Air Frying Bacon: Philips Style

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a fast, easy, and less messy alternative to stovetop or oven cooking. Air-fried bacon is also crispier and less greasy. The Philips Air Fryer, in particular, is a great option for cooking bacon as it uses Rapid Air Technology to fry, bake, roast, and grill with little to no oil. This means that the bacon cooked in the basket while all the oil drips into the pan below it. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook bacon in a Philips Air Fryer, as well as tips and tricks for achieving the perfect batch of crispy bacon.

Cooking Bacon in a Philips Air Fryer

How to lay the bacon in the air fryer

Laying the bacon correctly in your Philips air fryer is key to achieving the perfect crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before you lay the bacon, ensure your air fryer basket is clean and dry. Some recipes suggest placing a slice of bread at the bottom of the basket to absorb excess grease and prevent smoking. However, this is optional.

Step 2: Cut the Bacon Slices

Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This helps them cook more evenly and fit more comfortably in the basket. Cutting the slices in half is especially important if you have a smaller air fryer like the Philips XXL, as it prevents the bacon from overlapping and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Lay the Bacon in a Single Layer

Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the strips as this can prevent even cooking and browning. It's okay if the edges touch slightly, but try to avoid overcrowding the basket. You may need to cook the bacon in batches if you have a large quantity.

Step 4: Seasoning (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to season your bacon. A simple option is to sprinkle black pepper over the bacon strips.

Step 5: Set the Temperature and Timer

Close the air fryer and set the temperature and timer according to your desired doneness and the type of bacon you are using. For thinner, regular cut bacon, a temperature of 350°F to 390°F for 7 to 9 minutes is recommended. For thicker bacon, use the same temperature range but increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

Now you're all set! Let the air fryer do its magic and enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon.

Air fryer temperature and time

The optimal temperature and time for cooking bacon in a Philips air fryer depend on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F (176˚C) for 7-9 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispier bacon. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F (176˚C) for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispier bacon.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the style of your air fryer. For example, if you prefer your bacon to be extra crispy, you can air fry regular cut bacon for up to 9 minutes or thick-cut bacon for up to 12 minutes.

To avoid overcrowding the basket, it is recommended to lay the bacon in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable. Additionally, cutting the bacon strips in half can help them fit more comfortably in the basket and cook more evenly.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is essential to monitor the smoke point of the bacon fat, which is around 400˚F (200˚C). Cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350˚F (176˚C), can help prevent smoking and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

• Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) or 176 degrees C, depending on your desired temperature.
• Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to ensure even cooking and a better fit in the basket.
• Lay the bacon strips flat in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some overlap if needed.
• Air fry the bacon according to the recommended temperatures and times based on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness.
• For thicker bacon or if you prefer a higher level of crispiness, you may need to cook the bacon in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Check the bacon frequently to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Once the bacon reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to blot any excess grease.
• Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon!

Avoiding smoke

While it is possible to cook bacon in a Philips air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid smoking.

Firstly, it is important to note that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at a lower temperature, such as 350˚F, to avoid any smokiness. Cooking bacon at a higher temperature may result in smoke, as one user reported that their room filled with smoke when they cooked bacon in an oven with an air fryer setting at 350˚F.

To prevent smoking, it is crucial to ensure that the air fryer is clean before and after use. The drip tray or drip pan should be wiped down with a paper towel to remove any excess grease or oil. Additionally, it is recommended to place a wire rack or trivet over the bacon to allow the hot air to circulate more freely and help the bacon cook evenly. If your air fryer does not come with a rack, it is not necessary to purchase one.

Some people suggest adding water to the bottom of the air fryer basket or drawer to prevent smoking. However, this can be dangerous as adding water to hot oil or bacon fat can cause it to expand and spray in all directions. Instead, a slice of bread can be placed in the drip tray or at the bottom of the air fryer basket to absorb excess grease and reduce smoking.

To further avoid smoking, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the bacon in batches, if necessary, ensures that the hot air can circulate around each piece, resulting in even cooking. It is also recommended to check the bacon frequently during the cooking process to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time as needed, as air fryer models and bacon thickness can vary.

Cleaning the air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in a Philips Air Fryer. It is a quick, less messy, and easy way to make crispy bacon without a lot of grease.

To clean your Philips Air Fryer, start by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool down completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes. It is important to ensure that the air fryer is unplugged and cooled down before cleaning.

Once the air fryer is cool, remove the pan and basket, and turn the appliance upside down. To clean the heating element, which sits above the pan and basket, you can use a soft sponge with hot water. You can also use a soft to medium-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on food residue. Avoid using a steel wire brush or a hard-bristled brush, as this may damage the coating of the heating element.

The pan and basket inside your Philips Air Fryer can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Place them upside down in the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle with mild detergent. Alternatively, you can hand wash them with hot, soapy water and a gentle sponge. If you are hand washing, be sure to allow the parts to air dry before reassembling the air fryer.

To clean the outside of the appliance, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any excess oil or food residue. For tougher stains, you can mix dish soap and water to gently scrub the area. Wipe down all the outside surfaces, including the handle and buttons. Dry the surface with a cloth, ensuring no moisture remains on the control panel.

It is recommended to clean the heating element and the inside of your air fryer every three months or whenever you notice white smoke coming out of the air vent.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Air fryer bacon is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook bacon. It is simple, mostly hands-off, and the bacon grease falls off into the bottom of the basket, making clean-up a breeze.

Now, what to serve with this crispy, crunchy, mouth-watering bacon?

First up, a classic: the BLT. Layer your air-fried bacon onto some toasted bread with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a smear of mayonnaise. This sandwich is a perfect balance of textures and flavours, and the air-fried bacon adds a nice crunch.

If you're in the mood for something more substantial, why not try a bacon cheeseburger? Cook your bacon in the air fryer, then assemble it with a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and your favourite toppings. You can also air-fry some potato wedges to serve on the side.

For a lighter option, a Cobb Salad could be a great choice. Air-fried bacon adds a nice salty, crispy element to the salad, which typically includes hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chicken or turkey, and a variety of vegetables.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try a bacon-topped baked potato. Simply air-fry your potato until crispy, then load it up with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, and of course, your crispy air-fried bacon.

Finally, for a sweet and savoury option, why not try bacon with pancakes or French toast? The salty, crispy bacon is a perfect contrast to the sweet, fluffy pancakes or French toast. You can even drizzle some maple syrup on top for an extra special treat.

So, there you have it! Whether you're craving something classic like a BLT, or something more indulgent like a bacon-topped baked potato, air-fried bacon is a versatile ingredient that can take your dish to the next level. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions