Prepare to elevate your brunch game, enhance your appetizers, or simply indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory snack with this incredibly easy recipe for Air Fryer Candied Bacon. Often dubbed “pig candy” for its irresistible caramelized coating, this treat combines the smoky, savory goodness of bacon with a delightful crunch and sugary sweetness that will leave you craving more. Forget the fuss and sticky clean-up associated with traditional oven methods; making candied bacon in your air fryer is a game-changer, promising crispy perfection and minimal effort.

If you’re already a fan of the perfectly crisp results you get from air fried bacon, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this new recipe for air fryer candied bacon. This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also delivers that sought-after texture – a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, all without the usual mess. It’s the ideal way to add a sophisticated yet fun twist to any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Candied Bacon Recipe:

• Effortless Air Fryer Magic: Our favorite kitchen appliance comes to the rescue! Cooking bacon in the air fryer guarantees consistently crispy results with significantly less grease and a dramatically easier cleanup. No more scrubbing stubbornly baked-on sugar and grease from your oven trays – just a quick wipe of the air fryer basket is usually all it takes!
• The Perfect Sweet and Salty Harmony: There’s a reason this combination is so universally loved. The rich, savory notes of the bacon are perfectly complemented by the sweet, caramel-like crunch of brown sugar. This creates a truly addictive flavor profile that tantalizes every taste bud, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
• Faster and More Convenient Than the Oven: While traditional oven-baked candied bacon is delicious, the air fryer offers a quicker and more hands-off method, especially when you want a smaller batch. It’s ideal for preparing just enough slices for a couple of meals, a spontaneous snack, or a last-minute addition to your menu without heating up your entire kitchen. The focused heat of the air fryer ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization in a fraction of the time.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With only three core ingredients, this recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require a long shopping list or complicated techniques. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can combine to create something truly extraordinary.
• Versatile Culinary Addition: Whether you’re topping a salad, garnishing a cocktail, or serving it alongside pancakes, candied bacon adds a gourmet touch and an exciting textural element to countless dishes. It’s the ultimate upgrade for almost anything!

Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Candied Bacon

• Bacon: The star of our show! You can use your preferred brand of bacon, but we recommend choosing slices that are a bit on the shorter side. Shorter pieces are generally easier to arrange in a single layer within the confines of most air fryer baskets, ensuring even cooking and crisping. While thick-cut bacon can also be used, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly (add 1-3 minutes) to achieve your desired crispness. Avoid overly thin bacon, as it can burn quickly.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): This is the key to that delightful “candied” texture. As the air fryer heats, the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, creating a beautifully crunchy, sweet, and slightly sticky coating on each strip of bacon. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark brown sugar will impart a deeper molasses flavor and a richer color, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Make sure to pack it firmly when measuring for accurate results.
• Black Pepper (Ground): A touch of freshly ground black pepper provides a crucial counterpoint to the sweetness of the brown sugar. It doesn’t make the bacon spicy but instead adds a subtle warmth and a balanced, sophisticated edge to the flavor profile. If you’re looking to introduce a fiery kick, feel free to experiment with additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of ground cayenne pepper for a truly “spicy candied bacon” experience.

Recommended Tools for Perfect Air Fryer Candied Bacon

• Air Fryer: Essential for this recipe, delivering quick, crispy results with minimal cleanup. Any standard basket-style air fryer will work beautifully.
• Wire Baking Rack: Crucial for cooling the candied bacon properly. This allows air to circulate around the bacon and ensures excess grease drips away, leading to that perfectly hard, candy-like crispness.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely handling hot bacon slices, especially when transferring them from the air fryer to the cooling rack. They help prevent sticking and make the process much cleaner.
• Small Bowl: For mixing your brown sugar and pepper.
• Parchment Paper or Paper Towel: To place *under* the wire rack to catch drippings during cooling, making cleanup a breeze.

How to Make Candied Bacon (in the Air Fryer): Step-by-Step Instructions

Psst…if you’re looking for a traditional oven method for larger batches, check out my original recipe for classic candied bacon. For quick, small-batch perfection, the air fryer is your best friend!

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC) for 3 minutes. This crucial step ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately and evenly, preventing a soggy start. While the air fryer preheats, get your cooling station ready: place a wire baking rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a few layers of paper towels. This setup will be essential for achieving the perfect crispy “candy” coating after cooking.
2. Create the Sweet & Savory Coating: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of packed brown sugar with ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor across every strip of bacon.
3. Arrange Bacon in the Air Fryer: Carefully lay 4 slices of bacon in a single layer within your air fryer basket. It’s critical that the pieces do not overlap, as this allows for maximum air circulation and even crisping.
   • Pro Tip for Fitting: Don’t worry if your bacon slices are a little long and go up the sides of the air fryer basket initially; they will shrink significantly as they cook. For an even better fit and more surface area for the sugar to adhere, you can gently “wrinkle” or wave the bacon in the center to help pull in the edges.
   • If your air fryer basket is particularly small, you might find it easier to slice your bacon pieces in half. This allows for better spacing and may require you to work in 3-4 smaller batches instead of the two outlined here.
4. Generously Season the Bacon: Sprinkle approximately half of your prepared brown sugar and black pepper mixture evenly over the top of the bacon slices. Aim for full coverage, ensuring every part of the bacon is coated to achieve that beautiful candy crust.
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the air fryer basket back into the preheated air fryer and cook at 350ºF (180ºC) for 8-10 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired level of crispness. Look for bacon that is well-browned, sizzling, and appears crisp to your liking.
   • Important: Do not flip or turn the bacon during this cooking process. Flipping candied bacon can create a sticky mess and prevent the sugar from caramelizing properly on both sides. Trust the air fryer to work its magic!

Cooling and Crisping: The Key to Perfect Candied Bacon Texture

To achieve that signature “candied” crunch and hard, glossy coating, proper cooling is absolutely essential. Don’t skip this critical step!

6. Transfer to a Wire Cooling Rack: Once your candied bacon is cooked to your preference, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket using tongs. Immediately transfer the hot bacon slices to the prepared wire baking rack. This allows air to circulate freely around each slice, promoting even cooling and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
   • Do Not Drain Directly on Paper Towels: This is a common mistake! Candied bacon is extremely sticky when hot, and it will firmly adhere to paper towels, making it impossible to remove without tearing. A wire rack is paramount for a clean separation. (Trust us, we learned this the hard way!)
   • No Wire Baking Rack? No Problem (Almost): If you don’t have a wire baking rack, you can improvise by carefully removing the trivet (if removable) from your air fryer basket and placing it on a heat-proof surface. Alternatively, you can place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be aware, however, that bacon cooled directly on a flat surface (without air circulation underneath) will tend to be softer, more pliable, and have more of a “glazed” rather than a truly “candied” texture. While still incredibly delicious, it won’t have the same hard crunch.
7. Allow to Cool for Maximum Crispness: Let the bacon cool undisturbed on the wire rack for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature. During this time, the melted brown sugar layer will harden, creating that characteristic crisp and candy-like coating. Once cool, the candied bacon slices should be firm, crunchy, and ready to be devoured!
8. Repeat for Remaining Batches: If preparing a full 8 slices, repeat steps 3-7 with the remaining bacon and brown sugar mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly candied bacon!

Delicious Ways to Use Candied Bacon (Beyond Just Snacking!)

Also affectionately known as pig candy, bacon candy, or simply candy bacon, this sweet and salty treat is an incredibly versatile addition to all of your favorite foods. While utterly irresistible on its own as a snack, here are a few inspiring ideas to incorporate its delightful flavor and texture into your culinary creations:

• Gourmet Burgers, Sandwiches, and Wraps: Elevate your lunch or dinner by adding a strip or two of candied bacon. Its crunch and sweet-savory punch complement a juicy burger, a hearty club sandwich, or a fresh wrap beautifully. It’s an instant upgrade!
• The Ultimate Breakfast or Brunch Side: Serve it alongside classic breakfast staples like fluffy french toast, scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, or a stack of warm pancakes. The contrast of sweet bacon with other breakfast items is a match made in heaven.
• Chopped Bacon Bits for Endless Possibilities: Once cooled and hardened, chop your candied bacon into small bits. These are fantastic for sprinkling over fresh green salads, adding an unexpected crunch and flavor to deviled eggs, topping creamy soups (like a butternut squash or potato soup), or garnishing roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts and candied bacon are a phenomenal pairing!).
• Creative Cocktail Garnish: Add a fun, edible stir stick or garnish to savory cocktails. A strip of candied bacon makes a unique and memorable addition to a spicy Bloody Mary or a classic Caesar (especially if you’re Canadian!).
• A Sweet & Savory Star on Charcuterie Boards: Include candied bacon on your next charcuterie board or brunch buffet. Its striking appearance and addictive flavor make it a sophisticated yet approachable addition that pairs wonderfully with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
• Dessert Dynamo: Believe it or not, candied bacon can be a surprising and delightful dessert topping! Crumble it over vanilla ice cream, sprinkle it on brownies, or even incorporate it into cookies for an unforgettable sweet and savory twist.
• Breakfast Burritos & Tacos: Add a layer of chopped candied bacon to your morning burrito or even savory breakfast tacos for an unexpected burst of flavor and crunch.

Storing Leftovers & Reheating for Freshness

While candied bacon is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, it stores surprisingly well, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. Once your candied bacon has completely cooled and hardened, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Candied Bacon

• No Flipping Allowed! This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air fryer candied bacon. Unlike regular air fryer bacon where flipping is encouraged for even cooking, flipping candied bacon is a big no-no. The melted brown sugar will stick to your basket and tongs, creating an unholy sticky mess and ruining the candy coating. Simply follow the instructions and resist the urge to turn or flip the bacon at any point during cooking. The air fryer’s circulating heat will ensure it cooks beautifully on its own.
• Drained Bacon Equals Crispy Bacon: To achieve that ultimate, shatteringly crisp candied texture, proper drainage is non-negotiable. Always transfer your hot, freshly cooked bacon to an elevated surface, specifically a wire baking rack. This setup allows excess grease to drip away and air to circulate underneath, preventing the bacon from steaming and becoming soggy. This airflow is what helps the sugar coating harden into a delicious, crunchy “candy” layer.
• The “Wiggle” Technique for Longer Slices: If you’re working with particularly long strips of bacon that struggle to fit flat in your air fryer basket, don’t force them. Instead, gently use your fingers to gather and “wrinkle” or create a slight “wiggle” effect in the center of each slice. This shortens the overall length, prevents the bacon from lying flat against the air fryer edges (which can lead to uneven cooking or burning), and ensures more uniform crisping and caramelization.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: While it might be tempting to fit as much bacon as possible, overcrowding your air fryer basket will lead to steamed, rather than crispy, bacon. Cook in single layers with a little space between each slice for optimal air circulation. It’s better to work in batches for perfectly cooked results.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Air fryers vary greatly in temperature calibration and cooking efficiency. The suggested cooking time (8-10 minutes) is a guideline. Keep an eye on your bacon, especially during the first batch, and adjust the time as needed to reach your desired level of crispness and caramelization. You’re looking for a rich, deep brown color, but not burnt!
• Line for Easier Cleanup (Post-Cooking): While you don’t typically line the air fryer basket *during* cooking bacon (due to airflow), remember to use parchment paper or paper towels *underneath* your cooling rack. This simple step catches all the dripping grease and sticky sugar, making your post-cooking cleanup a breeze.

Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Candied Bacon

This air fryer candied bacon recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful base for culinary creativity! Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste:

• Air Fryer Spicy Candied Bacon (Millionaire’s or Billionaire Bacon): If you crave a thrilling blend of sweet and heat, transform your candied bacon into a spicy sensation. Simply add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to your brown sugar mixture, and for an extra fiery kick, include up to ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper. This popular variation is famously known as Million Dollar Bacon or Billionaire Bacon, and it’s absolutely addictive!
• Maple-Kissed Bacon: While I’ve found that using pure maple syrup *instead* of brown sugar for the main candying process doesn’t yield the same hard “candied” texture (due to its higher moisture content), you can certainly infuse a delicious maple flavor. Instead of substituting, brush both sides of your bacon slices with 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup *before* sprinkling on the brown sugar and pepper mixture. Alternatively, simply use a high-quality maple-flavored bacon for a subtle, inherent maple sweetness.
• Thick-Cut Bacon Considerations: If you opt for bacon labeled “thick-cut,” be prepared to adjust your cooking time. These heartier slices will likely require an additional 1-3 minutes in the air fryer to achieve optimal crispness and caramelization. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking cycle.
• Smoked Paprika for Depth: For an extra layer of smoky flavor and a hint of color, stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika with your brown sugar and black pepper. This adds a wonderful, robust dimension.
• Garlic & Onion Powder Twist: For a savory-sweet profile, add a pinch (¼ teaspoon) each of garlic powder and onion powder to your brown sugar mixture. This creates a more complex, umami-rich candied bacon perfect for savory applications.
• Herbaceous Hints: A very small amount (¼ teaspoon) of finely chopped fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of dried thyme mixed with the sugar can add an unexpectedly delightful aromatic quality, especially if serving with a cheese board.

Explore More Ways to Cook Bacon

Bacon is a beloved staple, and there are many fantastic ways to prepare it to perfection. If you enjoyed this air fryer method, you might also like these other popular bacon recipes:

• Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
• Easy Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
• Homemade Bacon Bits: Your Secret Ingredient
• Quick & Delicious Air Fryer Canadian Bacon