Air-Frying Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to get crispy bacon. It is also healthier than frying bacon in a pan as the fat drips away, leaving you with leaner bacon. The air fryer method is also faster than cooking bacon in the oven as there is no need to preheat the appliance.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you're cooking and how crispy you like it.

The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you're using and how crispy you like it. For example, thinner bacon will likely need less cooking time than thick-cut bacon.

• For softer, regular-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes.
• For crispy, regular-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 8 to 9 minutes.
• For softer, thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes.
• For crispy, thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes.

You can also cook bacon at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time. For example, some people cook their bacon at 400˚F for 10 minutes, or even 11 minutes if they like it extra crispy. However, be careful not to overcook the bacon, as it can burn easily.

Tips for Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook the bacon in a single layer, with some overlap being okay.
• There's no need to add oil to the bacon, as it will release grease while cooking.
• You may need to flip the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• To prevent smoking, clean the drip tray before and after cooking, and don't cook at a temperature higher than the smoke point of bacon fat (around 400˚F).
• To absorb excess fat, you can add a slice of bread to the drip tray or use tongs to blot the cooked bacon on paper towels.

How to prevent bacon from splattering in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! It's an ideal way to achieve crispy bacon with minimal effort and mess. Here are some tips on how to prevent bacon from splattering in an air fryer:

• Keep the temperature low. Cooking bacon in the air fryer at a higher temperature than 350˚F (176˚C) causes it to splatter.
• Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer. This helps them cook more evenly and fit more comfortably in the basket.
• Place a piece of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to catch any grease. Alternatively, use a drip tray or a piece of aluminium foil under the crisper tray.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke, it's likely due to old grease that was left in your air fryer. Wipe it out with a damp cloth to prevent further smoking.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, be sure to drain the grease from the bottom before placing a new batch.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the bacon to cook unevenly.
• Check on the bacon intermittently, as different air fryer models can cook at varying intensities.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking when cooking bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy bacon without the mess of a stovetop or oven. However, it can be frustrating when your air fryer starts to smoke. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking when cooking bacon:

• Keep the temperature low: Cooking bacon at a temperature higher than 350˚F can cause it to splatter and smoke. The smoke point of bacon fat is around 325˚F-400˚F, so it's best to cook bacon at 350˚F or lower to avoid any smoke.
• Use a drip tray or aluminium foil: Place a drip tray or a piece of aluminium foil under the air fryer basket or tray to catch any grease. This helps prevent smoke and makes cleanup easier.
• Wipe down the air fryer: If your air fryer has been used for greasy foods, wipe it down with a damp cloth when it's cool to remove any excess grease from the heating element and other surfaces. This will help prevent smoke the next time you use it.
• Add water: Adding a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer can help prevent smoking by catching any grease that drips down.
• Use bread to absorb grease: Placing a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer can help absorb excess grease and prevent smoke.
• Use parchment paper: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. This allows for air circulation while catching any grease that drips down.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Cut the bacon strips in half and place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding the air fryer can cause uneven cooking and increase the chances of smoking.
• Drain grease between batches: If you're cooking multiple batches of bacon, be sure to drain the grease from the basket and wipe it out between batches to prevent the fat from oxidizing and smoking.

How to store cooked bacon

So, you've cooked your bacon in an air fryer and now you're wondering how to store it? Well, storing cooked bacon is simple and can be done in a few different ways, depending on how long you want to keep it for.

Storing Cooked Bacon in the Fridge

Firstly, you'll want to let the bacon cool down to room temperature. This is important because if you put it in a container while it's still hot, condensation will form and your bacon will end up soggy. So, be patient and let it cool!

Once your bacon is cool, you can blot off any excess grease with paper towels. This step is important to prevent your bacon from becoming too greasy. Then, place the bacon in an airtight container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. You can also add a layer of cling film over the bacon if your container is too big, to minimise air contact.

Your bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Storing Cooked Bacon in the Freezer

If you want to keep your bacon for longer, you can freeze it. Start by laying the bacon on a parchment-paper-lined baking tray and flash-freeze it for around an hour. This will stop the bacon from sticking together in the freezer. Then, transfer the semi-frozen bacon to an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

You can also add an extra layer of protection by grouping portions of 2-3 rashers and wrapping them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container or bag.

Label your container or bag and place it in the freezer. Bacon stored this way will last for up to a month in the freezer.

Reheating Bacon

When you're ready to enjoy your bacon again, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and reheat it. You can use a skillet, the oven, the microwave, or even your air fryer!

There you have it! A simple guide to storing your cooked bacon to enjoy later. Now you can make the most of your bacon and enjoy it whenever you like.

What to do with cooked bacon

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! It's super easy, creates less mess, and cooks faster than the stovetop or oven.

Now, what to do with your cooked bacon? Here are some ideas:

Breakfast

• Add it to a BLT sandwich or a club sandwich.
• Make a breakfast taco with bacon, eggs, and cheese.
• Put it in a breakfast bomb with scrambled eggs and cheese.
• Create a delicious bacon weave s'more.
• Add it to a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, and your favourite veggies.
• Make a bacon, egg, and cheese quiche.
• Have it with pancakes or waffles.
• Put it on a breakfast pizza.
• Add it to your oatmeal with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Make a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Lunch/Dinner

• Add bacon to a burger for some extra flavour.
• Put it on a salad, like a Cobb salad or a Caesar salad.
• Wrap it around scallops and secure with toothpicks. Broil until crisp.
• Make a bacon weave and add it to tacos.
• Toss it with pasta, spinach, and chicken breasts for a hearty dinner.
• Wrap it around asparagus and secure with toothpicks. Bake until crisp.
• Mix it with ground beef to make bacon burgers.
• Add it to a chicken sandwich, like a Kentucky hot brown slider.
• Put it on a pizza with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced onion, and salt.
• Make a BLT pasta by cooking bacon, onion, garlic, and grape tomatoes, then adding cream and tossing with penne, arugula, basil, and Parmesan.
• Toss with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, Parmesan, and cream for spaghetti carbonara.
• Wrap it around meatloaf.
• Add it to fried rice with scallions, eggs, sesame oil, and ginger.
• Make a bacon-wrapped steak by rubbing beef tenderloin with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then wrapping with bacon and cooking in an ovenproof skillet.
• Make a bacon-wrapped hot dog.
• Toss with Brussels sprouts and teriyaki sauce.
• Add it to a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Make a bacon grilled cheese by mixing cooked bacon with mushrooms and onion, then adding shredded cheese and placing between two slices of bread.
• Make a BLT egglet by making a BLT sandwich and dipping it in an egg wash before frying.
• Make a chicken sandwich with bacon, sliced Brie, apple, and lettuce.
• Make a spinach-stuffed chicken breast by hasselbacking the chicken and stuffing with bacon and a creamy spinach and artichoke filling.
• Make a bacon-wrapped chicken breast.
• Make a bacon-wrapped trout by stuffing the trout with lemon slices and thyme, then wrapping with bacon and cooking in a skillet.
• Make a bacon-wrapped shrimp.
• Make a bacon mac and cheese.
• Make a bacon-wrapped asparagus.
• Make a bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper.
• Make a bacon-wrapped date by stuffing the date with blue cheese and wrapping with bacon. Secure with a toothpick and broil until crisp.
• Make a bacon quesadilla by cooking mushrooms and onion in butter, then adding bacon and placing on a tortilla with cheese.
• Make a bacon pizza by topping a pizza dough with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced onion, and bacon.
• Make a bacon meatball by pulsing pancetta, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, Parmesan, garlic, eggs, and seasoning in a food processor, then forming into balls and browning in a skillet.
• Make a bacon sandwich with peanut butter, banana, and bacon in white bread. Fry in a buttered skillet.
• Make a Croque Monsieur by spreading Dijon mustard on challah, then adding Canadian bacon and Gruyère. Dip in an egg and milk mixture, then fry in butter.
• Make a bacon quiche by cooking slab bacon and leeks, then spreading in a pie crust with Gruyère and pouring an egg and cream mixture on top. Bake until set.
• Make a bacon Reuben by spreading Russian dressing on rye toast, then topping with Bacon Kraut (cooked Canadian bacon, onion, cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, and celery seeds) and Swiss cheese. Broil until melted.
• Make a bacon-apple sandwich by spreading a baguette with honey mustard, then filling with bacon, sliced Brie, apple, and lettuce.
• Make a Cobb club by spreading toast with soft blue cheese and mayonnaise, then layering with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, tomato, romaine, and a hard-boiled egg.
• Make a chicken Dijon by cooking chicken breasts with bacon, mushrooms, shallots, and white wine.
• Make a bacon-corn sauté by cooking bacon, red onion, and jalapeno, then adding corn, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Make a bacon Brussels sprouts by cooking slab bacon, then stir-frying Brussels sprouts leaves in the drippings with garlic, teriyaki sauce, water, sugar, red pepper flakes, and the bacon.
• Make a bacon burger by pulsing bacon in a food processor, forming into patties, and cooking in a skillet.
• Make a bacon-beef 50/50 burger by mixing ground beef with bacon, then forming into patties and cooking in a skillet.
• Make a coq au vin.
• Make a beef bourguignon.
• Make a bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
• Make a bacon fried rice with scallions, eggs, sesame oil, and ginger.
• Make a bacon bun by mixing diced ham and bacon, then placing in the centre of biscuit dough rounds, folding over, and crimping. Bake until done.
• Make a bacon potato pancake by cooking bacon, then shredding potatoes, squeezing dry, and mixing with onion, the bacon, and seasoning. Cook in the drippings until crisp.
• Make a loaded potato skin by topping a potato skin with cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and scallions.
• Make a bacon-wrapped steak.

Frequently asked questions