Air Fryer Bacon: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and mess-free way to make your favourite breakfast meat. It's also healthier, as the air fryer collects the grease underneath the basket, which can then be discarded. You can make crispy air-fried bacon in under 10 minutes, and it's easy to clean up.

Air fryer temperature for bacon

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, offering speed, convenience, and delicious results. The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350° F and 390° F.

The temperature you choose will depend on the type of bacon you are cooking and the level of crispiness you want to achieve. Cooking at a higher temperature will result in crispier bacon, but it's important to note that cooking bacon at too high a temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke.

For regular cut bacon, it is recommended to cook at 350° F for 7-9 minutes for crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take a little longer, with a recommended cooking time of 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.

If you prefer your bacon on the softer side, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. However, if you like your bacon extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 390° F and cook for 8 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, your air fryer model, and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks and adjust the time as needed.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! It's a great way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess and prep time.

The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are using, the desired doneness, and the model of your air fryer.

For regular-cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon.

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

Some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 390˚F for 8 minutes, flipping the bacon, and then cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes until crispy.

If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes after draining the excess fat.

Tips for cooking bacon in an air fryer:

• Place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, some overlap is okay.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and you don't need to add any oil.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any excess oil between batches.
• To prevent smoking, cook at 350˚F as the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F.
• You can also add a slice of bread or water to the drip pan to help absorb the bacon grease.
• For easy cleanup, you can line the drip pan with foil or parchment paper.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy air fryer bacon!

How to prevent bacon from curling in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make crispy bacon. Here are some tips on how to prevent bacon from curling in an air fryer:

Cut the Strips in Half

Cutting the bacon strips in half makes them shorter, reducing the chance of curling during cooking. This helps prevent uneven shrinkage, which is a common cause of curling.

Place Bacon Strips Singly

Arrange the bacon strips 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. Overlapping bacon strips can lead to uneven cooking and increase the likelihood of curling.

Use a Lower Temperature

Cooking bacon at a lower temperature setting in the air fryer can also help prevent curling. A slower cooking process at a lower heat allows the meat to cook more evenly, reducing the chances of uneven shrinkage and, consequently, curling.

Use a Bacon Press

Consider using a bacon press, which is a heavy object designed to hold bacon flat while cooking. Place the bacon press directly on the bacon strips in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a bacon press, you can use a heat-resistant bowl or another heavy object to weigh down the bacon and prevent curling.

Flip the Bacon

Flipping the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process is another effective technique. By ensuring that both sides are evenly cooked, you can minimise the curling effect and keep the bacon flat.

Use Bread Slices

Place a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket and put bread slices underneath the bacon. The bread helps bear some of the weight, preventing the bacon from curling as it cooks.

Control the Grease

Grease released during cooking can contribute to curling. Use a parchment-lined air fryer basket or a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease and allow for proper air circulation, promoting even cooking and reducing curling.

How to prevent bacon from smoking in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, but it can be tricky to get right without producing a cloud of smoke. Here are some tips to help you cook bacon in an air fryer without all the smoke.

Temperature Control

According to Clare Andrews, author of *The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals*, the ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 8-10 minutes. This is because air fryers are like miniature convection ovens, heating food faster than conventional ovens and thus requiring lower temperatures. Cooking at a lower temperature will prevent the bacon fat from overheating too quickly, reducing the amount of smoke produced.

Thickness of Bacon

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon rashers. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than thin-cut bacon. For crispy thick-cut bacon, cook at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. For thin-cut bacon, 8-9 minutes should be enough.

Absorbing Excess Grease

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, a lot of grease is produced, which can cause smoking. To minimize this, you can place a slice of bread on the drip tray to absorb the excess fat. The bread won't get as hot as the bottom of the basket, and you can even toast it afterwards for some delicious fried bread. Alternatively, you can add a cup of water to the lower pan to catch the grease or use rock salt, which won't blow around and will soak up the grease.

Other Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the bacon in a single layer, with some overlap being okay.
• If your bacon is too long, cut it in half so it fits more easily.
• If your air fryer tends to smoke, try cooking at a lower temperature of 350 degrees F or even 330 degrees F.
• Flip the bacon halfway through for extra crispiness, but this is not mandatory.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil between batches.
• Parchment paper can be used to line the air fryer basket, but make sure it has holes for air circulation.
• Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the bacon to prevent sticking.

How to clean up after cooking bacon in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, and the cleanup is minimal compared to other methods. However, it is still important to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon to prevent a buildup of grease and food debris. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean up after cooking bacon in an air fryer:

Step 1: Let the Air Fryer Cool Down

Before you begin cleaning, it is important to let your air fryer cool down. Unplug the appliance and let it sit for a while until it is no longer hot. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid any damage to the air fryer.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Basket or Tray

Once the air fryer has cooled down, remove the basket, pan, or tray. Wash it in the sink with warm water and dish soap. You can use a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean it. If there is a lot of grease or food residue, you may need to let it soak for a while before washing. Make sure to dry the basket or tray thoroughly before putting it back in the air fryer.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior

Use a damp, soapy cloth, sponge, or paper towel to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, including the heating element. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any grease or food debris. Wipe it again with a clean, damp cloth, and then a dry cloth to remove any soap residue.

Step 4: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a soft, damp cloth. Make sure to be gentle and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface. You can also use a mild detergent if needed, but be sure to rinse and dry the exterior thoroughly afterward.

Step 5: Dispose of the Grease Properly

Grease disposal is an important part of cleaning up after cooking bacon. Never pour grease down the sink, as it can cause clogs. Instead, let the grease cool and harden, then dispose of it in the trash. You can also use paper towels or napkins to soak up the grease and then throw them away. Alternatively, you can save the grease for cooking if you prefer.

Step 6: Clean Between Batches

If you are cooking multiple batches of bacon, it is important to clean the grease between each batch. Use a paper towel to wipe out the grease from the basket or tray before adding more bacon. This will help prevent a buildup of grease and make the final cleanup easier.

By following these steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and in good condition after cooking bacon. Remember always to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and precautions. Enjoy your crispy bacon!

Frequently asked questions