Air Fryer Bacon: Can You Fry It?

You can cook bacon in an air fryer, but some people argue that there are better ways to cook it. Air fryers circulate hot air around food, so it cooks without the need for added oil. This is great for foods that require oil to cook, but as bacon is so fatty, it can result in a burnt, smoky mess. However, if you want to give it a go, lay the bacon in a single layer in the fryer basket, making sure none of the rashers overlap. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook streaky bacon for 6-10 minutes, and back bacon for 4-8 minutes.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking bacon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the doneness and thickness of the bacon, as well as the style of the air fryer.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F (177˚C) for 7 minutes for softer bacon. Increase the cooking time to 8-9 minutes for crispier bacon. If you are using a Tower Air Fryer, like the one mentioned in the search results, follow the recommended temperature of 200˚C (390˚F) and cook for 6 minutes.

If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for a little longer. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F (177˚C) for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispier bacon.

It is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air around the food, so it is not necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking bacon. Additionally, the bacon will cook in its own fat, so there is no need to add any oil.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is recommended to place the bacon strips in a single layer, with minimal overlap, to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

To prevent smoking and grease buildup, it is advisable to drain the drip pan of any excess oil between batches. Some air fryers may also allow you to use foil under the tray to catch drippings and simplify cleanup.

Air fryer basket size and capacity

If you have a small-capacity air fryer, you may need to cook your bacon in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. The number of batches will depend on the basket size and the amount of bacon you are cooking. For example, one person reported that their basket could only fit a few pieces of bacon at a time, resulting in a lengthy cooking process.

When arranging bacon in the air fryer basket, it is generally recommended to place the strips in a single layer with minimal overlap to ensure even cooking. However, if you are cooking in batches or have a larger basket, you can fit more bacon by cutting the strips in half or allowing some overlap.

Air fryer convenience and cleanup

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food quickly and efficiently. They are also easy to clean, although they require more upkeep than one may think. Before using an air fryer, it is important to consult the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Some parts of the air fryer may be dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing can extend the life of these components.

The removable inner basket and pan can be pulled out, wiped clean, and washed with warm, soapy water. Some people also use a baster to remove grease from the fryer. The bottom chamber can be trickier to clean, but it is important to keep it free of crumbs, oil residue, and meat drippings. Once the basket and pan are removed, wipe the inside of the machine with a damp paper towel or clean dish towel and allow it to air dry.

To prevent built-up grease, crumbs, and unpleasant odours, it is important to clean the air fryer regularly. There are several methods for cleaning the basket, including using Dawn dish soap, Dawn Powerwash, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. One effective method is to make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice, which can be applied to the basket and scrubbed with a soft toothbrush or sponge. This helps to remove stuck-on food and grease without scratching the surface.

Air fryers offer several benefits over traditional cooking methods. They eliminate the need for preheating, as convection technology cooks food faster and more evenly. Air fryers also produce crispier textures without the need for added oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. The powerful fan inside circulates hot air around the food, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the interior moist. This makes air fryers ideal for dishes like chicken tenders and French fries.

Air fryer vs. other cooking methods

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a straightforward process that minimises mess and produces evenly cooked, crispy bacon with less fat. It is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods such as the stovetop, oven, or microwave, as the air fryer drains excess fat from the bacon.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the bacon strips are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cutting the strips in half may be necessary to fit more in the basket. The air fryer does not require preheating, and the cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and the desired crispiness. For regular cut bacon, cooking at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes will yield softer bacon, while increasing the time to 8-9 minutes will make it crispier. Thick-cut bacon will need a longer cooking time, with 9-10 minutes for softer bacon and 10-12 minutes for crispier bacon.

Compared to other cooking methods, air frying bacon has several advantages. It is faster than cooking bacon in an oven, which can take up to 20 minutes, and it also eliminates the need for constant monitoring and flipping, as is the case with stovetop cooking. Air frying produces crispy bacon without the mess and grease associated with traditional frying methods. Additionally, there is no need to preheat the air fryer, making it more convenient than other methods.

However, cooking bacon in an air fryer may not be suitable for those who prefer their bacon cooked flat, as air-fried bacon tends to curl up. For those who want to cook a large batch of bacon at once, the oven method might be preferable, as it allows for cooking multiple strips at the same time. While the stovetop method requires constant supervision due to the risk of burning, it offers the advantage of being able to monitor and adjust the cooking temperature easily.

In conclusion, while air frying is a convenient, healthy, and mess-free way to cook bacon, other methods like oven-baking or stovetop cooking may be preferred by those who want flat bacon, larger batch sizes, or more control over the cooking temperature. Ultimately, the choice between air frying and other cooking methods depends on individual preferences, batch size requirements, and desired bacon texture.

Air fryer bacon recipes

Air-fried bacon is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook bacon. It also makes for a great crispy texture. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook bacon in your air fryer.

Firstly, you can use any bacon of your choice, whether it be back bacon, streaky bacon, smoked, or unsmoked. You can also use turkey bacon, as it is leaner and thinner, so simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.

When it comes to cooking, place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is fine for the strips to touch as they will shrink during cooking, but do not let them overlap or layer them, as this will prevent even cooking. If you need to, cut the strips in half to make them fit. You can also cook the bacon on a metal rack to add an extra layer.

For regular cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and reaches your desired crispiness. For thick-cut bacon, cook at the same temperature for 10-12 minutes. You can also cook at 390˚F for 8 minutes, flip the bacon, and then cook for another 7 minutes.

If you prefer softer bacon, air fry regular cut bacon at 350˚F for 7 minutes, and thick-cut bacon for 9-10 minutes.

If you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches. You can also put a thin slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to absorb grease and reduce smoking.

Frequently asked questions