AIR FRYER CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST
- AIR FRYER GLAZED BISCUIT DONUTS
- EASY AIR FRYER BARNYARD BUSTER WRAP
- AIR FRYER LOADED BREAKFAST BURRITO
- AIR FRYER BEST CHERRY TURNOVERS
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Air Fryer Bourbon Candied Bacon
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Bourbon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a plate or tray. You can cut the bacon in half if needed to fit in the air fryer basket.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Brush the bacon slices generously with the bourbon glaze on both sides, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the glazed bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Once the bacon is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Be cautious, as the sugar glaze can burn easily.
- Let the bacon cool for a minute or two before serving. The glaze will harden as it cools, creating a perfect candied coating. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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