Air Frying Bacon: Can You Do It?

Bacon is a breakfast staple, but cooking it can be a messy affair. Air fryers have become a popular alternative to frying bacon, as they can cook the meat quickly and with less grease. The Power Air Fryer XL is one such appliance that can be used to cook bacon. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using this particular model to cook bacon, such as the amount of bacon that can be cooked at once, the ideal cooking temperature, and the potential for smoke and grease buildup.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Air fryers can cook bacon faster than an oven, as there is no need to preheat.
• Air fryers can cook bacon with less grease than an oven or stovetop, as the fat drips away.
• Air fryers are less messy than cooking bacon in an oven or on a stovetop, as there is no oil splatter.
• Air fryers can cook bacon with less smell than an oven or stovetop.
• Air fryers can cook bacon evenly on all sides, without the need to flip the bacon.
• Air fryers can cook bacon to a crisp texture, which is ideal for crumbling on top of dishes like baked potatoes or salads.
• Air fryers are a convenient way to cook bacon, as they require minimal cleanup and can cook bacon in small batches.

Cons

• Air fryers may smoke when cooking bacon, especially if the drip tray is not cleaned before and after use.
• Air fryers may require multiple batches to cook a large amount of bacon, which can be time-consuming.
• Air fryers may not be suitable for cooking multiple racks of bacon at once, as the cooking time may be longer.
• Air fryers may not be suitable for cooking bacon with overlapping slices, as the bacon may not cook evenly.
• Air fryers may require cutting bacon strips in half to fit in the basket, which can be inconvenient.
• Air fryers may not be suitable for those who prefer flat bacon, as air-fried bacon tends to curl up.

Cooking times

The cooking time for bacon in a Power Air Fryer XL depends on several factors, including the type of bacon, the number of batches, and the desired level of crispiness.

Firstly, the type of bacon used will impact the cooking time. For example, thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than regular-cut bacon, while thin bacon will cook more quickly. Similarly, the leanness of the bacon should be considered, as leaner bacon will cook faster than fattier bacon.

Secondly, the number of batches cooked at once will also affect the cooking time. It is recommended to cook around four slices of bacon at a time to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding. Cooking larger batches may require longer cooking times and could result in unevenly cooked bacon.

Lastly, the desired level of crispiness will determine the cooking time. For crispy bacon, it is generally recommended to air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, checking halfway through and cooking longer if needed. However, some sources suggest cooking for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through. For bacon that is not too crispy, a cooking time of 8-9 minutes may be more suitable.

It is worth noting that the specific model of the Power Air Fryer XL and personal preferences for doneness may also impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check on the bacon periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Storage

If you have cooked more bacon than you need in your Power Air Fryer XL, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container or plastic Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to five days.

When storing your Power Air Fryer XL, it is important to ensure that it is unplugged and cooled down before keeping it in a safe place. The air fryer should be cleaned before storing it for an extended period. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and ensure that the inside is free of any food debris or grease. You can also wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the appliance.

If you have any accessories or replacement parts for your Power Air Fryer XL, such as additional trays or racks, it is advisable to keep them together with the main unit. This way, you have everything in one place when you need to use the appliance again. Consider investing in a set of stackable containers or a storage caddy specifically designed for air fryer accessories. This will help keep your accessories organised and protected.

Additionally, if you have the original box that the air fryer came in, you can utilise it for storage. The box is designed to fit the appliance snugly and can provide extra protection when storing or transporting your Power Air Fryer XL. It is also helpful to keep the user manual handy, as it contains valuable information about your appliance, including care and maintenance tips.

Clean-up

• Pre-Cleaning: Before you start cooking, it's a good idea to clean the drip tray of your air fryer. This will prevent any leftover grease or fat from burning or smoking during the cooking process.
• Cooking with Bread: To minimise the amount of grease that ends up in your air fryer, you can place a few slices of bread beneath the cooking basket. The bread will absorb the excess grease, making clean-up easier. However, be cautious as this can sometimes make the bacon soggy.
• Cooking with Water: Adding a teaspoon or two of water to the bottom of your air fryer can help prevent smoking. However, be careful as this can also lead to sogginess.
• Post-Cooking Clean-up: After cooking bacon, it's important to clean your air fryer thoroughly. Use a baster or another appropriate tool to remove any excess grease or fat from the fryer.
• Cooling and Solidifying Grease: If you don't want to use a baster, you can let the grease cool and solidify before cleaning. This makes it easier to remove larger chunks of solidified grease from the fryer.
• Cleaning the Basket: The basket of your Power Air Fryer XL should be cleaned regularly. Spray it with a non-stick coating before each use, and wash it with warm, soapy water after each cooking session.
• Oven-Style Air Fryer: If you have an oven-style air fryer, you can line the bottom with aluminium foil to make clean-up easier. Simply remove and discard the foil after cooking, and there will be minimal clean-up required for the pan itself.
• Avoiding Overcrowding: To prevent grease build-up, avoid overcrowding the air fryer with too much bacon. Cook in batches if necessary, and leave space between the bacon strips to allow the hot air to circulate properly.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover bacon, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Regular Deep Cleaning: In addition to the post-cooking clean-up, it's important to give your Power Air Fryer XL a deep clean periodically. This will help remove any built-up grease or residue. Refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions on how to deep clean your particular model.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your Power Air Fryer XL remains clean and well-maintained, even after cooking greasy foods like bacon.

Recipes

Yes, you can cook bacon in a Power Air Fryer XL. In fact, cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to make crispy, crunchy bacon in minutes. The air fryer can be a healthier option as the fat drips away from the bacon, and it also reduces the amount of splatter mess.

Preparation

Before cooking your bacon, it is important to prepare your air fryer. First, ensure that your air fryer is clean, especially the drip tray, to avoid smoking. You can also add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent smoking, but be aware that this may make your bacon soggy. Alternatively, you can add a piece of bread to the drip tray to absorb excess fat.

Next, preheat your air fryer. The preheating temperature and time will depend on the make and model of your air fryer. For example, the Power XL AirFryer Pro should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the air fryer indicates it is ready for food.

Cooking the Bacon

Once your air fryer is preheated, spray the wire racks or basket with non-stick cooking spray. Then, lay your bacon in a single layer on the wire racks or in the basket. It is important to ensure that the bacon is not overcrowded, as this can affect how evenly it cooks. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than regular-cut, and thin bacon will take less time. The leanness of the bacon will also affect cooking time, with leaner bacon cooking more quickly than fattier bacon.

Cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer and your desired doneness. As a guide, cook your bacon at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-11 minutes, checking halfway through and adjusting as needed. For example, one recipe recommends cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Serving and Storing

Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper-lined plate. Repeat this process until all your bacon is cooked.

If you have any leftover bacon, it can be stored in an airtight container or plastic Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Frequently asked questions