Air Fryer Frozen Bacon: Can It Be Done?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, mess-free way to make crispy bacon without the splattering and grease associated with stovetop cooking. It is also possible to cook bacon from frozen in an air fryer, with only a few extra minutes of cooking time required.

How long does it take to cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer! It's super easy and convenient, and you don't need to defrost the bacon beforehand. Here's how you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (180–200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Place the frozen bacon slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're in a single layer with minimal overlap. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cut the bacon slices in half or cook them in batches.

Step 3: Air fry the bacon for 4–8 minutes at the preheated temperature until it's thawed.

Step 4: Separate the bacon slices into a single layer, if they weren't already, and air fry for an additional 4–10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness. Thicker bacon slices may require a slightly lower temperature and a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Step 5: Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Bacon in an Air Fryer:

• To prevent smoking, add a little water to the bottom of your air fryer basket or place a slice of bread in the drip tray to absorb excess grease.
• For optimal cooking and even browning, ensure there is adequate airflow around each bacon slice by not overcrowding the basket.
• If your bacon slices are frozen together in a block, use tongs to pull them apart after the initial cooking time.
• For thicker bacon slices, you may need to lower the temperature slightly and increase the cooking time.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines related to your air fryer model.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to cook delicious frozen bacon in your air fryer with ease!

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.

Sources suggest that cooking bacon at 390°F for 4 minutes, flipping the bacon, and then cooking for another 4 minutes will result in crispy bacon. However, one source recommends cooking the bacon at 360°F for 8 minutes, separating the strips, and then cooking for an additional 10-14 minutes, checking frequently and flipping the bacon every 3-4 minutes.

If you are using thick-cut bacon, it is recommended to lower the temperature to 360°F and add 4-5 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the bacon.

Can I put foil in the air fryer?

Yes, you can put foil in an air fryer, but there are some important things to consider. Firstly, it's crucial to know what type of air fryer you have – a basket or an oven model. This is important because the heating element's position differs between the two types, which will impact how you use the foil. For instance, if you have a basket air fryer, the heating element is underneath, so you must ensure the foil doesn't cover all the holes in the basket. Blocking the holes will prevent hot air from circulating, resulting in uneven cooking and potentially damaging your appliance.

If you have an oven-style air fryer, the heating element is usually at the top, so using foil on the bottom tray to catch grease or drippings won't interrupt airflow or affect cooking. However, if you want to cook food wrapped in foil, only partially cover the tray, as air needs to flow around the food.

Another thing to keep in mind is that air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so if the food isn't heavy enough, the foil might blow around. To avoid this, weigh the foil down by wrapping the food more tightly or using something air-fryer safe, like pie weights.

Additionally, avoid using foil with acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, or vinegar. These can cause a chemical reaction with the foil, allowing aluminium to leach into your food. Parchment paper is a good alternative as it's environmentally friendly, non-reactive, and acts as a natural non-stick surface.

Now, to answer your other question: yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer! It's super easy and convenient, with minimal prep and cleanup. Simply place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for around 8 minutes at 360°F (200°C) or 300°F, until thawed. Then separate the slices and cook for a few more minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking, and remember not to defrost the bacon before cooking.

How do I store leftover bacon?

To store leftover bacon, you can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Short-Term Storage

If you plan on eating the leftover bacon within a few hours, you can keep it warm and crispy in the oven. Set the temperature to 200ºF and centre a baking rack. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet and place it in the oven until you're ready to eat.

If you don't want to use the oven, avoid covering the bacon with a lid, bowl, or any other airtight device, as this will trap the moisture and make the bacon soggy. Instead, use a breathable towel.

Medium-Term Storage

For leftover bacon that you want to keep for a few days, the refrigerator is your best option. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight bag and put it in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is 40ºF or below. The bacon should stay fresh for up to five days.

Long-Term Storage

For leftover bacon that you won't eat within a week, you can store it in the freezer. Allow the bacon to cool, then seal it in an airtight bag. Frozen cooked bacon will stay fresh for about a month.

When you're ready to eat the bacon, defrost it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or in the microwave if you're in a rush. To reheat, you can use an oven, stovetop, or air fryer.

What are some serving suggestions?

There are many ways to serve bacon cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

• Bacon can be served as a side for breakfast, with eggs and toast.
• Crumble it over baked potatoes, pasta, salads, or soups for some extra crunch.
• Use it to elevate your sandwiches, hamburgers, and BLTs.
• Add it to breakfast casseroles, frittatas, and omelets.
• Bacon can be used as a garnish for air-fryer baked potatoes, creamy white chili, deviled eggs, or pasta dishes.
• Pair it with eggs for a classic breakfast.
• Crumble it over air fryer egg bites for an easy breakfast on the go.
• Bacon can be added to a classic comfort food like a hot dog or toasted bun.
• Use it as a topping for pizza.

Frequently asked questions