Are you a bacon lover looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite breakfast meat? Look no further than the air fryer!
This trendy kitchen appliance has been praised for its ability to make foods like chicken wings and fish and chips healthier, but what about bacon? In theory, air frying bacon should result in perfectly crispy strips with fewer calories and less fat.
But does it actually live up to the hype? In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of cooking bacon in an air fryer and provide tips for making the perfect batch every time.
So grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!
How Many Calories In Air Fryer Bacon?
When it comes to counting calories, bacon can be a tricky food to navigate. The amount of calories in bacon can vary depending on the cut and brand you choose. However, cooking bacon in an air fryer can help reduce the overall calorie count.
When we cook bacon in an air fryer, the excess fat drips off and collects in the bottom of the basket. This means that we are consuming fewer calories and less saturated fat compared to traditional methods like frying or baking in the oven.
So how many calories are in air fryer bacon? The exact number will depend on the type of bacon you use, but on average, a slice of cooked bacon contains around 42 calories. By cooking bacon in an air fryer, you can potentially save up to 30% of those calories.
It’s important to note that while air frying can make bacon healthier, it’s still important to consume it in moderation as it is a processed meat and high in sodium.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon not only has fewer calories, but it also has other nutritional benefits. Cooking bacon in an air fryer allows the excess fat to drip off, which means that we are consuming less saturated fat. This is important because a diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Additionally, air frying can help preserve some of the nutrients found in bacon. Bacon is a good source of protein and contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. While cooking bacon can decrease some of these nutrients, air frying can help preserve more of them compared to traditional methods like frying or baking in the oven.
It’s worth noting that while air fryer bacon can be a healthier option compared to other methods, it’s still important to choose high-quality bacon that is minimally processed and free from added preservatives or chemicals. Also, consuming bacon should be done in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How To Cook Bacon In An Air Fryer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in crispy, delicious bacon. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for regular cut bacon, or 400°F (200°C) for thick-cut bacon.
2. Remove the desired number of bacon strips from the package and cut them in half if needed to fit in the air fryer basket.
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap them. More space around your food means better crisping and faster cooking.
4. Cook the bacon in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 7-9 minutes for regular cut bacon, or 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon. The final cook time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon.
5. Use tongs to remove each slice of bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with any remaining batches of bacon, being sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before repeating the process.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional methods, as it reduces the amount of excess fat and calories consumed. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it a great option for busy mornings or brunches.
Comparing The Calories And Fat Of Air Fryer Bacon To Traditional Bacon
When comparing the calories and fat of air fryer bacon to traditional bacon, it’s clear that air frying is the healthier option. Traditional bacon cooked in a pan or skillet contains about 290 calories for 3 ounces of bacon. This means that if you enjoy a few slices of pan-fried bacon, you can expect to consume around 170-180 calories.
On the other hand, air fryer bacon typically contains around 120-130 calories for the same amount of bacon. This is a significant difference and can make a big impact on your overall calorie intake.
In addition to fewer calories, air frying also results in less fat compared to traditional methods. When we traditionally deep fry foods, as little as 8 percent or as much as 25 percent of the oil will be absorbed into the foods. This is in the form of saturated fat, which also adds 9 calories per gram of oil absorbed. By using an air fryer, the excess fat from the bacon drips off and collects in the bottom of the basket, resulting in less saturated fat and fewer calories.
It’s important to note that while air frying bacon is a healthier option, it’s still important to consume it in moderation due to its high sodium content and processed nature. However, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy crispy bacon without the guilt, air frying is definitely worth a try.
Tips For Making The Perfect Batch Of Air Fryer Bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfectly crispy bacon without the mess. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect batch every time:
1. Use center-cut bacon: Center-cut bacon is leaner and has less fat than other cuts, making it a healthier option. It also tends to cook more evenly in the air fryer.
2. Cut the bacon in half: Cutting the bacon in half allows you to fit more strips in the air fryer without overlapping them, which can result in uneven cooking.
3. Avoid overcrowding: Make sure to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each slice. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bacon.
4. Adjust cooking time based on thickness: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon. Thicker bacon will require more time, while thinner bacon will cook faster.
5. Drain excess grease: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This will help make your bacon extra crispy.
By following these tips, you can make the perfect batch of air fryer bacon every time. Not only will it be delicious, but it will also be healthier and lower in calories than traditional methods of cooking bacon.
Creative Ways To Enjoy Air Fryer Bacon In Your Meals
Now that you know how to make air fryer bacon healthier, let’s talk about some creative ways to enjoy it in your meals!
1. Breakfast: As mentioned earlier, air fryer bacon is a perfect addition to any breakfast spread. Pair it with eggs, low-carb pancakes or even a breakfast cauliflower pizza for a delicious and satisfying meal.
2. Sandwiches: Upgrade your sandwich game by adding air fryer bacon to your favorite sandwich. Try a BLT or a turkey club for a classic and tasty option.
3. Salad Topping: Add some crunch and flavor to your salad by crumbling air fryer bacon on top. It’s especially delicious on Caesar salads or this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
4. Seasoning: Create a bacon salt by finely crumbling the bacon and mixing it with salt and pepper. Sprinkle it on top of Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Potato Wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Pasta: Take your pasta dishes up a notch by adding some crumbled bacon on top. It pairs well with dishes like Cauliflower Pasta or Carbonara Pizza.
6. Eggs: Air fryer bacon and eggs are a match made in heaven! Add some to your Egg Muffins for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
7. Veggies: Bacon can make veggies more appealing to veggie-skeptics. It’s delicious in this Spaghetti Squash Carbonara or sprinkled on top of some Crock Pot Baked Potatoes.
8. Soups: Top off your favorite soup with crumbled bacon for an added crunch and flavor. It’s especially delicious in Crockpot Potato Soup or Asparagus Soup.