Are you a bacon lover who’s trying to watch your calorie intake?
Or maybe you’re just looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite breakfast food?
Either way, you might be wondering: how many calories are in air fried bacon?
Well, the answer depends on a few factors, including the type of bacon you’re cooking and how much you eat.
But one thing’s for sure: air frying is a great way to make bacon that’s crispy and delicious, while also reducing the amount of fat and calories.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of air frying bacon and give you some tips for making the most of this cooking technique.
So grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!
How Many Calories In Air Fried Bacon?
As mentioned earlier, the calorie count for air fried bacon will vary depending on the type of bacon and how much you eat.
Generally speaking, 3 ounces of bacon contains about 220 calories. If you cook bacon in an air fryer and enjoy a few slices, you can expect to consume around 120-130 calories.
Compared to other cooking methods, air frying is a great option for those watching their calorie intake. Other cooking methods can contain up to double the amount of calories found in air fried bacon.
But the benefits of air frying bacon go beyond just reducing calories. Air frying also allows the extra fat in the bacon to fall to the bottom of the fryer, resulting in a lower amount of saturated fat consumed. This makes air fried bacon a healthier option compared to other cooking methods.
The Benefits Of Air Frying Bacon
Air frying bacon has several benefits that make it a popular cooking method. Firstly, it reduces the amount of calories and fat in the bacon compared to other cooking methods such as pan-frying or deep-frying. This is because air frying uses less oil, which reduces the amount of saturated fat absorbed by the bacon.
Additionally, air frying allows the excess fat to drip off the bacon and collect at the bottom of the fryer, making cleanup easier and more convenient. This also means that the collected fat can be used for cooking other dishes, making it a more sustainable option.
Moreover, air frying bacon results in a crispy texture without compromising on taste. It is a quick and easy way to cook bacon without causing a mess or having to monitor it constantly.
How To Choose The Right Type Of Bacon For Air Frying
When it comes to choosing the right type of bacon for air frying, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to choose bacon that is thick-cut and uncured. This type of bacon provides the best texture and flavor when cooked in an air fryer.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the doneness you prefer in your bacon. If you like your bacon softer, you can air fry it at 350°F for 7-9 minutes for regular cut bacon, or 9-10 minutes for thick-cut bacon. If you prefer your bacon crispy, you can cook it for 8-9 minutes for regular cut bacon or 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
It’s also important to note that different types of bacon cook differently in an air fryer. Regular cut bacon typically takes between 5-9 minutes to cook, while thick-cut bacon can take up to 12 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Lastly, it’s important to make sure that your air fryer is clean and preheated to 350°F before cooking the bacon. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t smoke or burn. By following these tips, you can choose the right type of bacon for air frying and enjoy a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods.
How To Prepare Bacon For Air Frying
Preparing bacon for air frying is a simple process that requires a few steps to ensure the best results. Here are some tips on how to prepare bacon for air frying:
1. Divide the bacon strips in half and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can prevent the bacon from cooking evenly.
2. Set the temperature to 400°F and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Check halfway through to see if anything needs to be rearranged.
3. Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
4. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
5. Enjoy your perfectly crispy and delicious air fried bacon with fewer calories and less saturated fat!
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare delicious and healthier bacon using your air fryer. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and tasty air fried bacon can be!
Cooking Bacon In An Air Fryer: Tips And Tricks
Air frying bacon may seem like a simple task, but there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process even easier and more delicious.
Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the bacon. This will ensure that the bacon is cooked evenly and crispy.
Next, it is recommended to line the lower pan with parchment paper for easy clean up. This will also prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
When placing the bacon in the air fryer, make sure to arrange it in a single, even layer. This will ensure that all slices are cooked evenly and will prevent them from sticking together.
It is also important to flip the bacon halfway through cooking time, especially if you are using thicker slices of bacon. This will ensure that both sides are crispy and evenly cooked.
Lastly, be mindful of the thickness of your bacon and adjust cooking times accordingly. Thicker slices may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach desired crispness.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your air fried bacon comes out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
How To Calculate The Calories In Air Fried Bacon
To calculate the calories in air fried bacon, you will need to know the serving size and the calorie count per serving of your specific brand of bacon. Once you have this information, you can use a simple equation to calculate the calories in your air fried bacon.
First, weigh your bacon before cooking to determine the exact weight of your serving size. Next, cook your bacon in the air fryer according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Once your bacon is cooked, weigh it again to determine the weight of your cooked serving size.
To calculate the calories in your air fried bacon, take the weight of your cooked serving size and multiply it by the calorie count per serving. For example, if your cooked serving size weighs 2 ounces and has a calorie count of 70 calories per serving, you would multiply 2 by 70 to get a total calorie count of 140 calories.
It’s important to note that different brands and cuts of bacon may have varying calorie counts. Always check the nutrition label before cooking and use that information to calculate the calories in your air fried bacon.
Comparing Air Fried Bacon To Other Cooking Methods
When it comes to cooking bacon, there are several methods to choose from, including frying in a pan or skillet, baking in the oven, microwaving, and air frying. But how do these cooking methods compare in terms of calories and nutritional value?
Frying bacon in a pan or skillet is a popular method, but it can be high in calories and fat. Generally speaking, 3 ounces of bacon cooked this way contains about 290 calories. If you enjoy a few slices, you can expect to consume around 170-180 calories. This is significantly more than air fried bacon, which typically contains around 120-130 calories for the same amount of bacon.
Baking bacon in the oven is another option, but it can also be high in calories. While baking allows the fat to drip off the bacon, it can still contain up to 200 calories for 3 ounces of bacon. Additionally, baked bacon may not be as crispy as other cooking methods.
Microwaving bacon is a fast and convenient option, but it may not be the healthiest. While microwaving allows the fat to drip off the bacon, it can also result in uneven cooking and may not produce crispy bacon. Microwaved bacon can contain up to 240 calories for 3 ounces of bacon.
Air frying is a relatively new cooking method that has gained popularity in recent years. Compared to other cooking methods, air frying reduces calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat. This is because the extra fat in what we are cooking falls to the bottom and is not consumed, which saves calories and reduces the amount of saturated fat eaten. Air frying also results in crispy bacon that is evenly cooked.