This air fryer Canadian bacon recipe is quick, easy, and a high-protein option perfect for breakfast or snacks. It’s ready in minutes, giving you perfectly crispy edges and juicy bites. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a hearty breakfast, it’s a simple way to enjoy a protein-packed treat.
Protein: 18 grams per serving (3 slices)
The protein in this recipe comes from the lean and delicious Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon. I love how air frying gives it that crispy edge with minimal effort. This easy method is one I’ve used countless times, whether as a healthier option in breakfast sandwiches or as a topping for hash browns and soups.
Contents
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Why you will love this recipe
- Quick Cook Time: Ready in just 5-7 minutes with no need to flip.
- Less Mess: The air fryer contains the drippings, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Healthier Option: Canadian bacon is leaner than traditional bacon strips.
- Versatile: Use it in breakfast sandwiches, salads, or as a side for eggs and potatoes.
- Easy Method: No need for ovens or pan-frying—just the air fryer basket and tongs!
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Canadian Bacon: Yes, just one ingredient! Look for thick-cut or peameal bacon for more texture.
How to make Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C/400°F for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the Canadian bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping to keep them crispy.
- Set the Cook Time: Air fry for 5-7 minutes. No need to flip them over—just let the hot air do its magic.
- Check for Doneness: About halfway through, check for crispy edges and adjust the cook time if needed. You’re looking for golden fat, not burnt!
- Remove with Tongs: Carefully transfer the cooked slices onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.
- Serve and Enjoy: Add to breakfast sandwiches, crumble on top of salads, or pair with hash browns and eggs.
Recipe notes and tips
- Single layer: Avoid stacking the slices to ensure even cooking.
- Flip after cooking: I like to flip my bacon over after cooking to let any excess grease drip into the air fryer basket before removing.
- Use tongs: Safely remove hot slices from the air fryer basket without damaging the bacon.
- Keep it crispy: Place on a paper towel immediately after cooking to absorb extra grease.
- Customize seasoning: Sprinkle a dash of garlic powder or black pepper for extra flavor before air frying.
- Storage tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 180°C/350°F, or pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separate Layers: Use parchment or paper towel between slices to prevent sticking when stored.
Variations
- Maple-Glazed: Brush the slices with a bit of maple syrup before cooking for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a fiery flavor boost.
- Herb Infusion: Add a light dash of rosemary or thyme before air frying for an herby aroma.
- Garlic-Lovers: Add garlic powder, coating the bacon lightly for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Smoky Touch: Use smoked paprika for a deep, smoky undertone in your Canadian bacon.
- Extra Crispy: Air fry for an extra minute or two if you love your bacon with an extra crunch.
What to serve with Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
- Breakfast Options: Pair with scrambled eggs, toast, hash browns, or breakfast sandwiches for a hearty start.
- Soups and Salads: Crumble into creamy soups, toss with fresh greens and bell peppers, or use it in my easy broccoli salad recipe.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside roasted potatoes or steamed bell peppers for a balanced plate.
- Snack Ideas: Use as a protein-packed topping for mini toasts or alongside cheese slices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use turkey bacon in this recipe?
Yes! Adjust the cook time slightly, as turkey bacon is thinner and may crisp up faster. Check out my guide on how to cook Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer!
What’s the difference between Canadian bacon and regular bacon?
Canadian bacon comes from the leaner loin, while regular bacon is from pork belly and has more fat.
Can I use thick-cut Canadian bacon?
Absolutely! Thick-cut slices may need a minute or two longer in the air fryer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Canadian bacon is naturally gluten-free, but double-check any added seasonings.
More protein-packed recipes you will love
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Chicken Spinach Lasagna
- High Protein Chicken Salad
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
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Air Fryer Canadian Bacon Recipe
Quick and easy air fryer Canadian bacon delivers crispy, flavorful slices with no mess—perfect for breakfast sandwiches, salads, or a protein-packed side!
Ingredients
- 12 slices Canadian bacon - also called back bacon or British bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
- Add the Canadian bacon to the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 5-7 minutes. No need to flip them over.12 slices Canadian bacon
- Halfway through, check for doneness and increase or reduce the remaining time as needed. You want the fat to be crispy and golden, not burnt.
- Remove the cooked bacon from the air fryer carefully with tongs.
- Place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb the excess grease.
- Serve as it is or in sandwiches, wraps, or crumbled on salads. Enjoy!
Notes
- Single layer: Avoid stacking the slices to ensure even cooking.
- Flip after cooking: I like to flip my bacon over after cooking to let any excess grease drip into the air fryer basket before removing.
- Use tongs: Safely remove hot slices from the air fryer basket without damaging the bacon.
- Keep it crispy: Place on a paper towel immediately after cooking to absorb extra grease.
- Customize seasoning: Sprinkle a dash of garlic powder or black pepper for extra flavor before air frying.
- Storage tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 180°C/350°F, or pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separate Layers: Use parchment or paper towel between slices to prevent sticking when stored.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 294mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
