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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Candied Bacon - Brown Sugar

    Published: Jun 14, 2022 · Modified: Jul 3, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This Air Fryer Candied Bacon recipe is easy to make and sweet and delicious. The brown sugar and bacon work in perfect harmony to create a sweet, mouth-watering bacon candy.

    Overhead photo of candied bacon served with pancakes, maple syrup and fresh strawberries on a round white plate.

    I love bacon. It's one of my favorite foods to eat and experiment with. Recently, I was craving something salty and sweet so I decided to make some candied bacon with brown sugar and cook it in my air fryer. It's AH-mazing.

    Candy Bacon Air Fryer

    This was inspired by my sweet glazed bacon recipe and my air fryer bacon twists recipe, and pairs well with this bacon avocado toast recipe, crescent roll egg cups, or cheesy bacon egg biscuit muffins.

    Ingredients

    You only need two ingredients to make this easy recipe.

    • bacon
    • brown sugar

    See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

    Instructions

    It only takes 2 steps to make this bacon recipe. Talk about easy!

    Step 1: Prepare Bacon

    Put brown sugar on a plate and dip the bacon in the sugar on both sides.

    Step 2: Air Fry Bacon

    Place bacon slices in a single layer inside a greased Air Fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook. Flip. Cook. Remove and place on a rack to cool.

    Hint: Be sure not to overcrowd the Air Fryer. Cook bacon in batches if needed. If cooking in batches, clear out the bacon grease from the Air Fryer basket in between batches to prevent smoking.

    Closeup overhead photo of candy bacon served on a round white plate.

    Substitutions

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this candy bacon recipe.

    • Bacon - Thick-cut bacon will take slightly longer to cook. Depending on your desired crispiness, you may need to cook a minute or two longer.
    • Bacon Substitute - There are many types of bacon, from beef to chicken, and even vegan options. Try what you like best!
    • Dark Brown Sugar - Dark brown sugar will give the bacon a stronger caramel flavor.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this candied bacon recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Spicy - add ground black pepper. For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
    • Add a Syrup - Coat the bacon with maple syrup, our spicy maple syrup or mustard syrup or honey before dipping them in brown sugar.
    • Smoke - Cook the bacon in a smoker, experiment!
    • Bourbon - Brush bourbon onto the bacon before applying the brown sugar. You can also mix bourbon with maple syrup for even more flavor.

    If you love recipes like this, you will definitely enjoy Smoked Maple Bacon and Hickory Smoked Bacon. If you're making a sandwich please check out what to serve with bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. All our favorites in one place.

    Equipment

    It only takes some basic equipment to make this recipe.

    • Air Fryer
    • Plate
    • Cooling Rack

    Storage

    Candied bacon can be stored inside an air tight container in the refrigerator, it will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the candy bacon. This will last up to 6 months.

    Tips

    This is a very easy recipe but here are a few tips just in case.

    • Use even-sized cuts for even cooking times. The longer you cook bacon, the crunchier it will become
    • Air Fryer cooking times may vary depending on the brand.
    • Always preheat the air fryer for best results.
    • Cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the bacon cuts. Thinner cuts will cook faster whilst thicker cuts will cook for longer.
    Overhead photo of candied bacon served with pancakes, maple syrup and fresh strawberries on a round white plate.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this air fryer candied bacon recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about candied bacon.

    How do I reheat?

    Reheat in the microwave or in the Air Fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes.

    How do I freeze?

    First let the bacon cool to room temperature, than place it inside an air tight container. Place the container into the freezer.

    How do I stop my air fryer from creating smoke?

    Remove any grease from the air fryer pot and basket after cooking each batch.

    Can I cook the bacon in an oven instead?

    Yes, bake the bacon at 400° F for 15-20 minutes inside the oven.

    Can I add candied bacon to other recipes?

    Yes, you can sprinkle the crispy candied bacon onto other foods like salads or casseroles.

    More Bacon Recipes

    Do you like bacon? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Crispy Bacon Twists
    • Keto Bacon Egg Cups
    • Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Air Fryer Candied Bacon - Brown Sugar

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Air Fryer Candied Bacon

    Karin and Ken
    Bacon pieces coated with brown sugar and cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer. These candied bacon strips make the perfect savory sweet snack or can be served for brunch. The candy bacon is also the perfect topping for many delicious foods.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Breakfast, brunch, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 32 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • plate
    • rack

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 slices bacon
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Get out and measure your ingredients.
      Overhead photo of all the ingredients.
    • Put sugar on plate. Dip bacon in sugar on both sides.
      A strip of bacon placed on a plate full of brown sugar. The bacon is covered in brown sugar.
    • Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F
    • Lay bacon slices in a single layer the Air Fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the Air Fryer. A little overlap is Ok and bacon will shrink a bit with cooking.
      Air fryer basket full of brown sugar coated bacon strips.
    • Cook bacon for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
      Cooked candied bacon resting inside an air fryer basket.
    • When done, separate cooked bacon, cool on a cooling rack and place on to a plate.
      Cooked candy bacon served on a white plate.
    • Serve and enjoy every bite.
      Candy bacon served with pancakes, maple syrup and fresh strawberries on a white plate.

    Notes

    • Make in oven at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes or as crispy as you desire.
    • Reheat in the microwave or in the Air Fryer at 350°F.
    • Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
    • Cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the bacon cuts. Thinner cuts will cook faster whilst thicker cuts will cook for longer.
    • Air Fryer cooking times may vary depending on the brand.
    • Use even sized cuts for even cooking times. The longer you cook bacon, the crunchier it will become
    • Be sure not to overcrowd the Air Fryer. Cook bacon in batches if needed. If cooking in batches, clear out the bacon grease from the Air Fryer basket in between batches to prevent smoking.
    • For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to brown sugar or bacon directly

    Nutrition

    Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 0.01gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 3mgPotassium: 8mgSugar: 6gCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.04mg
    Keyword air fryer bacon, brown sugar bacon, candied bacon
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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