Baking Bacon: Air Fryer Method Explored

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and less messy alternative to stovetop or oven cooking. The air fryer's grease collection system also makes it safer and easier to discard the grease.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking bacon in an air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to cook the bacon in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable. Secondly, the cook time will depend on the desired doneness, thickness of the bacon, and the model of the air fryer. Regular cut bacon will take around 7-9 minutes for softer bacon and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take 9-12 minutes for softer bacon and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. It is also important to note that cooking bacon at a higher temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke, so it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature, such as 350° F.

Overall, cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great option for those looking for a quick, convenient, and less messy way to cook bacon.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bacon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of bacon, your desired level of crispiness, and the model of your 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. Thick-cut bacon will take a little longer, with 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. If you like your bacon very crispy, you can air fry regular cut bacon for up to 15 minutes, and thick-cut bacon for 13-14 minutes.

Some sources suggest preheating your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding the bacon, while others say it is not necessary. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350° F, as this is lower than the smoke point of bacon grease, which is 400˚F. Cooking at a higher temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is best to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is okay if the slices are touching, but avoid overlapping or layering them. If your bacon slices are too long, you can cut them in half to make them fit better. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

Crispy bacon

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, achieving a crispy texture without the mess of stovetop frying or the long wait times of oven baking. The air fryer's quick cook time and easy cleanup make it a convenient option for cooking bacon.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350° F (176.6° C). This temperature is below the smoke point of bacon grease, helping to prevent smoking.

The timing for cooking bacon in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired crispiness, the thickness of the bacon, and the model of the air fryer. For regular cut bacon, cook at 350° F for 7-9 minutes for crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take longer, approximately 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.

Preparation and Serving

When preparing the bacon for the air fryer, place the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is okay if the strips touch, but avoid overlapping or layering them. If the bacon strips are too long, cut them in half to fit better in the basket.

After cooking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. If cooking multiple batches, be sure to pour out the grease from the bottom of the air fryer between batches.

Storage and Reheating

Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the bacon back in the air fryer at 350° F for a few minutes until hot and crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks

• No need to preheat the air fryer before cooking bacon.
• No need to add oil or spray to the bacon or the air fryer basket. The bacon will release its own grease during cooking.
• To prevent smoking, cook at a temperature below the smoke point of bacon grease (below 400° F).
• To prevent bacon from curling during cooking, use scissors to snip the fat layer when you flip the bacon over.
• For easy cleanup, place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to soak up excess grease.

Clean-up

Cleaning up after making bacon in the air fryer is a breeze! The grease collects underneath the basket in the drawer, so there are no grease splatters in the kitchen. Simply pour out the grease that has collected in the bottom basket of your air fryer. Then, wash out the basket with warm soapy water. After the air fryer base unit cools, wipe down the inside with a damp cloth to clean off any grease spatters.

If you want to make clean-up even easier, you can put a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to soak up the grease. You can also use a silicone mat or parchment paper to catch the grease. Alternatively, you can line the tray with aluminium foil to help with cleaning, as long as your air fryer design gives you this option.

Bacon types

Yes, you can bake bacon in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are using, as well as your desired crispiness. Regular bacon should be cooked for 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon will need 9-12 minutes. The ideal temperature is 350˚F, but you can go up to 390˚F for a crispier result.

Now, onto the different types of bacon!

American-Style Bacon

Cut from the pork belly, this is one of the most popular styles of bacon. It is also known as streaky bacon or side bacon. It is typically long and fatty, and is often served crispy and surrounded by eggs, toast, pancakes, and coffee.

Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon is a distinctive form of pork loin. It is leaner than regular bacon and has a flavour closer to ham. It is cured and smoked, and is often served with eggs Benedict. In Canada, it is known simply as "back bacon", and in some parts, it is called \"peameal bacon\" as it is rolled in crushed peas or cornmeal.

Rashers (British Bacon)

Like Canadian bacon, rashers are cut from the loin, making them a leaner, meatier, and less fatty option than American bacon. They are a staple of the traditional English breakfast, often served with grilled mushrooms, beans, grilled tomatoes, eggs, and buttered toast.

Irish Bacon

Irish bacon is cured in the same way as Canadian bacon, and is also a type of back bacon. It is circular and has a rich fat content, giving it a savoury flavour. It is not typically cooked to a crisp like American bacon, and is often served with eggs for breakfast.

Guanciale (Italian Bacon)

This Italian bacon is made from pig cheeks and can be challenging to find. It has different seasoning flavours and undergoes an extensive drying process that locks in a rich flavour. Guanciale is commonly used in Italian pasta dishes.

Pancetta (Italian Bacon)

Pancetta is a thin Italian-style bacon made from pork belly. It is often consumed raw, or smoked or cured with salts or other flavours. It adds a delicate bacon flavour to sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers.

Slab Bacon

Slab bacon is pork belly bacon in its most natural form—large slabs or chunks of bacon with or without a rind. It is cured in different ways, such as smoked, salted, or aged, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as soup, stew, or regular streaky bacon.

Gypsy Bacon (Hungarian Bacon)

A popular variety in Hungary, gypsy bacon is smoke-cured bacon with the rind on. It is typically cooked over an open flame and has a spicy flavour from garlic and paprika.

Lardon Bacon

Lardons are cuts of pork belly or loin that are cured in salt and seasonings, then cut into cubes or matchstick-sized pieces. They are commonly used to add a bacony flavour to salads, sauces, and roasts.

Speck

Speck is traditionally made from pork fat layers and can be cooked, pickled, or eaten cured, smoked, or raw. It is similar to prosciutto but with a tinge of smoke and a firmer texture. Speck is usually served as an appetizer.

Turkey Bacon

A delicious alternative to pork bacon, turkey bacon is made from smoked turkey. It is often lower in fat than traditional pork bacon but may be higher in sodium, so be sure to read the labels carefully.

Duck Bacon

For those feeling adventurous, duck bacon is made from thick slices of cured duck breast. It is less fatty than pork bacon and has a juicy flavour.

Coconut Bacon and Other Vegan Bacons

Coconut bacon is a prevalent alternative for vegans and vegetarians. It is made from unsweetened corn flakes, tamari or soy sauce, liquid smoke, paprika, and maple syrup. Other vegan options include tempeh, shiitake mushrooms, seitan, or breadcrumbs.

Air fryer models

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, as they are quick, less messy, and don't require pre-heating. The circulating air means that the bacon doesn't need to be flipped halfway through cooking.

There are two main types of air fryer: the Basket Style Air Fryer and the Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer. The Basket Style Air Fryer is more compact and suitable for a family of four. The Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer is larger and better for bigger families, as you can cook most recipes in one batch.

The Cosori Air Fryer is a Basket Style Air Fryer that works well for a family of four and has dishwasher-safe parts. The Avalon Bay Air Fryer is another Basket Style Air Fryer that has received positive reviews and is reasonably priced.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's important to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer, with only a small amount of overlap. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. For regular cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 9-12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions