Yes, you can absolutely cook bacon in an air fryer, and it’s one of the easiest, least messy ways to achieve crispy, delicious strips without the hassle of a skillet or oven. I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for years, and bacon is one of those foods that just works so well in this handy appliance. It’s fast, relatively hands-off, and produces consistently great results. Let’s dive into how to do it right, address common concerns, and share tips to make your air fryer bacon perfect every time.
Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?
Cooking bacon on the stovetop often means dealing with grease splatters that coat your countertops and leave your kitchen smelling like bacon for hours. The oven is great for large batches, but it takes time to preheat and can still leave you with a greasy baking sheet to scrub. An air fryer, on the other hand, is a game-changer for small to medium batches. It cooks bacon quickly—often in under 10 minutes—keeps the mess contained, and delivers that crispy texture we all crave. Plus, the grease collects neatly in the bottom of the basket, making cleanup a breeze. According to Allrecipes, air fryer bacon comes out perfectly crisp with minimal effort, which is why so many home cooks are hooked.
How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting that perfect bacon in your air fryer, based on my own trial and error and insights from trusted sources like Natasha’s Kitchen.
Step 1: Choose Your Bacon
Not all bacon is created equal. Regular-cut bacon (the standard thin slices) cooks faster, typically in 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon might need 10-12 minutes for that crispy finish. You can also use turkey bacon, which is leaner and cooks even quicker—around 5-7 minutes. I’ve tried both, and while pork bacon gives that classic rich flavor, turkey bacon is a solid option for a lighter breakfast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they touch slightly, as they’ll shrink while cooking, but avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cut the strips in half or cook in batches. I’ve found that my 5-quart air fryer fits about 4-6 slices comfortably. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the basket, or you’ll end up with unevenly cooked bacon.
Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time
The sweet spot for cooking bacon in an air fryer is around 350°F (175°C). Higher temperatures, like 400°F, can cause the bacon grease to smoke, especially if you’re cooking multiple batches. For regular bacon, start with 7-9 minutes; for thick-cut, aim for 10-12 minutes. You don’t need to preheat the air fryer for bacon, which saves time compared to oven methods. Check the bacon halfway through and flip it with tongs for even cooking, though some air fryers with strong air circulation might not require flipping.
Step 4: Manage the Grease
Bacon releases a lot of fat as it cooks, which collects in the drip tray or bottom of the air fryer basket. To prevent smoking, pour out the grease between batches and wipe the basket with a paper towel. A clever trick from Well Plated is to place a slice of bread under the basket (not in it) to absorb excess drippings, which can reduce smoke and make cleanup even easier. I’ve also tried adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the basket before cooking, which helps keep the grease from burning.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the bacon reaches your desired crispiness, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Serve it immediately for that hot, crispy goodness, or crumble it for salads, baked potatoes, or breakfast sandwiches. If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep the finished bacon warm in a 250°F oven while you work through batches.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- Check Early and Often: Air fryers vary, so start checking your bacon a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overcooking. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into charcoal at 390°F!
- Use Foil or Parchment (Carefully): Lining the basket with foil can make cleanup easier, but ensure it’s weighed down by the bacon to prevent it from flying around and sticking to the heating element. Parchment paper works too but may leak grease, so foil is often the better choice.
- Season It Up: For a fun twist, try brushing the bacon with a little maple syrup or sprinkling it with black pepper or brown sugar halfway through cooking. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a sweet-savory kick.
- Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers (rare in my house!), store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F for that just-cooked crispiness.
Common Concerns and How to Address Them
Will It Smoke? Bacon grease has a smoke point around 400°F, so cooking at 350°F helps avoid a smoky kitchen. If you notice smoke, it’s likely from grease buildup, so clean the basket between batches and consider the bread or water trick mentioned earlier.
Is It Messy? Compared to stovetop frying, the air fryer is a dream. The grease stays contained, and there’s no splatter to wipe off your stove or walls. Just be sure to dispose of the grease safely once it cools.
Can You Cook a Lot at Once? Air fryers are best for small batches—think 4-6 slices at a time, depending on your basket size. If you’re feeding a crowd, the oven might still be your best bet, as it can handle a full pound of bacon on a single sheet pan. But for a quick breakfast or a couple of BLTs, the air fryer is unbeatable.
Does It Taste as Good? In my experience, air fryer bacon tastes like a cross between pan-fried and oven-baked. It’s crispy, slightly wavy, and full of flavor, especially if you let it cook in its own fat. The air fryer’s convection heat ensures even cooking, so you don’t get those sad, undercooked spots you sometimes find with other methods.
Why I Love This Method
I started cooking bacon in my air fryer a couple of years ago when I got tired of scrubbing grease off my stovetop. Now, it’s my go-to for weekday breakfasts or when I’m craving a BLT but don’t want to heat up the house with the oven. It’s not just about the convenience—though that’s a huge plus. The bacon comes out consistently crispy, and I love that I can set it and forget it while I prep eggs or toast. Plus, my kitchen stays cleaner, and the smell doesn’t linger as long as it does with pan-frying.
So, next time you’re debating how to cook your bacon, give the air fryer a try. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that perfect crunch without the mess. Whether you’re a bacon purist or someone who likes to experiment with flavors, this method will make your mornings (or anytime bacon cravings) that much better.
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