How to Cook Perfectly Crispy Canadian Bacon in an Air Fryer

Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon or peameal bacon, is a leaner and milder alternative to traditional fatty bacon made from pork belly While delicious pan-fried or baked, cooking Canadian bacon in an air fryer yields the crispiest, most flavorful results with less fat and mess.

As avid fans of the air fryer and all things bacon, we wanted to share our foolproof method for making crispy, mouthwatering Canadian bacon in the air fryer After plenty of testing, we’ve honed the perfect cook time and temperature to achieve bacon perfection.

Keep reading for our step-by-step guide including pro tips for buying, prepping, and cooking Canadian bacon in the air fryer, along with serving ideas and storage instructions. We’ll have you whipping up restaurant-quality Canadian bacon from your own kitchen in no time!

Why Cook Canadian Bacon in an Air Fryer?

Cooking Canadian bacon in the air fryer offers several advantages over stovetop or oven cooking methods:

• Quick cooking time – Canadian bacon cooks fast in the hot air circulation of the air fryer, ready in just 5-7 minutes.

• Even browning – The air fryer surrounds the bacon with hot air for consistent crisping on all sides.

• Less fat – Excess fat drips away while air frying, resulting in a healthier bacon with fewer calories.

• Crispy texture – The air fryer perfectly crisps up the edges of the Canadian bacon.

• Easy cleanup – With minimal oil and contained mess, air fryer cleanup is a breeze compared to greasy stovetops.

• Consistent results – No worrying about burnt or undercooked bacon; the air fryer cooks it right every time.

By using an air fryer for Canadian bacon you can cut cooking time reduce fat, and achieve irresistibly crispy bacon full of flavor. It’s a fast and healthy cooking method with foolproof results.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Canadian Bacon

Cooking Canadian bacon in the air fryer couldn’t be simpler. The only ingredient you need is:

• Canadian bacon slices or medallions

When buying Canadian bacon, look for slices that are evenly lean without large fatty areas. The meat should appear pink and uniform in color. High-quality Canadian bacon will lead to the best end results.

For extra flavor, you can optionally sprinkle the bacon lightly with seasoning like black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika before air frying. But no seasoning is required for delicious air fried Canadian bacon.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Canadian Bacon in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for crispy, mouthwatering Canadian bacon cooked to perfection in the air fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer – Preheating is key for even cooking. Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare Canadian bacon – Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.

3. Air fry – Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness.

4. Flip bacon – After 2-3 minutes, flip the bacon slices using tongs.

5. Check doneness – Bacon should be slightly crispy and golden brown when done.

6. Remove and drain – Take bacon out of the air fryer and drain on paper towels.

7. Serve and enjoy! – Crispy, delicious air fryer Canadian bacon is ready to eat!

It only takes about 5-7 minutes of actual cook time to go from raw Canadian bacon to perfectly crispy, ready-to-eat bacon using the air fryer. It’s so fast and easy!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Canadian Bacon

Use these pro tips for the very best results when making Canadian bacon in the air fryer:

• Use thick-cut Canadian bacon for the most meaty texture. Thinner slices cook faster.

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so bacon cooks evenly.

• Flip bacon halfway through cook time for even browning on both sides.

• Use tongs or a bacon rack to lift and flip bacon easily.

• Cook an even number of slices so they fit nicely when served.

• Let air fryer fully preheat before adding bacon for crispy results.

• Check often to avoid overcooking the lean Canadian bacon.

• Drain on paper towels after cooking to soak up excess grease.

• Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes before serving as it will continue crisping off heat.

Serving and Storage

The crispy Canadian bacon straight from the air fryer is ready to enjoy! Here are some serving ideas and storage tips:

• Serve Canadian bacon strips as a breakfast side dish with eggs.

• Top salads or baked potatoes with crumbled Canadian bacon pieces.

• Make BLT sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and Canadian bacon.

• Add Canadian bacon to pizza, omelets, pasta, or frittatas.

• Refrigerate leftover bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat chilled bacon in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

The possibilities are endless for how to serve crispy air fried Canadian bacon. Its mild flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Properly stored in the fridge, leftovers can be quickly revived in the air fryer later in the week.

FAQs About Cooking Canadian Bacon in an Air Fryer

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Canadian bacon in the air fryer:

What temperature should I use to air fry Canadian bacon?

• The ideal air fryer temperature for Canadian bacon is 400°F. This high heat crisps up the bacon beautifully.

How long does it take to cook Canadian bacon in an air fryer?

• Expect it to take 5-7 minutes to cook Canadian bacon in the air fryer. The exact time depends on the thickness of the slices and desired crispness.

Can you cook frozen Canadian bacon in an air fryer?

• It’s best to thaw Canadian bacon fully before air frying for even cooking results. Air frying frozen Canadian bacon may lead to uneven cooking.

Should you flip the Canadian bacon when air frying?

• Yes, flipping the bacon halfway through the cook time is recommended to achieve crispy, evenly browned results.

Can you add seasoning or a glaze to the Canadian bacon before air frying?

• Yes, feel free to add seasoning like pepper or spices to the Canadian bacon before cooking. When adding sugary glazes, use sparingly to avoid burning.

How can you tell when the Canadian bacon is done air frying?

• The Canadian bacon is finished cooking when the edges are crispy and golden brown. The meat should be slightly firm to the touch when done.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Canadian Bacon From Your Air Fryer

The air fryer allows you to quickly cook Canadian bacon that is irresistibly crispy, meaty, and delicious. The circulated hot air fries up the lean pork loin bacon evenly for full flavor in record time.