This Brown Sugar & Chili Bacon Jerky is the ultimate fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy—a snack that brings bold flavor with every chewy bite. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for movie night or prepping a high-protein treat for the week, this air fryer bacon jerky delivers on all fronts. The thick-cut bacon becomes perfectly glazed, while the blend of chili powder, brown sugar, and pepper adds just the right amount of complexity.
Using the air fryer not only speeds things up compared to traditional oven methods but also helps achieve an ideal balance between chewy and crisp. As the bacon cools, the sugars firm up to create that signature jerky texture that’s slightly sticky and completely addictive.
What’s great about this recipe is how customizable it is. Want more heat? Add cayenne or crushed red pepper. Prefer it sweeter? Use maple syrup or honey in the glaze. This snack can lean smoky, sweet, or spicy depending on your preferences.
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Serve it as a standalone snack, crumble it over salads, or tuck it into sandwiches for an irresistible flavor boost. However you enjoy it, this bacon jerky is guaranteed to impress.
Servings and timing:
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions:
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