Bacon lovers, rejoice!
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite breakfast meat, look no further than bacon jerky.
This delicious snack is perfect for on-the-go or as a tasty addition to your next charcuterie board.
And the best part? You can make it right in your air fryer!
No need for a dehydrator or smoker, just a few simple steps and you’ll have crispy, savory bacon jerky in no time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making bacon jerky in your air fryer, with tips and tricks to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
Get ready to take your bacon obsession to the next level!
How To Make Bacon Jerky In Air Fryer?
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the air fryer is preheating, mix together brown sugar and black pepper in a large bowl.
Step 3: Cut your bacon into thin strips and place them into the bowl with the brown sugar mixture. Press the mixture onto the bacon so that it sticks.
Step 4: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 8 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.
Step 5: When you flip the bacon, add more brown sugar to the other side. The cooking time may vary if you want it crispier.
Step 6: Once the bacon jerky is done, allow it to cool for some time before serving.
Choosing The Right Bacon For Jerky
When it comes to making bacon jerky, choosing the right bacon is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. While regular-cut bacon can be used, it tends to lose moisture quickly, resulting in a brittle and dry jerky. For a more satisfying and chewy texture, it’s best to go for thick-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon will retain its moisture better, allowing it to become crunchy on the outside while remaining slightly chewy on the inside.
It’s also important to choose high-quality bacon made from the best pork. Look for pork that has been processed using above-industry standards and top-of-the-line equipment. The best pork will result in a flavorful and tender meat that is perfect for making bacon jerky.
Different types of bacon cuts are available, each with their own unique characteristics. Standard cut bacon is perfect for all recipes and can be fried or used to make delicious jerky at home. Thick-cut strips are much thicker than standard bacon and are ideal for cooking soups and pasta. Center cut bacon is prepared from pork belly and contains 30% less fat than other types of cuts, making it a healthier option for producing bacon jerky and other dishes. If you prefer to cut the meat according to your recipe’s demands, buy slab cut meat and cut it at home.
Preparing The Bacon For Air Frying
Before you can make bacon jerky in your air fryer, you need to prepare the bacon for air frying. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose your bacon. You can use regular cut or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Cut the bacon into thin strips. This will allow it to cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
Step 3: If desired, season the bacon with spices or a marinade. For bacon jerky, a mixture of brown sugar and black pepper is a great option.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that it’s hot enough to cook the bacon properly.
Step 5: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
Step 6: Set the timer for 8 minutes and flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process. If you want it crispier, you can add more time.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly prepared bacon ready for air frying into delicious bacon jerky.
Seasoning Options For Bacon Jerky
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your bacon jerky, there are a variety of seasoning options you can try. Here are a few ideas:
1. Spicy: For a spicy kick, mix together some cayenne pepper and paprika with your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix.
2. Sweet: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding some honey or maple syrup to your brown sugar mixture. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, cozy taste.
3. Smoky: To enhance the smoky flavor of the bacon, add some liquid smoke to your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also sprinkle some smoked paprika on top for an extra smoky taste.
4. Savory: For a more savory flavor, mix together some soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder with your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary on top for added depth of flavor.
Experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your perfect bacon jerky flavor!
Air Frying The Bacon Jerky
Air frying the bacon jerky is a great way to get a crispy and chewy texture without having to use a dehydrator. To air fry the bacon jerky, you will need to follow some simple steps.
First, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, mix together brown sugar and black pepper in a large bowl.
Next, cut your bacon into thin strips and place them into the bowl with the brown sugar mixture. Press the mixture onto the bacon so that it sticks.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 8 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. When you flip the bacon, add more brown sugar to the other side. The cooking time may vary if you want it crispier.
Once the bacon jerky is done, allow it to cool for some time before serving. The air frying method is a great way to get crispy and chewy bacon jerky without having to use a dehydrator. It’s important to note that you do not need to preheat the air fryer for bacon jerky, but it’s important to follow the cooking instructions carefully to get the best results.
Storing And Serving Bacon Jerky
Bacon jerky is a perishable product and should be stored properly to maintain its texture and flavor. To store your bacon jerky, make sure to remove any excess grease or moisture on the surface of the meat by patting it with a dry paper towel. Then, store it in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Bacon jerky will last for about 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
If you plan on storing your bacon jerky for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. However, keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture of the jerky. When you’re ready to serve your bacon jerky, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before eating.
When serving bacon jerky, you can enjoy it as a snack on its own or use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or burgers. You can also try experimenting with different flavors and seasonings to customize your bacon jerky to your liking.
