Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer Candied BBQ Bacon
Sweet, smoky and a little spicy, this air fryer candied BBQ bacon is coated in brown sugar and chili spices until it caramelizes into crispy, sticky 'pig candy'. It's the ultimate sweet-and-savory snack or burger topping.
The air fryer renders the fat and sets the glaze into a shiny, crackly coat. Make extra — it disappears fast.
Ingredients
Instructions
Season
Mix the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin and cayenne. Coat the bacon slices all over in the mixture.
Air fry
Lay the bacon in a single layer and air fry at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, until crisp and the glaze is caramelized.
Cool
Transfer to parchment (not paper towels) to cool — it crisps and hardens as it cools.
- Thick-cut bacon holds the glaze best.
- Cool on parchment, not paper towels, so it doesn't stick.
- Watch the end closely — the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt fast.
Frequently asked
How long does candied bacon take in the air fryer?
About 8–10 minutes at 350°F, until crisp and the sugar is caramelized.
Why cool it on parchment?
The glaze is sticky — it would weld to paper towels. On parchment it crisps and releases cleanly.
What do I use it for?
A snack, a burger or BLT topping, crumbled over salads, or on a brunch board.
