Description
This delicious Candied Bacon recipe features thick-cut bacon coated in a spicy-sweet blend of brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Perfectly baked or air-fried to crispy perfection, this savory treat is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candied Bacon
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: For oven baking, preheat your oven to 375°F. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet or Air Fryer: Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil for the oven method. For the air fryer, spray lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly blend all the spices.
- Coat the Bacon: Lay uncooked thick-cut bacon slices flat on the lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Evenly sprinkle the spice and sugar mixture over the bacon slices. Use your hands to gently pat the sugar mixture down onto each slice, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake the Bacon: For oven method, bake the bacon for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Check at 30 minutes and continue baking if needed for crispness. For air frying, cook for 8 minutes at 400°F, checking halfway at 4 minutes and rearranging slices for even crisping.
- Cool the Bacon: Once cooked, carefully transfer the bacon to a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 minutes to allow the caramelized sugar to harden and create that signature crunch. For oven method, an additional 10 minutes resting is recommended to maximize crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your candied bacon as a decadent snack, a topping for salads or sandwiches, or part of a brunch spread.
Notes
- Always use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
- Depending on your baking sheet size and bacon quantity, you may need two pans to avoid overlapping.
- Allow the candied bacon to fully cool; this helps the caramelized sugar to harden and enhances crispness.
- Oven temperatures vary; check bacon early to prevent burning and adjust temperature or time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
