There’s nothing quite like waking up to the enticing aroma of sizzling bacon on a weekend morning. While regular bacon is always a treat, today we’re kicking things up a notch with a recipe for air fryer Canadian bacon cups! These individual bacon and egg bites are like little slices of breakfast heaven.
Crispy Canadian bacon forms edible vessels to cradle bright orange egg yolks, seasoned to perfection with just a touch of salt, pepper, and sweet smoked paprika.
Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve bacon as crispy as if it was fried on the stovetop, without the splatter and mess. The air fryer also cooks the eggs gently and evenly, ensuring a decadent jammy yolk in every bite.
In just 15 short minutes, you can prepare a gourmet breakfast with little effort. Keep reading to discover step-by-step instructions for whipping up these crowd-pleasing bacon-egg bites. We’ll also share helpful cooking tips and creative ways to customize this basic recipe by adding veggies, cheese, or Southwestern flair.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, crunchy Canadian bacon – the air fryer makes the bacon super crispy on the outside while keeping it nice and juicy on the inside. Who doesn’t love crispy bacon?
Runny egg yolks – cracking a medium egg right into the bacon cup creates a delicious runny egg yolk when cooked. When you break into the cup, the yolk oozes out and complements the bacon beautifully.
Smoky and savory flavor – Canadian bacon already has a lovely smokey ham flavor, which is intensified by the addition of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This makes for incredible flavor in every bite!
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this canadian bacon air fryer recipe you will need:
- 6 slices Canadian Bacon
- 4 Eggs (medium)
- Olive Oil Spray
- Smoked Salt
- Black Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy air fryer canadian bacon recipe:
Step 1
Start by greasing a muffin tin with olive oil. Make sure it can fit your air fryer!
Step 2
Line four sections of the muffin tin with a single layer of bacon. You may need one or two slices – depending on the size of the sections.
Step 3
Crack an egg into each of the bacon cups, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 4
Next, preheat your air fryer to 300F (About 150C). Once it’s hot, place the pan with the bacon cups in the air fryer. Fir fry for 11-13 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy this tasty air fryer canadian bacon!
💡Tips
1. Slice Thickness
Don’t underestimate the power of slice thickness! Thicker cut Canadian bacon will take longer to crisp up and cook through the egg, while thinner slices might burn before the egg is set. Aim for a medium thickness (around ¼ inch) for the perfect balance of crispy bacon and gooey yolk.
2. Don’t Crowd the Basket
Leave space between your bacon cups for optimal air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bottoms. If you have a large air fryer, use multiple trays or batches to ensure crispy perfection.
3. Grease Those Muffins Well
Be generous when greasing the muffin tin with olive oil spray. The Canadian bacon releases a good amount of fat and juice during cooking.
Properly greasing the pan first prevents the bacon-egg cups from sticking and making a mess. After cooking, let the tin cool slightly before running a butter knife around the edges of each cup to release. The cups should lift out cleanly.
4. Spices
Smoked paprika is a fantastic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment! A sprinkle of cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat, while dried herbs like thyme or oregano bring in earthy goodness.
For a decadent twist, try crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil before cooking.
5. Veggie Power
Craving some additional nutrients? Chop up your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms and nestle them in the bacon cups before adding the egg. This boosts both the flavor and nutritional profile of your meal.
Variations
1. Cheesy Canadian Bacon Cups: Add a touch of cheesy goodness to your breakfast with this variation. Before cracking the eggs, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon in each cup.
As the eggs cook, the cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chives.
2. Mini Quiche Cups: Turn your Canadian bacon cups into mini quiches for a more substantial meal. After lining the muffin tin with bacon, sauté some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms in a pan.
Divide the veggies equally among the bacon cups, then crack an egg on top of each. Sprinkle with cheese and your favorite quiche spices like thyme, nutmeg, and oregano. Air fry for 13-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown.
3. Spicy Southwestern Scramble: Give your Canadian bacon a spicy kick with this Southwestern twist. Before frying the bacon, toss it in a mixture of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Then, follow the basic recipe, but add a diced tomato and a few chopped avocado slices to each cup before cracking the eggs. Drizzle with a dollop of salsa or sour cream for a refreshing finish.
Storage
This air fryer Canadian bacon is best enjoyed freshly made. However, any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Allow to come to room temperature before reheating in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked in the air fryer?
The eggs are perfectly cooked when the whites are set and the yolks are still slightly runny, which typically takes 11-13 minutes at 300F. However, cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s advisable to start checking around the 10-minute mark.
2. What toppings can I add to this recipe?
Get creative! Chopped chives, shredded cheese, crumbled cooked sausage, or chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers are all delicious options. You can even swap the smoked paprika for another spice like cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I bake this recipe instead of using the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and bake the muffin tin for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the bacon is crispy. However, you might lose some of the air fryer’s signature crispness on the bacon.
Bacon – Not as Unhealthy as You Think
The truth is, bacon has gotten an unfair bad reputation when it comes to its effects on health. When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, bacon can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle.
First, let’s break down the nutrition. Yes, bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium. However, it is also a great source of protein, provides some iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other important nutrients. The type of fat found in bacon is not the dangerous trans fat that should be avoided – and the level of saturated fat is on par with many cuts of beef or dark meat chicken.
Additionally, bacon contains high levels of choline – an essential nutrient that supports liver and brain health. Choline deficiency is very common, making bacon a smart source of this important vitamin.
The concerns around processed meats increasing cancer risk are still inconclusive. While some studies have found a correlation between very high frequent consumption of processed meats and cancer, most experts agree that occasional bacon enjoyment poses little risk.
Moderation is key here. Having a few pieces of bacon once or twice a week as a side to eggs, in a salad, or on a sandwich is unlikely to have negative health effects for most people. Those following keto or low-carb diets may enjoy bacon more regularly as a good fat source that fits the diet.
So don’t fear the bacon! When consumed sensibly as part of an overall nutritious way of eating, bacon can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious air fryer Canadian bacon recipe! The crispy bacon cups paired with the runny eggs makes for a tasty and protein-packed breakfast.
Feel free to get creative with different spice combinations or veggie add-ins. For more simple yet tasty air fryer recipes, be sure to explore the rest of the site and subscribe to our newsletter.
As always, please leave a comment below with any questions or customizations you try – we love hearing your ideas and feedback! Thanks for reading and happy air frying!
Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
- 6 slices Canadian Bacon
- 4 Eggs (medium)
- Olive Oil Spray
- Smoked Salt
- Black Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
- Start by greasing a muffin tin with olive oil. Make sure it can fit your air fryer!
- Line four sections of the muffin tin with a single layer of bacon. You may need one or two slices – depending on the size of the sections.
- Crack an egg into each of the bacon cups, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Next, preheat the air fryer to 300F (About 150C). Once it’s hot, place the pan with the bacon cups in the air fryer. Fir fry for 11-13 minutes.Remove from the air fryer and enjoy this tasty air fryer canadian bacon!
