That’s right, you can make your own bacon bits in your air fryer. They taste even better than store-bought bacon bits! You might be thinking, “I could just cook bacon and crumble it up,” but those won’t have the same texture and flavor as these bacon bits.
Most recipes can use homemade bacon crumbles, which are cooked and broken up pieces of bacon. But if you want the BEST BACON BITS ever, follow this cooking method!
You can add bacon bits to egg salad, tossed salads, pasta salads, baked potatoes, and a lot of other things.
Crunchy, salty bacon bits can make almost any dish more delicious. But sometimes those pre-packaged bacon bits can turn out disappointingly mushy and rubbery. If you’re wondering how to make store-bought bacon bits crispy again, you’ve come to the right place!
With just a few simple tricks, you can revive and recrisp those lackluster bacon bits from the store into tasty little bites of glory. Read on to unlock the secrets.
Why Bother With Store-Bought Bits?
First, let’s discuss why pre-made bacon bits can be so convenient despite their potential for mushiness.
Real bacon certainly tastes best when freshly cooked. But it takes time to fry or bake Pre-cooked bacon bits skip that step, allowing you to quickly add bacon flavor to anything Other perks include
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Long shelf life: Store-bought bits last for weeks or months when sealed.
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No mess: Bacon grease can splatter and make a mess. Bits avoid that.
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Portion control: Bits allow you to shake on just the amount you want.
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Versatility: Toss bits on salads, baked potatoes, pasta – anything!
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Cost: Bits tend to cost less than bacon by the pound.
With those benefits, it’s worth reviving those lackluster bits into something crispy and delicious!
Check the Ingredients
Not all bacon bits are created equal. Before attempting to recrisp them, check the ingredients list on your package.
You may see:
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Real bacon bits: Made from actual cooked bacon, creating a meaty texture. Most likely to recrisp well.
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Imitation bacon bits: Made from textured vegetable protein, often soy. Won’t get as crispy, but still adds flavor.
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Bacon-flavored bits: No real or imitation bacon, just artificial flavoring. Recrisping does little to improve these.
For best results, seek out real bacon or imitation bits made with soy protein. Avoid plain artificially flavored types.
Frying Method
One of the most effective ways to recrisp lackluster bacon bits is by frying them briefly in a skillet. Here’s a simple stovetop method:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tsp oil.
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Add 2-3 ounces of bacon bits in an even layer.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Once the bits start sizzling and browning, remove from heat.
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Drain on paper towels. Let cool completely before storing or eating.
Frying uses fat to quickly re-crisp the bits. Just be careful not to burn them!
Baking Method
For a lower-fat option, try baking your sad bacon bits instead.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Spread bits in a single layer on the sheet.
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Bake 5-7 minutes, until browned and sizzling.
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Let cool before serving.
The hot oven dries out the bits and makes them crispy again. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Air Fryer Method
An air fryer is ideal for making bacon bits crispy. The circulating hot air crisps them up with less fat than frying.
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Spread bits in air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking basket occasionally.
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Check often to avoid burning.
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Let cool before eating for maximum crunch.
The air fryer’s heat revives the texture perfectly. This yields bits with the satisfying crunch you crave.
Microwave Method
You can even use the microwave to freshen up those limp bits. Just microwave in short bursts:
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Spread bits on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
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Microwave in 15-second intervals until crispy, stirring between each.
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Watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Let cool completely before eating or storing.
Microwaving partially dries out the bits to make them crunch again. Be very careful not to overcook.
Tips for Maximizing Crispiness
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Pat off excess oil or moisture before cooking to encourage crispiness.
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Spread in a thin, even layer for best results. Piling bits causes uneven cooking.
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Allow bits to fully cool after cooking before eating or storing. They continue crisping as they cool.
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Store recrisped bits in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can cause them to soften again.
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Recrisp leftovers using the same method before eating to revive crunch.
With the right techniques, you can easily re-crisp those lackluster bacon bits into something delicious. Now go forth and sprinkle crunchy bacon happiness onto everything!
Flavor Variations of Bacon Bits
If you are a bacon lover like me and my husband, then you have probably tried candied bacon, and guess what?… candied bacon makes delicious bacon bits!
Simply marinate the bacon slices and then slice into strips to make homemade candied bacon bits. Because there is a higher sugar content, lower the cooking temperature about 50 degrees.
How to Store Bacon Bits
Refrigeration
Make sure the bacon bits have cooled and then transfer them into an airtight container or plastic bag. Putting a paper towel in with them helps them stay crispy longer because it soaks up any extra grease.
You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Before freezing, I recommend putting the bacon bits in the refrigerator overnight so they are completely cold.
Even a little steam from them being warm before putting them in the freezer can make ice crystals form.
Place the bacon bits in a freezer bag, a vacuum sealer bag (and vacuum seal), or an airtight freezer container.
Freeze for up to 6 months for best quality.
Homemade bacon bits should always be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage. Bacon bits can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container or frozen for up to 6 months.
You can make as much or as little as you want by increasing or decreasing the bacon used. I think that cooking no more than one pound of bacon strips at a time will give you the best results. The cooking times will stay the same no matter how little or how much bacon you cook. 1 pound of bacon strips will make about 1 cup of bacon bits.
If you put strained and cool bacon grease in a container that won’t let air in, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 6 months or the freezer for at least a year.
How to Cook Bacon So It’s Crispy, Tender, and the Most Perfect Ever
FAQ
How to make precooked bacon crispy?
How to store cooked bacon to keep it crisp?
How do you make crispy bacon bits?
Chewy Bacon Bits: Thick sliced bacon is great for chewy bacon bits. Thick-cut bacon strips will cook up golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. To make crispy bacon bits, the main piece of equipment you’ll need is a large skillet. (Read more about our recommendation for the best frying pan for bacon .) You’ll also need:
How do you make homemade bacon bits with real bacon?
Making your own homemade bacon bits with real bacon is so easy! These real bacon crumbles are so much better than store-bought! Preheat the oven to 400F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Put bacon slices on baking sheets in a single layer. Put bacon in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until very crisp.
How do you store homemade bacon bits?
Unlike store-bought versions packed with preservatives, homemade bacon bits are more susceptible to spoilage. So, to keep them fresh and flavorful, always store them in the fridge or freezer, as mentioned earlier. Homemade bacon bits ingredients: thick cut bacon, paprika and either granulated garlic or garlic powder. Simple and delicious.
Can bacon bits be frozen?
Remove homemade bacon bits from pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Allow crispy bacon bits to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar or container and store in the fridge for up to a week. Or, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. How much bacon bits equal a slice of bacon?