Air Frying Bacon: Emeril's Way

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, delicious bacon. The Emeril Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including bacon, with a crispy, golden finish. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a restaurant-quality finish without the need for a traditional oven or a large amount of oil. The rapid air circulation technology ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon every time.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your Emeril Air Fryer is a critical step in the cooking process. It ensures that your bacon cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness. The preheating temperature for cooking bacon in the Emeril Air Fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your bacon by slicing each strip in half. This makes it easier to fit in the air fryer basket and ensures even cooking.

To preheat your Emeril Air Fryer, simply set the desired temperature and wait for it to reach that temperature. The preheating process can vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so refer to your user manual for specific instructions. Once the air fryer reaches the set temperature, it is ready for cooking.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating instructions. Some models may have a preheat setting, while others may require you to manually set the temperature and wait for it to reach that level. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions on how to preheat your particular model.

When preheating your Emeril Air Fryer, it is also a good idea to prepare your bacon slices. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to ensure they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. You may also want to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the bacon from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cut the bacon slices in half

When preparing bacon to be cooked in an Emeril Air Fryer, it is important to cut the bacon slices in half. This is a crucial step as it helps the bacon fit more easily into the air fryer basket, maximising the available space. By cutting the slices in half, you can also ensure that the bacon cooks evenly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout.

To cut the bacon slices in half effectively, use a sharp knife and a steady hand. Start by placing the bacon slices on a clean cutting board. Then, carefully slice through each piece of bacon lengthwise, creating two equal or near-equal halves. If your bacon slices are particularly thick, you may find it easier to cut them crosswise, which will also help them fit more comfortably in the air fryer basket.

It is important to note that the size and shape of your air fryer basket may influence how you cut the bacon. Some baskets are round, square, or rectangular, and the size can vary. As such, cutting the bacon slices in half may not always be necessary, especially if your air fryer basket has ample space. However, for the best results, it is generally recommended to cut the slices in half to promote even cooking.

By following this simple step of cutting the bacon slices in half, you can optimise the cooking process and ensure that your bacon turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. This technique is especially useful when cooking larger batches of bacon, as it allows for better arrangement and heat distribution within the air fryer.

Arrange the bacon in a single layer

When cooking bacon in an Emeril Air Fryer, it is important to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat the Emeril Air Fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) to ensure optimal results. Preheating guarantees even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the bacon slices by cutting them in half. This will make it easier for the bacon to fit in the air fryer basket and ensure more even cooking.

Now, let's focus on arranging the bacon in a single layer. Slide out the air fryer basket and place the halved bacon slices inside, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking and greasy bacon. A little bit of touching at the edges is acceptable, as the bacon will shrink as it cooks. If your bacon slices are too long, you can cut them in half again to fit comfortably in the basket. Use a wire rack, a silicone mat, or parchment paper to line the basket, preventing the bacon from sticking and making cleanup easier.

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of bacon strips you wish to cook, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. It is important to note that layering the bacon will impact the crispiness, so a single layer is ideal. If you are cooking a large amount of bacon, you may consider using an oven or cooking in multiple batches.

Once you have arranged the bacon slices in a single layer, you can proceed to the next step of setting the timer and temperature for optimal cooking results. Remember, the key to successful bacon cooking in an air fryer is precision in timing and temperature, adjusting these settings based on the thickness of the bacon slices.

Cook for 5-12 minutes

When cooking bacon in an Emeril Air Fryer, it's important to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn or overcook. The amount of time required to cook bacon will vary depending on its thickness, so it's a good idea to check on it periodically while it's cooking. To check if the bacon is done to your liking, simply open the air fryer basket and use tongs to lift a piece of bacon. If it's not yet crispy enough, you can put it back in the air fryer and cook it for another minute or two. Repeat this process until all the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness.

For thin-cut bacon, cook for 5 to 9 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your bacon crispy, you can cook it for up to 9 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 10 to 12 minutes at the same temperature. If you want your thick-cut bacon to be extra crispy, you can cook it for up to 14 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the bacon's progress frequently to avoid overcooking or burning.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your bacon by slicing it in half. This will make it easier to fit in the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking. Arrange the halved bacon slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap too much. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the bacon in batches to ensure even cooking.

Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly blot any excess grease. This will help keep your bacon crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy. Now your perfectly cooked bacon is ready to be enjoyed!

Blot excess grease with paper towels

Blotting excess grease with paper towels is an important step in the air fryer bacon-making process. Once your bacon is cooked to your desired crispness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly blot any excess grease. This step is crucial as it helps absorb excess oil and grease, preventing your bacon from becoming too greasy. Gently arrange the bacon slices on the paper towels, ensuring they are not overlapping. Overlapping can lead to moisture buildup, which might make your bacon soggy.

You can also place a piece of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to catch any grease. If using an air fryer oven, place a drip tray lined with aluminium foil. If you notice any splatter, you can stick a piece of bread under the air fryer basket or use a drip tray to collect the grease.

It is important to note that the paper towels used to blot the excess grease should be wet. Place the wet paper towels on a baking pan to reduce smoke while cooking.

Frequently asked questions