If you love bacon but dread the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stovetop, the air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is quick, easy, and results in perfectly crispy strips with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making breakfast, adding bacon to a sandwich, or just craving that smoky, savory goodness, this method will change the way you cook bacon forever.
Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?
– Less mess: No grease splatters on your stovetop or countertops.
– Healthier: Excess fat drips away from the bacon, reducing calories.
– Quick and easy: Bacon cooks in about 10 minutes, no flipping required in most cases.
– Consistent results: The air fryer’s hot circulating air crisps bacon evenly.
What You Need
– Bacon strips (regular or thick-cut)
– An air fryer
– Tongs
– Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Air Fryer
Some air fryer models recommend preheating, but it’s not necessary for bacon. If you want, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This helps start the cooking process immediately.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Place the bacon strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the edges touch slightly, but avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking and airflow. If your strips are too long, you can cut them in half to fit better.
3. Cook the Bacon
– For regular cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon, or 5 to 7 minutes if you prefer it softer.
– For thick-cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes for crispy results.
– If you prefer a higher temperature, 390°F (200°C) for about 8 to 15 minutes also works, but watch carefully to prevent burning or smoking.
Halfway through cooking, you can flip the bacon strips with tongs to ensure even crispiness, though many find flipping optional depending on their air fryer model.
4. Drain the Excess Fat
Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. If you’re cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket between batches to avoid smoking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your bacon is ready to enjoy! Use it in breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, or just as a crispy snack.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
– Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for even cooking.
– Adjust cooking time for thickness: Thicker bacon takes longer; thinner bacon cooks faster.
– Watch for smoke: If your air fryer starts to smoke, reduce the temperature or add a small amount of water to the bottom of the basket to prevent grease from burning.
– Cut bacon to fit: If your air fryer basket is small, cutting strips in half helps fit more bacon.
– Use tongs for flipping: This prevents burns and helps crisp both sides evenly.
Variations and Flavor Boosts
– Smoky-sweet twist: Rub bacon with a mix of paprika and brown sugar before air frying for a delicious flavor boost.
– Spicy kick: Sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper on bacon before cooking.
– Herb-infused: Add a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a subtle aroma.
Cleaning Up
One of the best things about air fryer bacon is the easy cleanup. The grease collects in the bottom tray, so just wipe it out with a paper towel after cooking. The basket usually just needs a quick wash with warm, soapy water.
Common Questions
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Not necessarily. Many cooks skip preheating for bacon and still get great results.
Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, but it may require a few extra minutes. Arrange strips in a single layer and monitor closely.
What if my bacon curls up?
You can use scissors to make a small cut in the fat layer to prevent curling during cooking.
Is air fryer bacon healthier?
Yes, because excess fat drips away during cooking, reducing the overall fat content.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is a game-changer-crispy, quick, and mess-free. Give it a try and enjoy perfect bacon every time!