This easy method for Air Fryer Canadian Bacon is the best way to get perfectly cooked, crispy bacon - without the mess! Works for any type of back bacon, including peameal bacon, thick cut, or deli slices.
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When it comes to cooking bacon, the air fryer method has to be my favorite one.
Whether you're talking about traditional bacon, turkey bacon, or lean Canadian bacon, it's the easiest (and least messy) way to prepare this popular breakfast food.
Not only is the air fryer method quicker when compared to skillet or baking methods, it also contains the mess in the basket, reducing grease splatter. Yup, that means you won't need to wipe down half your kitchen afterwords!
Why Use the Air Fryer?
- Quick. The hot air of the air fryer reduces cook time by about 25-50% for most foods, and it's no exception for Canadian bacon (aka back bacon).
- Easy. Whether it's your first time cooking Canadian bacon or using an air fryer, this is the easiest way and you're going to get great results!
- Perfect every time. Air frying gives you chewy results with the ideal level of crispiness.
- Lean. While Canadian bacon already has a lower fat content compared to traditional bacon and other fatty meats, it often needs to be cooked with a little oil. When using the air fryer you can skip the oil completely.
Ingredients
- Canadian bacon: Also called back bacon, Irish bacon, or rashers. This is a thin, lean type of "bacon" that tastes similar to ham. It's perfect for breakfast sandwiches, wraps, or as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
Instructions
This easy air fryer bacon recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, or even for meal prep. All of the excess grease is trapped below the air fryer basket, and clean up is a breeze! No cooking spray or oil needed.
Before you start: Preheat your air fryer basket to 350ºF (177ºC) for 3 minutes (or according to your manufacturer's instructions).
- Add the Canadian bacon slices to the air fryer in a single layer, with no overlapping.
- Cook in the air fryer for 6-10 minutes, or until the pieces are heated through and have crispy edges.
- NOTE: Thicker pieces will take longer, and deli slices will be done more quickly.
Serving
- Remove the slices from the air fryer and serve immediately, or drain on paper towel if desired.
- Repeat with any remaining bacon, working in batches.
Top Tip
To keep the bacon warm in between batches, you can add them to a glass baking dish and keep them in a low oven (200ºF/93ºC) or toaster oven.
Cooking Times for Different Types of Back Bacon
Deli slices. These are the thinnest slices and should be ready in just 6-7 minutes.
Thick-cut bacon. Depending on the thickness of the cut, you may need anywhere from 9-12 minutes. Increasing the heat to 375ºF (190ºC) or 400ºF (204ºC) may be beneficial.
Peameal bacon. This also tends to be thin, so follow the instructions for deli slices, unless they are very thick cut.
Rashers. These are on the very thick side, so I would recommend 9-12 minutes. It may be a good idea to increase the heat to 375ºF (190ºC) or 400ºF (204ºC) for crispier, quicker results.
Canadian Bacon Cups
A popular way to prepare back bacon is in cups. These can be filled with an egg mixture, diced potatoes, bell peppers, etc.
This makes for an easy breakfast recipe that's also super satisfying.
- Form the slices of bacon into a small, oven-safe muffin tin (or stainless muffin cups).
- Fill with desired ingredients (eggs, peppers, shredded potatoes, cheese, etc) and season with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook as directed in the air fryer, or (if making Canadian bacon egg cups) the egg is set.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer for 1-2 minutes, in a microwave (30 seconds), or a hot skillet (1-2 minutes).
- Leftovers can be warmed and eaten, or can be chopped and added to casseroles, soups, or your favorite recipes.
What to serve with Back Bacon:
- Hash browns
- Scrambled eggs
- Egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches
- English muffins
- Fried eggs
- Breakfast potatoes
- Omelettes
Recipe FAQ's
Most brands of Canadian bacon are gluten-free, but lower quality options may contain wheat crumbs as filler. Be sure to check the packaging to verify that the brand you are purchasing is free from gluten-containing ingredients.
Yes, Canadian bacon should always be cooked, just like regular bacon. It can be prepared in a skillet, oven, or air fryer, and must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
Most frozen bacon will be frozen together in large chunks, but if you can separate it into slices you can cook them in the air fryer. Be sure to add some additional cooking time (3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of bacon) to account for them being frozen.
More Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
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Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices Canadian bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the Canadian bacon into the air fryer in an even layer (no overlapping)
- Cook for 6-10 minutes, or until heated through with crispy edges. Generally you’ll use less time for thin slices, and more time for thick slices.
- For the best results, flip halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.
- Repeat in batches if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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