Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is well blended.

Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the bacon slices, making sure each slice is thoroughly coated. Gently press the sugar mixture onto the bacon with your hands.

Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until it is deeply caramelized and crisp. Check the bacon at the 30-minute mark; if it isn't crispy enough, continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer the bacon to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for another 10 minutes to let the caramelized coating harden.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Coat the bacon slices with the sugar mixture, pressing it onto the bacon to ensure it adheres well.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the bacon slices inside. Air fry for about 8 minutes, checking at the 4-minute mark to see if any slices need rearranging to cook evenly.

Serve the candied bacon hot and enjoy!