Experience a delightful twist on traditional bacon with this recipe that perfectly combines the irresistible crispiness of air-fried bacon and the aromatic freshness of basil leaves. The gentle warmth of the cooked bacon slightly wilts the basil, releasing its vibrant fragrance and complementing every savory bite.
This easy-to-make dish elevates your usual breakfast or snack and pairs wonderfully with salads, sandwiches, or any meal needing an herbaceous bacon boost. Whether served alone or crumbled over dishes, the fresh basil adds a unique freshness that creates an unforgettable flavor balance.
- Quick and mess-free way to cook bacon using an air fryer for perfectly crisp slices.
- Fresh basil adds a fragrant herbal note that contrasts beautifully with smoky bacon.
- Versatile as a standalone snack or flavorful addition to meals like salads and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Bacon slices (12 slices): Thick or regular cut bacon perfect for achieving crispy, evenly cooked strips in the air fryer.
- Fresh basil leaves (about 1 bunch): Aromatic and vibrant basil to add a fresh herbal layer when topped on warm bacon.
- Ground black pepper (optional): Adds subtle heat and enhances the savory flavor of the bacon.
- Honey (optional): Light drizzle for a sweet-savory contrast that complements smoked bacon and basil.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer
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Set your air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F) and allow it to warm for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up quickly without sticking.
- Arrange the Bacon in a Single Layer
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Lay the bacon slices carefully in the air fryer basket or tray, avoiding excessive overlap. This arrangement allows hot air circulation to crisp each slice uniformly, preventing sogginess.
- Air Fry the Bacon
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Cook the bacon for 8 to 12 minutes, checking halfway through to flip slices if needed. This step helps achieve perfect crispiness tailored to your preference; cook time may vary based on bacon thickness and fryer model.
- Drain Excess Grease
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Transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess fat. Draining is important for maintaining crisp texture and preventing greasiness.
- Top with Fresh Basil
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While the bacon is still warm, arrange fresh basil leaves on top. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its fragrant oils and enhancing the dish’s complexity without overpowering the bacon’s smoky flavor.
- Season and Serve
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Optionally, sprinkle ground black pepper for a mild spice or drizzle honey for a touch of sweetness. Serve immediately on its own, with eggs, sandwiches, or crumbled over salads for added flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, increase the air fryer temperature to 190 °C (375 °F) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Always add basil right before serving to keep its color vibrant and flavor fresh.
- You can prep bacon ahead and refresh briefly in the air fryer to restore crispness before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bacon alongside scrambled eggs or avocado toast for breakfast. It also works beautifully crumbled atop fresh leafy salads or layered within your favorite sandwiches and burgers for a flavorful crunch.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite and superior texture in the air fryer.
- Experiment with a squeeze of fresh lemon or sprinkle of red pepper flakes atop the basil for a bright or spicy flavor twist.
- Monitor cooking times closely, as air fryer wattages vary and affect bacon doneness.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen bacon for this recipe?
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It’s best to use thawed bacon for even cooking and to avoid excess moisture that prevents crispiness.
- How do I prevent basil from wilting too much?
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Add basil right after cooking and serving to ensure it stays fresh and vibrant with minimal wilting.
- What if my bacon sticks to the air fryer basket?
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Consider lining the basket with perforated parchment paper or lightly spraying it with cooking oil before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
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Yes, you can bake bacon in a conventional oven on a rack at 190 °C (375 °F) for about 15-20 minutes, but the air fryer offers quicker, crispier results.
- Is it okay to skip the honey or pepper?
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Absolutely! The bacon and basil combination is flavorful on its own; season optional items to suit your taste.
Air Fryer Bacon with Basil
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 paper towels for draining excess grease
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- Optional: ground black pepper
- Optional: light drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Place bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
- Air fry the bacon for 8 to 12 minutes, checking halfway and flipping if needed, until crispy to your preference.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Top the warm bacon with fresh basil leaves to allow their aroma to release slightly.
- Optionally, season with a sprinkle of ground black pepper or drizzle honey for a sweet-savory balance.
- Serve immediately alone, with eggs, in sandwiches, or crumbled over salads.
Notes
- Add basil just before serving to keep its color and fragrance fresh.
- Try a squeeze of lemon or red pepper flakes for brightness or heat.
- Raise air fryer to 375°F (190°C) in last 2 minutes for crispier bacon.
- Cook bacon ahead and reheat briefly for convenience.
