Cooking your bacon in an air fryer results in quick and crispy bacon without the mess! This easy recipe is perfect for cooking breakfast on busy mornings. The Pioneer Woman
Let’s dive into why cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer and how to do it right. Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, and for good reason—they cook food quickly, evenly, and with less mess than traditional methods. When it comes to bacon, the air fryer shines by delivering crispy, perfectly cooked strips in under 15 minutes, without the grease splatters you’d get from a skillet or the long preheat time of an oven. But there’s a bit of know-how needed to get it just right, and I’ve got you covered with all the details, tips, and tricks to make your air fryer bacon a breakfast hero.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Bacon?
The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to circulate hot air around the bacon, cooking it evenly on all sides. Unlike a skillet, where bacon sits in its own grease, or an oven, where you need to wait for preheating, the air fryer’s basket design allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in leaner, crispier bacon. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since the grease collects in the drip tray below. This method is ideal for small batches—perfect for a quick breakfast or a BLT for one or two people. It’s also a lifesaver on hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen with an oven.
How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Here’s a foolproof method to get crispy bacon every time:
Your Bacon
The type of bacon matters. Regular-cut bacon cooks faster, typically in 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon may take 10-14 minutes. You can use any kind—streaky, back bacon, or even turkey bacon—but keep in mind that leaner cuts cook quicker due to less fat rendering. For the best results, opt for high-quality bacon, like hickory-smoked or applewood-smoked varieties, which add a nice flavor punch.
the Air Fryer
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but giving your air fryer a 3-minute warm-up at 350°F can help ensure even cooking. Some folks skip this step, and that’s fine, but preheating can prevent sticking and kickstart the crisping process. If your air fryer has a basket, place the bacon directly in it. For easier cleanup, consider lining the drip tray (not the basket) with aluminum foil to catch grease.
the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A little touching is okay since bacon shrinks as it cooks, but avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping. If the strips are too long, cut them in half or fold the edges slightly. For smaller air fryers, you may need to cook in batches—most baskets fit 4-6 slices at a time.
the Temperature and Time
The sweet spot for cooking bacon is around 350°F. This temperature is below the smoke point of bacon fat (around 400°F), which helps prevent smoking and burning. For regular bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes for a softer texture or 8-10 minutes for crispy. Thick-cut bacon needs 10-12 minutes for softer results or 12-14 minutes for extra crispy. Check halfway through to see how it’s coming along, and flip the bacon with tongs if your air fryer doesn’t circulate air evenly. Serious Eats suggests 350°F for tender-crisp bacon at 10 minutes, which is a great starting point.
the Grease
Bacon releases a lot of fat, which collects in the drip tray. To avoid smoking, carefully pour out the grease between batches and wipe the tray with a paper towel. A clever trick from air fryer fans is to place a slice of bread or a small amount of water in the drip tray to absorb grease and reduce smoke—just be cautious not to let water touch the bacon. If you want to save the bacon grease for cooking (think roasted veggies or gravy), pour it into a heat-safe container.
and Serve
Once the bacon reaches your desired crispiness, use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve immediately with eggs, pancakes, or in a classic BLT. If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep the finished bacon warm in a 250°F oven.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
– Don’t Overcrowd: Overlapping bacon leads to uneven cooking. Stick to a single layer, even if it means more batches.
– Check Often: Air fryer models vary, so start checking at the 7-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Thin bacon can crisp up in as little as 5-6 minutes.
– Prevent Curling: For back bacon, snip the fat layer with scissors before flipping to keep it flat.
– Season It Up: Sprinkle black pepper, brown sugar, or maple syrup on the bacon before cooking for a flavor twist.
– Clean Up Right: After cooking, wash the basket with warm soapy water and wipe down the air fryer’s interior to prevent grease buildup.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One issue some folks run into is smoking from excess grease. Cooking at 350°F and draining the drip tray between batches helps a lot. Another problem is bacon blowing around in the basket, especially in smaller air fryers. Using thicker slices or folding the edges can keep things in place. If your bacon comes out too chewy, it might be cooking in too much grease—make sure the basket’s holes allow fat to drip away, and avoid lining the basket itself with foil or parchment, as this blocks airflow. Finally, if your bacon burns, lower the temperature to 330°F and reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
Why Not Other Methods?
Compared to stovetop frying, air frying eliminates grease splatters and constant flipping. Oven baking is great for large batches but takes longer (20-30 minutes with preheating). The microwave is quick but often leaves bacon soggy. The air fryer strikes a balance: fast, crispy, and low-mess, especially for small servings. However, if you’re feeding a crowd, the oven might still be your best bet since air fryers have limited basket space.
Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Bacon
Beyond breakfast, air fryer bacon is super versatile. Crumble it over salads, like a Caesar or Cobb, for a smoky crunch. Use it in wraps, sandwiches, or as a topping for baked potatoes or mac and cheese. You can even chop it up for bacon bits to sprinkle on soups or casseroles. Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a month. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
What About Health?
Air fryer bacon is slightly leaner than skillet-fried because the fat drips away, but it’s still bacon—high in sodium and saturated fat. If you’re watching your diet, try turkey bacon, which cooks well in the air fryer in 5-7 minutes due to its lower fat content. Always check with a nutritionist if you’re on a restricted diet. BBC Good Food notes that air frying reduces fat retention, making it a slightly better option for crispy bacon lovers.
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 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!
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