How Long Do You Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer

How Long Do You Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, perfectly cooked bacon without the mess of stovetop frying. The air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal cleanup, making it a go-to method for breakfast lovers and meal preppers alike. But the big question is: how long do you cook bacon in the air fryer to get that ideal texture—whether you prefer it chewy or extra crispy? Let’s break it down with practical tips, precise timings, and a few tricks to ensure your bacon comes out just right every time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Bacon?

Before diving into the cooking times, let’s talk about why the air fryer is such a fantastic tool for bacon. The hot air circulation cooks the strips evenly, rendering fat efficiently and giving you that coveted crispy texture. Unlike pan-frying, there’s no need to stand over a splattering skillet, and the air fryer’s basket keeps the grease contained. Plus, it’s faster than oven-baking, and you can cook smaller batches without heating up your entire kitchen. If you’re new to air fryer cooking, check out Serious Eats’ guide for a deeper dive into the science of air fryer bacon.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Not all bacon is created equal, and several factors influence how long it takes to cook in an air fryer:

• Bacon Thickness: Regular-cut bacon (about 1/16 inch thick) cooks faster than thick-cut bacon (about 1/8 inch thick). Thinner strips might be done in as little as 5 minutes, while thicker ones can take up to 15 minutes.
• Desired Crispiness: If you like your bacon soft and chewy, you’ll cook it for less time. For shatteringly crisp bacon, you’ll need a few extra minutes.
• Air Fryer Model: Every air fryer is slightly different. Basket-style models (like Ninja or Cosori) may cook faster than oven-style air fryers due to their compact design. Always check your bacon a minute or two before the recommended time.
• Batch Size: Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to a single layer of bacon, even if it means cooking in batches.
• Temperature: Most recipes recommend cooking bacon at 350°F to 400°F. Lower temperatures (around 350°F) produce tender-crisp bacon, while higher temperatures (400°F) yield crunchier results faster.

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

Here’s a foolproof method to cook bacon in your air fryer, with timings tailored to different bacon types and textures.

Your Bacon

Lay your bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping, as this can cause uneven cooking. If the strips are too long for your basket, cut them in half or trim them to fit. For smaller air fryers, you may need to cook in batches. No need to preheat unless your air fryer manual recommends it—some models, like those from Taming Twins, suggest a quick 3-minute preheat for optimal results.

the Temperature

For most air fryers, 350°F is a safe starting point for even cooking. If you prefer crispier bacon or are short on time, you can bump it up to 400°F, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Thicker bacon benefits from the lower temperature to allow the fat to render properly without charring.

Times

Here are the general guidelines for cooking bacon in an air fryer, based on thickness and desired doneness:

• Regular-Cut Bacon (Thin):
  • Soft and chewy: 5–7 minutes at 350°F
  • Crispy: 8–10 minutes at 350°F or 6–8 minutes at 400°F
• Thick-Cut Bacon:
  • Soft and chewy: 9–11 minutes at 350°F
  • Crispy: 12–15 minutes at 350°F or 9–11 minutes at 400°F
• Canadian Bacon: Since it’s leaner and pre-cooked, it only needs 5–6 minutes at 350°F to heat through and crisp the edges.

Halfway through cooking, flip the bacon strips with tongs to ensure even crispiness. If you’re cooking at 400°F, check after 4–5 minutes to avoid overcooking.

for Doneness

Bacon continues to crisp up as it cools, so pull it out just before it reaches your ideal texture. If it’s not quite done, pop it back in for 1–2 minutes. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Up

Once the air fryer cools, remove the basket and pour out the rendered bacon fat into a heat-safe container. You can save it for cooking (it’s great for frying eggs!) or discard it once solidified. Wipe down the basket with a damp cloth or wash it if needed.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

• Don’t Overcrowd: If you cram too many strips into the basket, they’ll steam rather than crisp. Stick to 4–5 slices per batch in a standard 5-quart air fryer.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: If your model runs hot (check your manual or test with a small batch), reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
• Try a Rack: Some air fryers come with a rack accessory that elevates the bacon, allowing fat to drip away for extra crispiness. If you don’t have one, you can find compatible racks online.
• Experiment with Flavors: Brush your bacon with a touch of maple syrup or sprinkle with black pepper before cooking for a gourmet twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with an air fryer, things can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Cooking at Too High a Temperature: Setting your air fryer above 400°F can burn the bacon, especially thinner cuts, before it crisps evenly.
• Skipping the Flip: Flipping halfway through ensures both sides cook uniformly. If you skip this step, one side might be chewy while the other is overdone.
• Ignoring Grease: Bacon releases a lot of fat, which can smoke if not drained. Check your air fryer’s manual for tips on managing grease, or pause mid-cooking to pour it off.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bacon

If you’re cooking a big batch, store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 3 months—just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. For more storage tips, Allrecipes has a great guide on air fryer bacon prep and storage.

Final Thoughts

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is all about finding the sweet spot for your preferences and your specific appliance. Start with 350°F for 7–10 minutes for regular bacon or 9–12 minutes for thick-cut, and adjust from there. With a little trial and error, you’ll nail that perfect balance of crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between. The air fryer makes it so easy, you might never go back to the skillet. So, grab your bacon, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a hassle-free breakfast that’s ready in minutes.