Air-Fryer Bacon Joint: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy bacon with less fat and fewer greasy splatters. However, it is not the best method for cooking bacon, as it can be time-consuming for larger batches and may result in a burnt, smoky mess. To cook bacon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, place the bacon in a single layer, and cook for 5-12 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and the type of bacon.

Air fryer bacon recipes

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, giving it a fried texture without the need for added oil. While you can cook bacon in an air fryer, some people argue that there are better ways to cook it. Cooking bacon in an air fryer can be messy and may result in a burnt, smoky mess.

If you do want to cook bacon in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the amount of bacon you can cook at once is limited by the size of the air fryer basket, so you may need to cook the bacon in batches. Second, it's important to keep an eye on the bacon to avoid burning it. Finally, you'll need to drain the grease from the air fryer after cooking.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius).
• Cut the bacon strips in half and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap if necessary.
• Air fry regular cut bacon for 7-9 minutes, or thick-cut bacon for 10-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease before serving.

Some people also recommend adding a thin slice of bread to the bottom of the air fryer to absorb grease and reduce smoking. Additionally, if you are using an air fryer with a metal rack, you can cook the bacon on two levels, adjusting the timing accordingly.

Pros and cons of cooking bacon in an air fryer

Pros

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, giving it a crisp, fried-food taste and texture without the need for added oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to frying bacon in a pan. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is also quick, convenient, and energy-efficient, and the cleanup is minimal. The air fryer basket catches the bacon grease, so there are no greasy splatters all over the kitchen.

Cons

The air fryer basket can only accommodate a few pieces of bacon at a time, so if you're cooking for a large group, you'll need to cook the bacon in several batches. Additionally, bacon is a high-fat food, and cooking it at high temperatures in an air fryer can cause the fat to smoke and burn, creating a smoky mess. To avoid this, it's recommended to cook bacon in an air fryer at a lower temperature than you might typically use, and to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

How to avoid burning oil

While it is possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, it is not the best method. Bacon is a high-fat food that does not require excess oil or butter to cook. In fact, cooking bacon in an air fryer is likely to result in a burnt, smoky mess.

If you are set on cooking bacon in an air fryer, there are several things you can do to avoid burning oil. Firstly, it is important to cut the bacon into pieces and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap. Secondly, avoid cooking the bacon for too long at high temperatures. Aim for a temperature of around 350˚F and cook for 5-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispiness. Check the bacon regularly to ensure it does not burn, and flip it halfway through the cooking process. If you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil between batches.

To prevent oil from burning in the first place, it is important to use the correct amount of oil. Air fryers only need a teaspoon or two of oil, and some foods, like frozen foods, may not need any additional oil at all. If you are using oil, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable or olive oil in a bowl before placing it in the air fryer. You can also use a pastry brush to evenly coat your food with oil or butter if your recipe calls for it.

Finally, to prevent burning oil from damaging your air fryer or filling your kitchen with smoke, place a thin slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer, under the basket, to absorb any grease. Alternatively, put water in the bottom cavity under the frying basket so that any dripping fat will hit the water and not a hot metal surface.

Clean-up tips

While cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is important to keep in mind that the cooking time varies depending on the doneness and thickness of the bacon, as well as the style of the air fryer. Regular cut bacon, for example, cooks faster than thick-cut bacon.

• Avoid cooking bacon for too long at high temperatures. Cooking bacon at high temperatures for a long time can result in a burnt, smoky mess. It is recommended to cook at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes for regular cut bacon and 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
• Cut the bacon into smaller pieces. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the bacon from overlapping in the air fryer basket.
• Use a metal rack or the air fryer's metal basket to cook multiple levels of bacon at once, increasing the batch size.
• Use a baster to remove the grease from the fryer after cooking. This will make the clean-up process easier and help prevent a greasy mess.
• Place a thin slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer, beneath the basket, to absorb the grease. This will simplify cleaning and reduce smoking.
• If your air fryer has a drip pan or tray, be sure to drain and wipe it clean with a paper towel between each batch of bacon.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess grease and make clean-up easier.

Recommended cooking times and temperatures

While air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the type of bacon and your desired level of doneness. Here are some recommended cooking times and temperatures for cooking bacon in an air fryer:

For regular cut bacon, it is recommended to cook it at 350˚F (180˚C) for 7-9 minutes. This will give you softer bacon. If you prefer your bacon crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn't burn.

For thick-cut bacon, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Cook it at the same temperature of 350˚F (180˚C) but increase the cooking time to 9-12 minutes for softer bacon. For crispy thick-cut bacon, cook it for 12-14 minutes. Again, it is important to monitor the bacon to avoid overcooking.

If you're using turkey bacon, reduce the cooking time as it is leaner and thinner. Cook it at 350˚F (180˚C) for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's recommended to cook it in batches of 2-6 slices at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. Be sure to drain the drip pan of any excess oil between batches to prevent smoking. Additionally, it's a good idea to flip the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, and you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly based on your specific model. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Frequently asked questions