Air Fryer Bacon: Can Dash Compact Fry It?

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a powerful appliance that can cook your favourite foods, including bacon, in just a few minutes. It is a great option for those looking for an air fryer that is not too bulky or expensive. In this article, we will explore whether you can cook bacon in the Dash Compact Air Fryer, and provide tips and tricks for getting the perfect crispy bacon every time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bacon in the Dash Compact Air Fryer will depend on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

Regular cut bacon should be cooked at 350˚F (177ºC) for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon should be cooked at the same temperature for 9 to 10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10 to 12 minutes for crispy bacon.

If you are using the Cosori basket-style air fryer, the bacon should be cooked at 350ºF (177ºC). However, if you are using an oven-style model, you should preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For thick-cut bacon, you may need to add a bit of extra time, about 9 to 12 minutes in total. If you are cooking in batches, it is important to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel to prevent smoking.

You can also add a tablespoon of cold water to the bottom of the air fryer before cooking to prevent smoking, or place a thin slice of bread in the drip tray to absorb excess fat.

The cook time may vary depending on the doneness and thickness of the bacon, as well as the style of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the bacon for a shorter amount of time if you prefer softer bacon, and for a longer amount of time if you prefer crispy bacon.

Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of bacon, it is important to clean out the air fryer basket of bacon grease after each batch to prevent smoking.

Clean-up and storage

Alternatively, you can put the basket and inner plate in the dishwasher for a completely hands-free cleaning experience. However, some users have noted that the air fryer is much easier to clean by hand.

To prevent a mess while cooking bacon, it is recommended to empty the air fryer basket of bacon grease after each batch or add a tablespoon of cold water to the bottom before cooking. This will prevent smoking.

When storing cooked bacon, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, transfer the cooled bacon to a freezer bag, seal, and label it. It can be frozen for up to six months.

The Dash Compact Air Fryer itself is compact and convenient for storage. It is half the weight of a standard fryer, making it perfect for those with smaller kitchens or limited counter space. The compact design fits neatly on your countertop, and its removable basket is non-stick and easy to clean.

Crispy bacon

Cooking bacon in a Dash Compact Air Fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect crispy bacon. The air fryer is small, so it's ideal if you're cooking for one or two people, and it's simple to clean.

How to Cook Crispy Bacon in a Dash Compact Air Fryer

Firstly, it's important to note that you don't need to preheat the air fryer. The circular airflow and elevated tray mean the bacon will cook evenly, so there's no need to flip it halfway through.

Lay the bacon inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you're cooking a lot of bacon, don't overcrowd the basket as this will prevent the food from crisping. If the bacon slices are too big, cut them in half so they fit without overlapping.

Set the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Thicker slices will take longer to cook.

When the bacon is done, remove the slices from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Tips

• To prevent smoking, empty the air fryer basket of bacon grease after each batch or add a tablespoon of cold water to the bottom before cooking.
• To absorb excess fat, put a thin slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer or use parchment paper.
• For repeat batches, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Avoiding smoke

Yes, you can cook bacon in a Dash Compact Air Fryer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid smoke when cooking bacon in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to understand why air fryers may produce smoke when cooking bacon. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, and when this hot air comes into contact with the bacon fat, it can cause the fat to burn and produce smoke. Additionally, the smoke point of bacon fat is around 374°F to 400°F, so cooking bacon at temperatures above this range can also contribute to smoke production.

To avoid smoke when cooking bacon in a Dash Compact Air Fryer, consider the following tips:

• Cook in batches: Cooking too much bacon at once can overcrowd the air fryer basket and increase the likelihood of smoke. By cooking in smaller batches, you can prevent overcrowding and reduce the amount of bacon grease that accumulates.
• Use parchment paper: Place the bacon between two pieces of parchment paper before putting it into the air fryer. This helps to catch the grease drippings and reduce smoke. However, this method may require a longer cooking time.
• Bread method: Place one or two slices of bread at the bottom of the air fryer basket to soak up any grease that drips from the bacon. This can help to reduce the amount of grease that accumulates and potentially causes smoke.
• Water method: Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help to reduce smoke. However, be cautious as adding water to hot oil or bacon fat can be a safety hazard, causing the hot oil to spray in different directions.
• Control temperature: Cook the bacon at a temperature slightly below the smoke point of bacon fat. Aim for around 350°F or slightly lower to prevent the grease from reaching its smoke point and producing smoke.
• Regular cleaning: Clean the air fryer basket and drip pan after each batch to remove any accumulated grease. This helps to prevent the grease from burning and smoking during subsequent batches.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the amount of smoke produced when cooking bacon in your Dash Compact Air Fryer.

Batch cooking

Yes, you can cook bacon in a Dash Compact Air Fryer. The compact size of the Dash Air Fryer makes it ideal for small kitchens or for those who don't want a bulky appliance. It's a versatile, quick, and easy-to-use appliance that can cook up all sorts of tasty foods, including bacon.

First, it's important to note that the Dash Compact Air Fryer has a small capacity. It has a 2-quart fry basket, which can fit about one or two portions. Therefore, if you're cooking for a large group, you'll need to cook in multiple batches.

To cook bacon in the Dash Compact Air Fryer, start by cutting the bacon slices in half if they don't fit whole in the basket. It's okay if the ends don't quite fit; you can fold them up the sides of the basket. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap if needed.

Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC) for 3 minutes or according to the manufacturer's instructions. For thicker bacon, you may need to increase the temperature to 375ºF or 400ºF, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking time for the bacon will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. For regular bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes. For thicker bacon, cook for 9-12 minutes. If you like your bacon very crispy, you can cook it for up to 10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

After cooking the first batch, remove the cooked bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Also, remember to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel before adding a new batch. This will help prevent smoking during subsequent batches.

Repeat the above steps for each batch until you've cooked your desired amount of bacon.

Once all the bacon is cooked, you can store the cooled bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a convenient and efficient way to batch cook bacon, offering a quick and easy cleanup compared to traditional methods.

Frequently asked questions