I made a deliciously creamy broccoli and stilton soup in my slow cooker and topped it with these crispy air fryer bacon toasties. The saltiness of the bacon paired perfectly with the rich soup. Creating a comforting and satisfying combination that is just what you need on a chilly winter’s day. The contrast between the creamy, savoury soup and the crispy, salty toasties made for a delightful meal that was perfect for catching up with a friend.
These bacon toasties aren’t just limited to soup toppings, though. They make fantastic snacks on their own and can be served alongside a variety of dips. Such as a tangy mustard or a creamy cheese dip. So, if you’re hosting a party, consider making a platter of these toasties with a selection of different breads and fillings. You can experiment with different cheeses, add a dollop of tomato relish, or even include a little caramelized onion for an extra burst of flavour.
For a healthier twist, you could use wholemeal bread or even gluten-free bread to cater to dietary preferences. Additionally, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative for those looking to reduce fat. And for vegetarians, you could easily swap out the bacon for a plant-based bacon substitute. Allowing everyone to enjoy these tasty treats.
Storing leftovers is simple. Just place the toasties in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes until they regain their crispiness. These toasties are also great for meal prep, as they can be quickly assembled and cooked. Making them a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 5 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes.
Ingredients for air fryer bacon toasties
6 rashers of streaky bacon
4 slices of white bread
Butter
Method
To start, I air fried six rashes of streaky bacon at 200°C for around 5 minutes. The bacon turned out beautifully crispy and golden, which is exactly how I love it. Depending on how crispy you prefer your bacon, you can adjust the cooking time slightly, but 5 minutes at 200°C was perfect for me. Once done, I carefully removed the bacon from the air fryer and set it aside to rest.
Next, I took 4 slices of white bread and cut off the crusts. I always save the crusts for later use, such as making croutons for salads or soups, so nothing goes to waste! After removing the crusts, I spread a generous layer of butter on each slice of bread. The butter helps to achieve that golden, crispy texture when air frying.
I then added the crispy bacon to the non-buttered side of each slice of bread. So once the bacon was placed, I cut the sandwiches into small squares. This makes it easier to eat and also ensures the bacon-to-bread ratio is just right in each bite.
Next, I took each sandwich square and placed it onto small wooden skewers, threading them carefully so the pieces stay together. I then popped the skewered sandwiches into the air fryer basket at 200°C for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick air fry gave the bread an extra crispy texture, making it the perfect base for the bacon.
Finally, I served these air fryer bacon toasties as a delicious topping for my soup, just like croutons but much tastier. So the crispy, buttery bread and savoury bacon added a perfect crunch and flavour contrast to my bowl of soup. These little bacon toastie squares make a fantastic accompaniment to any soup or even on their own as a snack!
Tips for Air Fryer Bacon Toasties
1. Choose Quality Bread:
Go for thick, sturdy slices like sourdough, farmhouse white, or wholemeal. They hold up better and get a beautiful golden crunch without getting soggy.
2. Use Good Bacon:
Opt for streaky or back bacon, depending on your preference. Thicker cuts give a meatier bite, while thinner bacon crisps up nicely.
3. Precook the Bacon:
Cook your bacon slightly before adding it to the toastie, about halfway done in the air fryer or pan. This prevents undercooked bacon and helps avoid excess grease making the toastie soggy.
4. Butter the Bread:
Spread butter or mayo on the outside of each bread slice before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior everyone loves.
5. Choose Melting Cheese:
Use cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix. Adding cheese not only adds flavour but also helps bind the toastie together.
6. Add Extras for Flavour:
Tomato slices, caramelised onions, or a smear of mustard can add exciting layers of taste to your bacon toastie.
7. Don’t Overfill:
Too much filling can cause uneven cooking or leaks. Keep the bacon and cheese in a nice, even layer for the best results.
8. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and preheat for 2–3 minutes. This ensures crispiness from the start.
9. Cook Time:
Cook your toasties for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning on both sides.
10. Check for Crispiness:
Cooking times vary by air fryer, so keep an eye on your toasties to avoid burning.
11. Let It Rest:
Allow your toastie to cool for a minute or two before slicing to let the cheese set and avoid burns.
Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy crispy, melty air fryer bacon toasties every time. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack!
Similar recipes
If you love these tasty air fryer bacon toasties, you may also like my easy air fryer club sandwich or the air fryer sausage tarts recipe.
Or if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
Or check out my new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many more features to make your meal prepping easier!