Frying Bacon: Air Fryer Magic Explained

Frying bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook this breakfast staple. The air fryer's grease collection system means there are no splatters in the kitchen, and the bacon itself is perfectly crisp and evenly cooked. The air fryer method is also faster than stovetop or oven cooking, as there is no need to preheat.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are using, the desired doneness, and the style of your air fryer.

First, place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cut the strips in half if needed to fit more. It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon.

For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.

If you are using thin-cut bacon, check the bacon after 5-6 minutes, as it will cook faster.

Tips:

• You don't need to add oil to the bacon or the tray of the air fryer as the bacon will release grease while cooking.
• To prevent smoking, cook at 350˚F since the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel.

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer. However, it's important to note that bacon is a high-fat meat that releases a lot of grease, which can cause smoke. Here are some tips to prevent your bacon from smoking in the air fryer:

Maintain a Temperature of 350˚F:

Cooking bacon at a temperature above its smoke point of 400˚F will cause it to smoke. To avoid this, set your air fryer to 350˚F. This temperature provides crispy bacon without an excessive amount of smoke. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker cuts of bacon to ensure even cooking.

Use Bread or Parchment Paper to Absorb Grease:

Place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer basket or drip tray to absorb excess grease. This helps prevent the grease from burning and smoking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the air fryer, catching the grease and preventing it from dripping onto the heating element.

Avoid Overcrowding:

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for proper air circulation to prevent the bacon from burning and causing smoke.

Regular Cleaning:

Make sure to clean your air fryer regularly. Grease and food particles can build up on the heating element, causing smoke. Clean the basket, grates, pan, and drip tray with soap and water or a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Wipe the heating coil with a damp cloth after the air fryer has cooled down.

Add a Small Amount of Water:

Adding a few tablespoons of water underneath the basket can help prevent grease from burning and smoking. Just be careful not to add too much water, as you don't want to steam your bacon instead of frying it.

How to store and reheat cooked bacon

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! It's a great option as it's faster than cooking bacon in the oven and less messy than cooking it in a skillet on the stove.

Allow the bacon to cool completely before storing. Blot off any excess grease with paper towels. Then, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or zip-top bag, pushing out any excess air before sealing.

Refrigerate the cooked bacon for up to 3-5 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for 1-2 months. However, make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat the bacon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-370°F. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Reheat for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning, as the cooking time will vary based on the amount and thickness of the bacon.

For thicker bacon slices, you may need to increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Additionally, if you're reheating frozen precooked bacon, add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

You can also reheat the bacon in the microwave or oven. However, the microwave is best for smaller amounts of bacon, as overlapping bacon won't heat evenly. The oven method, on the other hand, is ideal for achieving an even crispness on both sides of the bacon.

How to prevent bacon from flying around in the air fryer

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! It's a great way to make crispy bacon with less mess and in a shorter amount of time than traditional stovetop or oven methods. However, one common issue people experience when cooking bacon in an air fryer is that the bacon can start flying around in the basket due to the powerful airflow. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Use a Rack or Crisper Plate

If your air fryer comes with a stainless-steel rack or a crisper plate, you can use it to weigh down the bacon and prevent it from flying around. Place the rack or plate over the bacon to keep it in place.

Toothpicks or Cutlery

Toothpicks can be used to hold down lightweight ingredients in the air fryer. Stab a toothpick through multiple layers of bacon to keep them together and in place. Alternatively, you can use a piece of cutlery, such as a fork or a butter knife, to hold down the bacon.

Lower Temperature

If your bacon is flying around in the air fryer, it could be due to the high temperature setting. Try lowering the temperature by a few degrees and see if that helps keep the bacon in place.

Weave or Layer the Bacon

Instead of placing the bacon strips flat in the air fryer basket, try weaving them together or layering them on top of each other. This adds weight and prevents the bacon from flying around.

Use a Liner

Adding a liner, such as aluminium foil, can help weigh down the bacon and prevent it from flying around. However, make sure the liner is heavy enough, as lighter foil may not be effective.

By following these tips, you can cook bacon in your air fryer without worrying about it flying around and causing a mess or potentially damaging your appliance.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! It's a great way to make crispy bacon with less mess and in a shorter amount of time compared to cooking on a stovetop or in an oven.

Now, onto the cleaning! Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer and Allow it to Cool

Before you start cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and switched off. Allow it to cool down completely to avoid the risk of burns or damage to the appliance.

Step 2: Remove the Basket and Drip Tray

Take out the air fryer basket and any drip trays or pans that collect grease. Some air fryers may have removable parts, so refer to your specific model's instructions for guidance.

Step 3: Dispose of Excess Grease

Bacon grease needs to be handled carefully. One option is to let the grease solidify, then scoop it out with a spoon and dispose of it in the trash. You can also use paper towels to absorb the grease, or pour it into a container and dispose of it later. Be sure to wipe down the basket and drip tray with paper towels to remove any remaining grease.

Step 4: Clean the Basket and Drip Tray

You can wash the basket and drip tray by hand with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the coating. For stubborn grease or stuck-on food, you can try a paste made from baking soda and lemon juice, or a mixture of dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. For an even quicker clean, fill the basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, then run the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Air Fryer

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer, being careful not to get any electrical components wet. Make sure all surfaces are dry before putting the basket and drip tray back in.

Step 6: Reassemble and Enjoy!

Once everything is clean and dry, put the basket and drip tray back in the air fryer, and you're ready to cook again!

Some people also recommend lining the drip tray with aluminum foil before cooking bacon, which can make cleanup easier. However, be cautious as this may affect the airflow and cooking performance of your air fryer. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific cleaning and maintenance guidance.

Frequently asked questions