How Long to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer at 400

How Long to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer at 400°F: Your Guide to Perfectly Crispy Strips

Nothing beats the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning, but cooking it on the stovetop can be a greasy, splattery mess. Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for bacon lovers. Cooking bacon in an air fryer at 400°F delivers crispy, evenly cooked strips with minimal cleanup. But how long does it take to get that perfect crunch? Let’s dive into the details, including tips, tricks, and adjustments for different bacon types, so you can nail it every time.

Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, mimicking the crispiness of frying without the oil-soaked mess. For bacon, this means the fat renders off, dripping through the basket’s holes, leaving you with leaner, crispier strips. Plus, there’s no flipping required, and your kitchen stays cleaner than with stovetop cooking. Cleanup is as simple as pouring out the grease and wiping down the basket.

How Long to Cook Bacon at 400°F

The cooking time for bacon in an air fryer at 400°F depends on the bacon’s thickness, your desired crispiness, and your air fryer model. Here’s a breakdown:

• Regular-cut bacon: Cook for 6-8 minutes for chewy bacon or 8-10 minutes for crispy bacon.
• Thin-cut bacon: Takes about 5-7 minutes for crispy results, as it has less fat to render.
• Thick-cut bacon: Requires 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon, sometimes up to 14 minutes for extra crunch.
• Turkey bacon: Leaner and thinner, it cooks in about 6-8 minutes at 400°F.

These times are based on testing across popular air fryer models like Cosori and Ninja. For example, The Big Man’s World notes consistent results with these ranges in both Phillips XXL and Ninja air fryers. Always check your bacon a minute or two before the suggested time, as air fryers vary in wattage and efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon at 400°F

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked bacon every time:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes if your model recommends it. Some air fryers, like basket-style models, don’t require preheating for bacon, but it can help ensure even cooking.
2. Arrange the bacon: Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A little overlap is fine since bacon shrinks as it cooks, but avoid stacking. If the strips are too long, cut them in half to fit comfortably.
3. Cook at 400°F: Set the timer based on your bacon type (6-12 minutes, as noted above). No need to flip—the air fryer’s circulation cooks both sides evenly. Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking.
4. Check for doneness: Peek at the bacon after 5-6 minutes. If it’s not crispy enough, add 1-2 minutes. For extra-crispy bacon, extend the time slightly but watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Remove and drain: Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease. Pour out the grease from the air fryer basket between batches to prevent smoking.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon at 400°F

To elevate your bacon game, consider these practical tips:

• Prevent smoking: Bacon fat has a smoke point around 400°F, so cooking at this temperature can sometimes cause smoke, especially in smaller air fryers. To minimize this, place a slice of bread or a tablespoon of water under the basket (not with the bacon) to catch drippings, as suggested by Well Plated. Always drain grease between batches.
• Choose the right bacon: Thick-cut bacon holds up well at 400°F, delivering a meatier texture. Regular or thin-cut bacon works great for quicker cooking. For leaner options, try center-cut or turkey bacon, but reduce the time by a minute or two.
• Add flavor: Sprinkle black pepper, brown sugar, or maple syrup on the bacon before cooking for a sweet or savory twist. Be cautious with sugar, as it can burn at high temperatures.
• Cook in batches: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cooking in a single layer ensures even crispiness. Keep cooked bacon warm in a 250°F oven while preparing additional batches.
• Clean up easily: Skip foil or parchment paper, as they can block airflow and reduce crispiness. Instead, wipe the basket with a paper towel after pouring out the grease, then wash with warm soapy water.

Why 400°F Works (and When to Adjust)

Cooking at 400°F strikes a balance between speed and texture, rendering fat quickly for crispy results. However, some sources, like Natasha’s Kitchen, recommend 350°F to avoid smokiness, as bacon fat’s smoke point is close to 400°F. If you notice smoke or prefer less risk, try 350°F and extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Conversely, if your air fryer runs cool, you might need a minute or two extra at 400°F.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the basket: Stacking bacon leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Stick to a single layer, even if it means cooking in batches.
• Skipping grease removal: Failing to pour out grease between batches can cause smoking and affect flavor. Use a heat-safe container to collect grease for cooking or discard it safely.
• Cooking too long: Bacon can go from crispy to burnt quickly. Check early, especially with thin-cut bacon or smaller air fryers.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Bacon

Once you’ve got your perfectly crispy bacon, the possibilities are endless. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or French toast for a classic breakfast. Crumble it over salads, baked potatoes, or mac and cheese for a flavor boost. Or use it in a BLT, breakfast burrito, or bacon-wrapped appetizers for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Storing and Reheating Bacon

Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness, or use the microwave for a quicker option (though it may soften). Avoid freezing cooked bacon, as it can become dry when reheated. Instead, cook fresh bacon in the air fryer—it’s so quick, you won’t mind starting from scratch.

Final Thoughts

Cooking bacon in an air fryer at 400°F is a fast, mess-free way to achieve crispy perfection. Regular-cut bacon takes 6-10 minutes, while thick-cut needs 10-12 minutes, with slight adjustments for your preferred doneness. By arranging strips in a single layer, checking for crispiness, and managing grease, you’ll get restaurant-quality bacon at home. So fire up your air fryer, grab your favorite bacon, and enjoy the easiest, tastiest strips you’ve ever made.