Turkey bacon in air fryer is hands-down the easiest way to get crispy, flavorful bacon without the grease, splatter, or mess. Whether you’re learning how to cook turkey bacon in air fryer for the first time or you’re already hooked on healthy air fryer recipes, this method delivers perfect results—every single time. It’s quicker than the oven, cleaner than the stovetop, and way more consistent than the microwave. With just one basket and a few strips, you can air fry turkey bacon to your exact texture—chewy, crispy, or anything in between.
Table of Contents
Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer: Crispy, Quick, and Mess-Free Every Time
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turkey bacon in air fryer is a quick, easy, and clean way to enjoy crispy bacon without the grease. Great for any meal!
Ingredients
6–8 slices turkey bacon
Optional: parchment liner or silicone basket
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
2. Place turkey bacon in a single layer.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Remove and rest for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
Add 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
Store leftovers in airtight container with paper towels.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Why I Switched to Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
The Sizzle Without the Splatter
Turkey bacon in air fryer wasn’t something I grew up with—my dad was all about cast iron and sizzling pork bacon on Sunday mornings. The kitchen in our Vermont home would fill with that rich smoky aroma… along with clouds of greasy smoke. My mom always said the bacon was worth it—but I’m not so sure her stove agreed.
These days, in my Asheville kitchen, things are a little different. I still crave that salty, comforting bacon bite, but now I reach for turkey bacon and my air fryer. Once I figured out how to air fry turkey bacon, I never went back to pan-frying. There’s no smoke, no grease, and no messy pans—just crisp, golden bacon in under 10 minutes.
Even better? My air fryer delivers results that are consistent every single time. The edges come out crispy, the centers perfectly cooked, and the flavor is everything I remember—without the cleanup drama. It’s a game changer, just like chicken legs in air fryer or my new obsession, tilapia in air fryer.
A Cleaner, Crispier Alternative
If you’re asking why you should air fry turkey bacon, the answer is simple: it’s faster, leaner, and cleaner. Compared to pork bacon, turkey bacon has less fat and fewer calories—and when you use the air fryer, there’s no need for added oil. That means you’re cooking smarter without losing that crispy satisfaction.
Air fryer turkey bacon also gives you control. Want it soft and bendy for wraps? Cook it a little less. Craving crunchy strips for a high-protein snack? Just add a minute or two. No flipping. No standing over the stove. No splashing grease across your countertops.
This method is also super kid-friendly. I’ve used it to make mini breakfast sandwiches, crumble bacon into scrambled eggs, and even pack lunchboxes with crunchy turkey bacon strips. Pair it with air fryer frozen brussel sprouts or add it on top of your favorite whole chicken air fryer recipe for a full protein-packed meal.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer Perfectly
Prepping Like a Pro: From Fridge to Basket
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook turkey bacon in air fryer, this is your go-to guide. Using an air fryer is the best way to make turkey bacon that’s crispy, evenly cooked, and mess-free. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast or prepping a healthy snack, this method works beautifully every single time.
To make turkey bacon in air fryer, you only need a few simple things:
- 6 to 8 slices of turkey bacon
- Optional: a parchment liner or silicone mat for quicker cleanup
Here’s how I do it every morning:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F—this gives you that perfect crispy edge without drying out the bacon. Then, lay your turkey bacon slices in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overlap to make sure the hot air can circulate and cook the bacon evenly.
Now air fry turkey bacon for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the slices halfway if your air fryer doesn’t have perfect airflow. Once they look golden and the edges are crisp, remove them carefully. Let them sit for a minute—this helps them crisp up even more.
That’s it. No oil. No skillet. No greasy mess. Just clean, crispy, flavorful turkey bacon cooked in the air fryer in minutes. If you love easy protein-packed meals like air fryer sirloin steak or whole chicken air fryer recipe, you’ll love adding this turkey bacon recipe to your weekly rotation.
Timing It Right: How Long to Cook Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
So, exactly how long should turkey bacon be in the air fryer? For most air fryer models, the ideal time is 5 to 7 minutes at 370°F. But depending on the thickness of the turkey bacon and how crispy you like it, you can adjust the timing.
Here’s a breakdown of turkey bacon cooking time:
- 4 to 5 minutes = soft, chewy bacon
- 6 minutes = perfectly crisp with a tender center
- 7 to 8 minutes = super crispy for salads, sandwiches, or snacks
The great thing about air fryer turkey bacon is that you’re in full control. You can even batch-cook multiple strips for meal prep, and they stay crispy when cooled. If you’ve been using your air fryer for easy wins like baked sweet potato in air fryer or air fryer frozen brussel sprouts, this turkey bacon air fryer recipe fits right in.
Temperature & Texture Tips for the Best Turkey Bacon
What’s the Best Temp for Air Fryer Turkey Bacon?
Finding the best temp for air fryer turkey bacon is the secret to perfect crispness without drying it out. While some recipes suggest anywhere from 350°F to 400°F, I’ve tested them all—and 370°F is the sweet spot for most air fryers.
At 370°F, the turkey bacon cooks evenly, crisps up beautifully at the edges, and retains just enough moisture in the center. It’s not so high that the edges burn or curl, and not so low that it turns rubbery.
If your bacon slices are especially thin, you can reduce the temp slightly to around 360°F and check at the 4-minute mark. For thick-cut turkey bacon, bump it up to 380°F and go for 7 to 8 minutes, checking frequently.
This method works across most air fryer models, whether you’re using a basket-style or an oven-style version. Consistency is key when you want to air fry turkey bacon to perfection.
I often use the same temp when cooking other proteins like Italian sausage in air fryer or even when making steak bites in air fryer—370°F delivers solid results every time.
If you’ve ever ended up with overcooked or underdone turkey bacon, this is the fix: set the temp, don’t overcrowd the basket, and let the air fryer work its magic.
Frozen or Fresh: Can You Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer?
Absolutely. One of the best things about this method is that you can cook frozen turkey bacon in air fryer without needing to thaw it first. That means even if you forget to take the bacon out of the freezer, you can still have a hot, crispy breakfast in minutes.
Here’s how to cook frozen turkey bacon in air fryer the right way:
- Separate the frozen slices as best you can (don’t worry if they’re slightly stuck)
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F
- Add the frozen bacon to the basket in a single layer
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway
- Keep an eye on the last few minutes—they crisp fast once thawed
Cooking frozen turkey bacon might take an extra 1–3 minutes compared to fresh, but the results are just as tasty. In fact, I often freeze turkey bacon in portions so I can quickly pull out a few slices on busy mornings without having to defrost anything.
Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you need to whip up a protein side for recipes like chicken legs in air fryer or a quick salad topping after a long day.
Serving, Storing & Pairing Ideas for Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
How to Store Air-Fried Turkey Bacon Without Losing the Crunch
After mastering how to make turkey bacon in air fryer, the next step is learning how to store the leftovers properly—without sacrificing that crisp. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking ahead for the week, here’s how to keep your air-fried turkey bacon tasting fresh.
First, let the cooked turkey bacon cool completely. If you store it while it’s still warm, the steam will soften the crispy edges. Once cooled, place the slices in an airtight container with a paper towel between layers. This keeps excess moisture from softening the bacon.
Stored this way, air fryer turkey bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just toss a few slices back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully, almost like you just made them.
Avoid using the microwave to reheat if you want to preserve texture. It tends to soften the bacon instead of crisping it. Air frying is still your best bet for reviving that golden crunch.
If you’re batch-cooking breakfast components along with this turkey bacon air fryer recipe, try prepping a side of baked sweet potato in air fryer for a sweet-and-savory combo that stores well too.
What to Serve With Turkey Bacon: 5 Delicious Ideas
Turkey bacon in air fryer is super versatile—it goes with almost everything. Whether you’re building a full brunch plate or looking for quick low-carb pairings, here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Eggs any way you like – Scrambled, poached, or air-fried
- Avocado toast – Crunchy turkey bacon adds protein and saltiness
- Salads – Crumble it on top for added crunch
- Breakfast wraps – Roll it with eggs, spinach, and cheese
- Air fryer veggies – Like air fryer frozen brussel sprouts for a fiber-filled balance
I often serve air fryer turkey bacon on the side of my Sunday brunch spreads with fruit and toast, or use it in a wrap with egg whites and arugula for a fast weekday lunch.
Since it reheats so well, it’s also perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch of turkey bacon in the air fryer on Sunday, store it as we covered above, and just crisp it up during the week as needed.
By the way, if you haven’t tried pairing it with tilapia in air fryer yet, do it. The contrast of flaky fish and crispy turkey bacon is unexpectedly amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
How long should turkey bacon be in the air fryer?
The ideal cook time is 5 to 7 minutes at 370°F. Thin slices may only need 5 minutes, while thicker cuts or crispier results may require up to 8 minutes. Check at the 5-minute mark, and add time in 1-minute increments until your preferred texture is reached.
What temperature is best to air fry bacon?
For turkey bacon, 370°F delivers the best results. It crisps the edges without drying out the center. If your slices are very thin, you can lower the temperature to 360°F. For ultra-crispy results or thicker slices, 380°F works well—just keep a close eye near the end.
Can frozen bacon be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen turkey bacon can be cooked directly in the air fryer without thawing. Separate the slices as best you can, place them in a single layer, and cook at 360°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. It might take slightly longer, but you’ll still get that crispy finish.
How long does bacon keep in the air fryer?
Once cooked, turkey bacon should be removed from the air fryer immediately and cooled. It doesn’t “keep” in the air fryer itself—overcooking will dry it out. For storage, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to regain crispness.
Conclusion
Making turkey bacon in air fryer is more than just convenient—it’s a game-changing kitchen trick that delivers crisp, flavorful results with minimal cleanup. From perfect timing to simple storage, this air fryer turkey bacon recipe fits seamlessly into any breakfast or meal prep plan.
For more check this Hack for Storing Bacon
