Cooking bacon in the oven is perfectly classic, but I’m here to tell you about my new favorite cooking hack: Air fryer bacon. Faster than it takes to preheat the oven and perfect for small batches, the air fryer might make the crispiest bacon of all time without a crazy amount of grease (and no time wasted standing over a hot skillet). You still get all the mesmerizing smells of bacon without too much effort, and that’s something I can get behind. Whether you are new to air frying or an old pro, here is what you need to know to ensure the perfect air-fried bacon.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Bacon?
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for their ability to crisp up food with minimal oil, and bacon is no exception. The hot air circulation in an air fryer mimics the effects of frying, giving you that perfect crunchy texture without the greasy splatter of a stovetop skillet. Unlike oven baking, which requires preheating and can take longer, air fryers heat up quickly and cook bacon in about 8-15 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since the grease collects in the drip tray or basket, sparing your kitchen from oil splatters. However, it’s worth noting that air fryers aren’t ideal for large batches, as you’re limited by the basket size, so you may need to cook in batches for a crowd.
How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is straightforward, but a few tips can make the difference between good and great results. Here’s a detailed guide to get it right every time:
the Right Bacon
The type of bacon you use matters. Regular-cut bacon cooks faster, typically in 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon may take 10-14 minutes for crispy results. Streaky bacon, common in the U.S., has more fat and may cook quicker but can produce more smoke due to its higher fat content. Back bacon, more common in the UK, is meatier and works well too. For the best flavor, try thick, uncured bacon, which many find more robust. If you’re using turkey bacon, reduce the cooking time to 5-7 minutes since it’s leaner and thinner.
the Air Fryer
Most recipes recommend a cooking temperature of 350°F (175°C) to stay below the bacon fat smoke point of 400°F, which helps prevent smoking and burning. Preheating isn’t always necessary, but if your air fryer model requires it, give it 3 minutes at 350°F. To make cleanup even easier, you can line the basket with aluminum foil, but avoid placing foil near the heating element or fan to prevent safety issues. A clever trick from Well Plated is to place a slice of bread under the basket to absorb excess grease and reduce smoke, especially in basket-style air fryers.
the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap too much. A little touching is fine since bacon shrinks as it cooks, but overcrowding prevents even crisping. If the strips are too long, cut them in half to fit better. For smaller air fryers, you might only fit 4-6 strips at a time, so plan to cook in batches for larger servings. Some models, like those with racks, allow cooking on multiple levels, but the lower layer may need an extra 2-3 minutes.
to Your Preference
Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook regular bacon for 7-9 minutes for a softer texture or 8-10 minutes for crispy. For thick-cut bacon, aim for 10-12 minutes for softer results or 12-14 minutes for extra crispy. Flipping the bacon halfway through ensures even cooking, though some recipes, like one from Natasha’s Kitchen, suggest it’s not always necessary due to the air fryer’s circulation. Check the bacon periodically, as air fryer models vary, and adjust the time to suit your taste. For a fun twist, try sprinkling brown sugar or a drizzle of sriracha after flipping for a caramelized, spicy kick.
the Grease
Bacon releases a lot of fat, which collects in the drip tray. To avoid smoking, carefully pour out the grease and wipe the tray with a paper towel between batches. Some suggest adding a small amount of water to the drip tray before cooking to prevent smoking, but be cautious, as mixing water with hot grease can cause splattering, posing a safety risk. Always let the air fryer cool before cleaning, then wash the basket with warm, soapy water and wipe down the interior to remove any grease splatters.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
– Prevent Curling: Bacon can curl as it cooks. To minimize this, snip the fatty edges with scissors when you flip the strips, as suggested by Taming Twins. This helps the bacon lie flat for even cooking.
– Avoid Overcooking: Higher temperatures like 390°F or 400°F, as seen in some recipes, can lead to burnt bacon or excessive smoke. Stick to 350°F for consistent results.
– Store and Reheat: Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 1-2 minutes or in the microwave for a quick fix.
– Batch Cooking: If cooking multiple batches, the air fryer will already be hot, so subsequent batches may cook faster. Keep an eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One frequent issue is smoking, often caused by bacon grease reaching its smoke point or leftover food particles burning on the heating element. To prevent this, clean the air fryer thoroughly after each use and avoid cooking above 350°F. Another challenge is uneven cooking, especially in smaller air fryers or when bacon is overlapped. Always arrange strips in a single layer and flip if needed. Finally, don’t skip draining the grease between batches, as accumulated fat can burn and affect the flavor of later batches.
Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon isn’t just for breakfast. Crumble it over a baked potato, toss it into a Caesar salad, or use it to elevate dishes like mac and cheese or green bean casserole. It’s perfect for BLT sandwiches, breakfast wraps, or as a topping for soups like clam chowder. For a make-ahead hack, partially cook bacon for 4-5 minutes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, and finish cooking for 2-3 minutes when ready to serve. This saves time for quick meals like bacon sandwiches or breakfast bowls.
Is It Worth It?
While some argue that oven or skillet methods are better for large batches, the air fryer shines for small portions, speed, and minimal mess. It’s ideal for a quick breakfast for one or two people or when you want crispy bacon without heating up the kitchen. However, if you’re cooking for a crowd, the oven might be more efficient since you can fit more bacon on a tray. Ultimately, the air fryer’s convenience, speed, and crispy results make it a game-changer for bacon lovers.
Our air fryer bacon will drain all the unnecessary fat from your bacon and produce the best crispy piece of bacon you’ve ever had.
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