Air Fryer Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon - Sweet and Smoky
This indulgent bacon transforms ordinary breakfast strips into a sweet and savory masterpiece. Thick-cut bacon is coated in a rich mixture of brown sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup, then air fried to crispy perfection. The sugars caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, creating a glossy coating that hardens as it cools. Perfect for special brunches, holiday gatherings, or as an appetizer. The bourbon adds depth while the maple syrup provides classic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon in a large wide bowl
- 2
Press syrup mixture onto both sides of bacon strips
- 3
Place coated bacon in air fryer basket or tray
- 4
Cook at 400 degrees F for 7 to 10 minutes
- 5
Let cool to allow sugars to harden
- 6
Plate and serve
Tips
Use thick-cut bacon for best results as it holds the coating better and stays tender inside
Let the bacon cool completely before serving to allow the sugar coating to properly harden and set
Pat bacon dry before coating to help the syrup mixture adhere better
Good to Know
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can coat bacon up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking
Best served at room temperature when sugar coating has fully set
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cooling step or the coating won't harden properly
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 5-7 minutes as thinner bacon cooks faster and may become too crispy.
What if I don't have bourbon?
You can substitute with whiskey, rum, or omit alcohol entirely and add extra maple syrup for sweetness.
How long will this keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating may soften slightly but will still taste great.