Savor the irresistible sweetness and crunch of Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon. Crispy, caramelized, and perfect for breakfast or snacking!

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon glazed with caramelized sweetness, served on a parchment-lined plate.
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Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon is the ultimate sweet-and-savory indulgence, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an irresistible snack. Thick-cut bacon is coated with a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar, spices, and a hint of heat, then cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.

The result is caramelized, candied bacon that’s delightfully crispy on the edges and bursting with bold flavors.

It’s quick and mess-free to make, with no need for greasy stovetop splatters. Whether served alongside eggs or on a party platter, this bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

If you love easy air fryer bacon recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe, Air Fryer Starbucks Copycat Bacon, Sausage & Egg Wrap, or How To Cook Bacon In The Oven.

Crispy Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon coated with caramelized brown sugar and spices on a serving tray.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Sweet and Savory Perfection: Combines caramelized sugar and smoky bacon flavors.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under 15 minutes.
  • Mess-Free Cooking: No greasy stovetop splatters to clean.
  • Crispy and Candied Texture: Delightfully crispy with caramelized edges.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.
  • Bold Flavor with a Hint of Heat: Balanced sweetness and spice in every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: A guaranteed hit at gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon on kitchen table.
  • Bacon: Use thick or center-cut bacon.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes.

How To Make Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon

Mixing brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl for Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, and mix well.

Step Two: Rub the mixture over the bacon. I am coating both sides.

Air fryer basket filled with bacon strips cooking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipped halfway for even crisping, with optional maple syrup brushed on for added flavor.

Step Three: Place your bacon into the air fryer basket, set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Remove when it’s fully cooked. For added flavor, you can brush on more maple syrup during the cooking process.

Air fryer basket with crispy candied bacon, glazed with a sweet and spicy maple syrup mixture.

Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon Recipe Tips

  • Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best results, use thick-cut bacon as it holds up better in the air fryer and creates the crispy texture you’re looking for.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the spice, or omit it altogether.
  • Flip Halfway: Be sure to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process to ensure it cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture on both sides.
  • Watch Closely: Since air fryers can vary in temperature, check on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time. It can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
  • Drizzle Extra Maple Syrup: For an extra layer of sweetness, brush the bacon with a bit more maple syrup halfway through cooking or just before serving.
  • Cooling Rack: Once the bacon is done, let it cool on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. This prevents it from becoming soggy from its own residual grease.
  • Make Extra: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Make a double batch as it’s perfect for sharing at brunch, parties, or even as a gift.

Storing

  • Storing: After the bacon has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also store it in the refrigerator to extend freshness for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: To freeze, lay the cooked bacon flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the bacon to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the bacon back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes at 350°F.
Golden, crispy Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon coated in sweet and spicy glaze, perfect for brunch or as a snack.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Million Dollar Bacon Recipe

Air Fryer Million Dollar Bacon pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, adding a flavorful, crispy touch to any meal. It’s perfect alongside a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, or avocado toast, but also makes an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or salad for a savory kick. For a more indulgent treat, serve it as a topping for burgers or in a breakfast sandwich for an extra layer of flavor. Whether for brunch, a holiday spread, or casual snacking, Million Dollar Bacon elevates any dish with its sweet, salty, and slightly spicy profile.

Air Fryer Million Dollar Bacon Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut? While thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, you can use regular bacon. However, keep an eye on the cooking time, as thinner slices may cook faster.

Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level? Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of brown sugar, maple syrup, or cayenne pepper to make it sweeter or spicier according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the bacon ahead of time by assembling it and then storing it in the fridge. Simply cook it when you’re ready to serve!

Can I freeze the candied bacon? Yes, you can freeze the bacon after it has cooled completely. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispness.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook the bacon in batches if needed to ensure it cooks evenly.

Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon – crispy, candied bacon glazed with brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon glazed with caramelized sweetness, served on a parchment-lined plate.

Air Fryer Millionaire’s Bacon

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Million Dollar Bacon (or Millionaire’s Bacon) tastes like a million bucks without the hefty price tag. This spicy, candied bacon is a flavorful treat!

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound bacon, thick cut
  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, and mix well.
  • Rub the mixture over the bacon. I am coating both sides.
  • Place your bacon into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees F, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Remove when it's fully cooked. For added flavor, you can brush on more maple syrup during the cooking process.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 191mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.2mg

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