Reheating Bacon: Air Fryer Method For Crispy Bacon

Reheating bacon can be tricky in the microwave and oven, but an air fryer provides a simple, quick, and mess-free solution. The air fryer is a versatile tool that can be used to cook or reheat crispy and delicious meals. It is the perfect appliance to restore the coveted crunchiness of bacon, similar to when it was freshly cooked.

How to prepare the bacon for reheating in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat bacon in an air fryer. To prepare the bacon for reheating, follow these steps:

Firstly, allow the bacon to cool completely. This is important if you are storing the bacon after cooking and before reheating. Place the cooled bacon on a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. Blot the bacon with more paper towels to remove excess grease.

Then, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Push out any excess air and store it in the refrigerator. Bacon stored this way will last 3-5 days.

When you are ready to reheat the bacon, take it out of the refrigerator and remove it from the airtight container or bag. Place the bacon on the air fryer rack or basket, ensuring the slices are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will ensure even reheating. If you are reheating a large amount of bacon, you may need to do multiple batches.

You can also prepare the air fryer itself by lining the drip tray with foil or parchment paper. This will catch the grease that drips off the bacon and prevent excessive smoking.

The ideal temperature to reheat bacon in an air fryer

Reheating bacon in an air fryer is a great way to make your leftover bacon crispy again. The ideal temperature to reheat bacon in an air fryer is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the temperature for reheating bacon in an air fryer is lower than the temperature used for cooking raw bacon. Since the bacon is already cooked, blasting it at a higher heat can cause it to burn quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to set the air fryer to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and the amount you are reheating. For thin-cut bacon, cook for 5 to 9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Check the bacon frequently to ensure it doesn't burn, and remove it from the air fryer once the residual fat is bubbling.

If you are reheating a larger amount of bacon, you may need to do multiple batches. In between batches, it is a good idea to drain the drip tray to prevent excessive smoking.

How long to reheat bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat bacon in an air fryer. It's a great option for making leftover bacon crispy again.

To reheat bacon in an air fryer, preheat your appliance to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each slice. If your bacon is thick-cut, you may want to cut the slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer to help them cook more evenly.

Cook the bacon for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check the bacon regularly to prevent it from burning. The time will depend on the amount and thickness of the bacon, as well as the power of your air fryer. For thin-cut bacon, 5 minutes should be enough, while thick-cut bacon may need up to 12 minutes.

Once the bacon is hot and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. You can blot it with a paper towel to remove excess grease.

How to prevent bacon from curling in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat bacon in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then place the bacon on the mesh rack. Heat for about 2 to 5 minutes, checking after 2 minutes and turning each piece, or until it’s crispy.

Now, to prevent bacon from curling in an air fryer, try the following:

• Cut your bacon strips in half to make them shorter, reducing the chance of curling during cooking.
• Place the bacon slices singly over the bottom of the frying basket without overlapping them. This ensures that heat is distributed evenly along the edges and throughout the bacon.
• Use a lower temperature setting. A slower cooking process at a lower heat gives the meat enough time to cook evenly, reducing the likelihood of uneven shrinkage, which leads to curling.
• Use a bacon press – a heavy object designed to hold bacon flat while cooking. Place the bacon press directly on the bacon strips after you put them in the air fryer basket. If you don’t have a bacon press, you can use a heat-resistant bowl to press down the bacon to prevent curling.
• Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process, ensuring that both sides are evenly cooked. This will help minimise the curling effect and keep the bacon flat.
• Place a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket for the bacon to rest on, and place bread slices beneath it. This helps bear some of the weight and prevent the bacon from curling as it cooks.
• Use a parchment-lined air fryer basket or a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease and allow for proper air circulation for even cooking.

How to store reheated bacon

Storing reheated bacon depends on how long you want to keep it for.

Short-term storage

If you want to keep your bacon warm and crispy for a few hours, you can place it in an oven set to 200ºF. Centre a baking rack and lay the bacon on a baking sheet. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to let steam escape.

Alternatively, you can leave the bacon on the counter, covered with a breathable towel.

Medium-term storage

If you want to keep your bacon for a few days, you should store it in the refrigerator. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature first, then place it in an airtight bag or container. Blot off any excess grease with paper towels before sealing the bag or container. Push out any excess air, then refrigerate for up to five days.

Long-term storage

For long-term storage, you can keep cooked bacon in the freezer. As with medium-term storage, allow the bacon to cool, then place it in an airtight bag or container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for about a month.

Reheating

When it's time to reheat your bacon, you can use a variety of methods, including the stovetop, oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions