Can I Make Bacon in the Air Fryer

Can You Make Bacon in the Air Fryer? A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Crispy Bacon

Let’s be honest—bacon is a breakfast staple that’s hard to resist. The smoky, savory aroma alone is enough to get anyone out of bed. But cooking it can be a hassle. Stovetop frying leaves grease splattered everywhere, and oven-baking takes forever. Enter the air fryer, a game-changer for bacon lovers. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I make bacon in the air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. Not only is it possible, but it’s also one of the easiest and least messy ways to achieve perfectly crispy bacon. I’ve been tinkering with my air fryer for years, and I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you nail this method.

Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a revelation for several reasons. First, it’s fast. Unlike an oven, which needs time to preheat, an air fryer gets to temperature in minutes. Second, it’s less messy than stovetop cooking—no grease splattering your counters or burning your arm. The fat drips into the basket below, making cleanup a breeze. Third, the hot air circulation in an air fryer cooks bacon evenly, giving you that coveted crispy texture without soggy spots. Plus, you don’t have to stand over a skillet, flipping strips and dodging grease pops. It’s hands-off, quick, and delivers bacon that’s just as good (if not better) than traditional methods.

How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Here’s a foolproof method to get crispy bacon every time. I’ve tested this with different air fryers and bacon types, so you can trust it works across the board.

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking, though some air fryer models (like my Ninja) don’t require it for bacon. Check your manual if you’re unsure. To prevent smoking from excess grease, add about a quarter cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This trick, recommended by Simply Recipes, catches dripping fat and keeps your kitchen smoke-free.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the edges touch slightly, as bacon shrinks while cooking, but avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping. If your bacon is too long for the basket, cut the strips in half or crease them slightly for a wavy look. For a standard air fryer, you can typically fit 4-6 slices per batch. If you’re cooking a lot, plan to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Cook to Your Desired Crispness

Cook time depends on the bacon’s thickness and how crispy you like it. Here’s a general guide:

• Regular-cut bacon: 7-9 minutes at 350°F for softer bacon; 9-11 minutes for crispy.
• Thick-cut bacon: 10-12 minutes for softer; 12-14 minutes for extra crispy.
• Turkey bacon: 6-8 minutes, as it’s leaner and cooks faster.

Check the bacon halfway through and flip the strips with tongs for even cooking, though some air fryers (like basket-style models) may not require flipping if the air circulates well. If you want bacon bits for salads or soups, cook an extra 1-2 minutes for a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. If you’re cooking multiple batches, carefully pour out the grease from the basket between rounds to prevent smoking. Serve your bacon hot with eggs, on a BLT, or crumbled over a baked potato. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

After countless batches, here are my go-to tips to elevate your bacon game:

• Prevent Smoking: Bacon grease can smoke if it builds up. Besides adding water, you can place a slice of bread under the basket (not on the cooking surface) to absorb drippings, as suggested by Well Plated. Just make sure your air fryer is clean before starting.
• Don’t Use Foil or Parchment: While some recipes suggest lining the basket with foil, it can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking. If you must use a liner, opt for perforated parchment designed for air fryers, and secure it with the bacon to prevent it from flying around.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Models vary. My Cosori cooks slightly faster than my friend’s Philips, so check your bacon a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. Start with the lower end of the cook time and add more if needed.
• Save the Grease: Pour the rendered fat into a jar for cooking later—think roasted veggies or fried eggs with a smoky twist.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Bacon

Can I cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Turkey bacon works just as well, though it cooks faster due to its lower fat content. Aim for 6-8 minutes at 350°F, checking for doneness.

Will my kitchen smell like bacon?

One of the perks of air fryer bacon is that it contains the smell better than stovetop cooking. Your kitchen might have a faint bacon aroma, but it won’t linger all day like skillet-cooked bacon does.

How do I store leftover bacon?

Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. I often cook extra strips to toss into salads or breakfast casseroles during the week.

Can I cook frozen bacon?

Yes, but thaw it slightly first. Place frozen bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to separate the slices, then arrange in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, as noted by The Big Man’s World.

Why You’ll Never Go Back to Stovetop Bacon

I used to dread cooking bacon because of the mess and the constant attention it demanded. The air fryer has changed that. It’s fast, produces consistently crispy results, and cleanup is as simple as wiping out the basket or tossing it in the dishwasher. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast for one or prepping bacon for a crowd, this method delivers without the hassle. Try it once, and I bet you’ll be hooked—just like I was when I first discovered how easy it is to make bacon this way.

So, next time you’re craving bacon, skip the skillet and fire up your air fryer. You’ll get that perfect crunch without the greasy aftermath. Got a favorite bacon recipe or air fryer trick? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy this breakfast classic!