Step 1

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 3

Coat the Bacon: Lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface or cutting board. Take the brown sugar mixture and evenly coat each strip of bacon, pressing it in gently to adhere.

Step 4

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer has limited space.

Step 5

Air Fry the Bacon: Cook the bacon in the preheated air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model. The bacon should become crispy and caramelized.

Step 6

Drain and Cool: Once done, carefully remove the candied bacon from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 7

Enjoy: Your Air Fryer Brown Sugar Candied Bacon is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delightful snack, a side for breakfast, or as a unique topping for burgers and sandwiches.