Air Fryer Praline Bacon Recipe
Description
Air fryer praline bacon is the ultimate sweet-and-salty brunch treat — thick-cut bacon glazed in brown sugar and toasted pecans, then crisped to caramelized perfection in the air fryer in about 15 minutes. This New Orleans–inspired candied bacon is crunchy, smoky, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, about 8–10 strips
- ½ cup brown sugar, light or dark
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
- ½ tsp coarse black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line the basket with parchment or foil for easier cleanup, leaving room for air to circulate.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes to render some of the fat.
- While the bacon cooks, stir together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl.
- Carefully open the air fryer and press the brown sugar–pecan mixture firmly onto the tops of the bacon strips so it adheres and melts into a glaze.
- Air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes, until the sugar is bubbling and caramelized and the bacon is crisp. Watch closely near the end so the sugar doesn't burn.
- Transfer the bacon to a wire rack and let it rest 3 to 5 minutes. The praline coating hardens as it cools into that signature candied crunch.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
Notes
- Don't skip the rest — the coating sets into a crackly shell as it cools.
- Cook in a single layer so the bacon crisps instead of steaming.
- Chop pecans fine so they melt into the glaze and stick.
- Watch the sugar — every air fryer runs differently; check a minute or two early the first time.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days; re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. Freezes up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 664kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 16gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 759mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 78IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg