Cooking Bacon In A Nuwave Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking or oven baking. Air fryers can cook bacon in under 10 minutes, with no preheating required. You can cook bacon in a NuWave air fryer, and there are several recipes available online.

Cooking time and temperature

Yes, you can cook bacon in a NuWave air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of the bacon.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and for crispy bacon, increase the cooking time to 8 to 9 minutes. If you are using the NuWave Bravo, preheat the air fryer to 375 ̊F and cook for 10 minutes. If you want your bacon to be extra crispy, flip the bacon and cook for an additional minute.

For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and for crispy bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes. If you are using the NuWave Brio, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 11 minutes.

It is important to note that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at 350˚F to avoid any smokiness while cooking. Additionally, if you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel to prevent smoking.

Some people also recommend using parchment paper or a thin slice of bread to absorb the excess grease and further reduce the risk of smoking. When using parchment paper, place the bacon on top, ensuring that the bacon does not overlap. If you are using an older or louder air fryer, you may need a trivet to hold the bacon down.

Crispy vs soft bacon

Yes, you can cook bacon in a Nuwave air fryer. The process is simple and can be done in 10 minutes with no smoke.

The ideal doneness of bacon varies from person to person. Some prefer their bacon crispy, while others like it soft. The doneness of bacon depends on the cooking time and temperature.

For soft bacon, air fry regular cut bacon at 350˚F for 7 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at the same temperature for 9-10 minutes.

If you prefer your bacon crispy, increase the cooking time. For regular cut bacon, air fry for 8 to 9 minutes at 350˚F. For thick-cut bacon, air fry for 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.

You can also adjust the temperature to achieve your desired doneness. Some people cook their bacon at 380˚F for 5 minutes, swap the top and bottom slices, and then cook for another 4 minutes for crispier bacon. Others cook their bacon at 400˚F until it is very crispy.

Additionally, the type of bacon and the style of the air fryer can impact the cooking time. Turkey bacon, for example, is leaner and thinner, so reduce the cooking time and air fry for 5-7 minutes.

Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect balance for your desired level of crispiness or softness.

Preheating the air fryer

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the bacon by cutting the strips into smaller pieces that will fit inside the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the bacon strips are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can prevent them from browning and becoming crispy. Place the bacon strips in a single layer, avoiding any stacking or overlapping.

Additionally, it is suggested to use parchment paper or a piece of bread to absorb the excess grease and prevent smoking. Place the parchment paper or bread in the air fryer basket before adding the bacon on top. This helps to catch the drippings and makes cleanup easier.

Some air fryer models, like the Nuwave Bravo, have a preheat function that will automatically preheat the appliance to the desired temperature. During this time, you can lay the bacon strips on the Mesh Rack and Grill, ensuring they are not overlapping. Once the preheating is complete, simply place the rack and grill into the specified position and close the door to begin the cooking process.

Using parchment paper

You can cook bacon in a Nuwave air fryer, and using parchment paper is a great way to reduce the mess. Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer as long as you take a few precautions.

First, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper. Do not accidentally swap it with any other paper product, especially not wax paper. Check the maximum temperature restriction of the parchment paper, which will be printed on the box. The oven might be able to withstand higher temperatures, but do not exceed the limit in your air fryer. It is best to cut the parchment paper a bit smaller so that air can circulate more freely. Perforating and trimming the paper is even better, as it assists with air circulation and allows grease to drain away. If you are preheating your air fryer, do not add the parchment until afterward, when it can be weighed down by food, or it might fly about inside the basket and burn.

To cook bacon in your Nuwave air fryer, preheat the appliance to 360°F. Cut the bacon into pieces small enough to fit inside the basket. Place the bacon in a single layer in the basket, with a tiny bit of overlap, as it will shrink as it cooks. You can also cut the bacon in half crosswise to fit in more pieces. Air fry for 7-11 minutes, checking it after 7 minutes to see if it is done. If you prefer crispier bacon, add 1-4 more minutes. Regular cut bacon will get crispy in 8-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon will take 10-12 minutes.

Cleaning the air fryer

The Nuwave Brio 15.5 qt air fryer is designed for easy cleaning. It features a removable front door, which can be detached to allow easy access to the inside of the unit for cleaning. The Brio air fryer's mesh racks, mesh tray, and rotisserie parts are also removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup convenient. To clean the unit, simply detach the front door and use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. All removable parts can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.

It is recommended to clean the Nuwave air fryer after each use. Before cleaning, ensure that the unit is unplugged and turned off. The Nuwave Pro Plus Infrared Oven Owner's Manual specifies that the Dome and all other parts, except the Power Head, are dishwasher-safe. However, it is crucial to protect the metal and plastic surfaces and refrain from using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. The Power Head's outer surface can be cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth.

To maintain the cleanliness of your Nuwave air fryer, you can also purchase additional accessories, such as the 14 & 15.5-quart Mesh Tray, 14 & 15.5-quart Drip Tray, and 14 & 15.5-quart Rotisserie Basket, which are specifically designed for the 15.5-quart model. These accessories can enhance your cooking experience and make cleanup even more effortless.

By following these cleaning instructions and utilizing the dishwasher-safe removable parts, you can ensure that your Nuwave air fryer remains in good condition and functions optimally. Regular cleaning will also help to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue, keeping your air fryer in top shape for your next culinary adventure.

Frequently asked questions