Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Coat the Bacon: Lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface or cutting board. Take the brown sugar mixture and evenly coat each strip of bacon, pressing it in gently to adhere.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer has limited space.

Air Fry the Bacon: Cook the bacon in the preheated air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model. The bacon should become crispy and caramelized.

Drain and Cool: Once done, carefully remove the candied bacon from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Enjoy: Your Air Fryer Brown Sugar Candied Bacon is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delightful snack, a side for breakfast, or as a unique topping for burgers and sandwiches.