How Do You Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Bacon is SO easy to make and results in perfectly cooked bacon every.single.time. You’re going to love this quick and easy method for making perfect bacon! Mom On Timeout

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the mess of stovetop frying or the long wait of oven baking. After analyzing top-ranking Google results for “How Do You Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer,” it’s clear that popular articles focus on simplicity, crispiness, and minimal cleanup. They typically cover step-by-step instructions, temperature and timing guidelines, and tips for avoiding common issues like smoking. However, many lack depth on troubleshooting, bacon type variations, and creative serving ideas. This article dives deeper, offering practical advice, detailed techniques, and solutions to ensure your bacon comes out perfect every time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Bacon?

Air fryers excel at cooking bacon because they circulate hot air evenly, crisping the bacon without drowning it in its own grease, unlike skillet frying. The grease drips through the basket, collecting below, which means less mess and no splattering on your stovetop. Compared to oven baking, air fryers cook faster since they don’t require preheating a large oven, making them ideal for small batches or quick breakfasts. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just pour out the grease and wipe down the basket.

Choosing the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal, and your choice impacts cooking time and results. Regular-cut bacon (about 1/16-inch thick) cooks faster, while thick-cut bacon (about 1/8-inch thick) needs a bit more time for that perfect crisp. Streaky bacon, common in the U.S., has more fat and may produce more grease, while back bacon, popular in the UK, is meatier and leaner. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon works too, but these leaner options often cook faster, so check them earlier. For example, turkey bacon might only need 5-7 minutes compared to pork bacon’s 8-12 minutes. Always check the package for specific guidance if you’re using an alternative bacon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Here’s how to get crispy bacon every time using your air fryer:

the Air Fryer

Most sources agree that preheating isn’t always necessary for bacon, as the air fryer heats up quickly. However, preheating for 2-3 minutes at 350°F can ensure even cooking, especially for thicker cuts. To prevent smoking, add about ¼ cup of water or place a slice of bread under the basket (not touching the bacon) to absorb drippings. This trick, noted by Well Plated, keeps your kitchen smoke-free since bacon fat’s smoke point is around 400°F.

the Bacon

Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A little touching at the edges is fine since bacon shrinks as it cooks, but avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping. If your bacon is too long, cut strips in half to fit comfortably. For larger batches, consider rolling bacon into rosettes, as suggested by Foodess, to fit more strips without sacrificing crispiness.

the Temperature and Time

The ideal temperature for air fryer bacon is 350°F to 360°F, as it allows fat to render without burning. Cooking times vary based on bacon thickness and desired crispiness:

• Regular-cut bacon: 7-9 minutes for softer bacon, 9-11 minutes for crispy.
• Thick-cut bacon: 10-12 minutes for softer, 12-15 minutes for crispy.
• Turkey or thin bacon: 5-7 minutes, checking early to avoid overcooking.

Flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking, especially if your air fryer doesn’t circulate air evenly. Use tongs to avoid burns. Check progress at the lower end of the time range, as air fryer models differ.

and Drain

Once cooked to your liking, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. If cooking multiple batches, pour out the grease from the drip tray between rounds to prevent smoking. Save the fat in a jar for cooking eggs or roasting vegetables—it’s liquid gold!

Up

After cooling, pour out any remaining grease and wipe the basket with a damp cloth or wash with soapy water. Lining the drip tray with foil (not the basket itself, to avoid blocking airflow) can make cleanup even easier, but ensure it doesn’t touch the heating element.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Many online recipes gloss over potential pitfalls, but here’s how to handle them:

• Smoking: If your air fryer smokes, lower the temperature to 350°F and ensure the drip tray is clean. Adding water or bread under the basket helps absorb grease.
• Uneven Cooking: Overcrowding or overlapping strips can cause this. Stick to a single layer and flip halfway. If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the basket mid-cook.
• Curling: Bacon naturally curls as it cooks. Snip the fat layer with scissors before flipping to keep it flat, as suggested by Taming Twins.
• Burnt Bacon: High temperatures (like 400°F) can burn thinner bacon. Stick to 350°F and check early, especially for thin or lean cuts.

Creative Serving Ideas

Air fryer bacon isn’t just for breakfast. Crumble it over a baked potato or potato soup for extra crunch, or use it in a classic BLT sandwich. Add it to salads like a Caesar or Cobb for a smoky kick. For a fun twist, sprinkle brown sugar or a drizzle of sriracha on the bacon halfway through cooking for a candied or spicy finish. Pair it with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or even wrap it around asparagus for a fancy side dish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover bacon? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For longer storage, freeze cooked bacon on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

My crispy Air Fryer Bacon recipe will change the way you make bacon! It is much easier than making bacon on the stove or in the oven and it takes 10 minutes. You will love how simple it is to make bacon in the air fryer! Try it once, and you may never return to cooking bacon the traditional way. Clean up is so easy!