Air Fryer Crispy Bacon: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free method that produces crispy bacon. Air fryers are much smaller than standard ovens and require less time to heat up. They cook food quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for cooking bacon. The air fryer's excellent circulation of hot air also means that food is cooked incredibly quickly and browned and crisped to perfection.

How to get the perfect crisp

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy method with minimal clean-up. It is faster than cooking bacon in an oven, and you get beautifully crispy bacon without the mess of grease splatters.

To get the perfect crisp, follow these steps:

Firstly, lay your bacon strips inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your bacon strips are too long, cut them in half so they fit easily. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the bacon from browning and crisping evenly.

Secondly, set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cook time. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350ºF (175ºC). At this temperature, you will get tender-crisp bacon in about 8-10 minutes. If you want crunchier, more brittle bacon, cook for 13 minutes. You can also cook at 375ºF for 7-8 minutes, turning the bacon halfway through. For thicker bacon, you may need to cook for up to 12 minutes. It is recommended to avoid cooking at a temperature higher than 350ºF, as this can cause excess splatter and smoking.

Finally, remove the bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any remaining grease.

Some additional tips for achieving the perfect crisp include:

• Preheating your air fryer beforehand to ensure consistent cooking.
• Cleaning the air fryer drip tray before and after cooking to prevent smoking.
• Adding a piece of bread to the drip tray to absorb excess fat.
• Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking to get both sides crispy.

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking crispy bacon in an air fryer is widely regarded as 350°F (175°C). This temperature cooks the bacon evenly, prevents excess splatter, and avoids smokiness.

However, some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) or even 400°F. The latter temperature is said to cook the bacon in about 9 minutes, while the former takes about 15 minutes (8 minutes on one side and about 7 minutes on the other).

The cooking time at 350°F varies depending on the desired crispness, the thickness of the bacon, and the style of the air fryer. For regular bacon, it takes 7–9 minutes for crispy bacon and 7 minutes for softer bacon. For thick-cut bacon, it takes 10–12 minutes for crispy bacon and 9–10 minutes for softer bacon.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that cooking bacon in an air fryer at a temperature higher than 350°F causes it to splatter. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to the temperature in the recipe to avoid this issue.

Avoiding smoke

Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of grease splatters all over your stovetop. It's also a great way to avoid filling your home with smoke.

To avoid smoke when cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's important to understand the smoke point of bacon fat. The smoke point is the temperature at which bacon fat starts to oxidize and smoke. The smoke point of bacon fat is between 325°F and 400°F. Therefore, it is recommended to cook bacon in an air fryer at a temperature below 350°F to avoid any smokiness.

One way to ensure that your air fryer doesn't exceed the smoke point is to cook the bacon in batches. This will help to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. By cooking the bacon in batches, you can also easily drain any excess grease that accumulates in the drip pan after each batch. This is important because if there is too much grease in the air fryer, it can drip onto the heating element and cause smoking.

Another tip to avoid smoking is to use a rack or trivet that came with your air fryer. Place this in the air fryer basket and lay the bacon strips on top. This elevates the bacon and allows the hot air to circulate more freely, helping the bacon to cook more evenly.

Additionally, you can place a thin slice of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to absorb grease and reduce the chances of smoking. You can also line the outer basket of the air fryer with aluminum foil to catch any grease drippings and make cleanup easier.

Finally, if you notice that your air fryer is producing white smoke, it is likely because the temperature is set too high. Lower the temperature and wipe out any excess grease from the inside of the air fryer (once it has cooled down) to remove any built-up grease from the heating element.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the Air Fryer Basket and Tray:

Start by removing the cooking basket and tray, which are usually dishwasher-safe. However, handwashing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating. Soak the removable parts in warm, soapy water to loosen any stubborn grease. Then, use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any remaining residue. Pay close attention to the crevices and ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Dealing with Grease:

Bacon grease can be a challenge to clean, but it's essential to prevent fires and maintain food quality. Use paper towels or napkins to absorb as much grease as possible from the drip pan or drawer. You can also use aluminium foil to line the bottom of the air fryer to catch the grease, which can be easily discarded once it hardens. If you plan to dispose of grease down the sink, mix it with liquid dish soap and a little water to emulsify it first.

Cleaning the Interior and Heating Coils:

The interior of the air fryer, including the heating coils, should be regularly wiped down with a paper towel or soft cloth to remove excess grease. Be thorough, as leftover grease can affect the taste and quality of your food. For a deeper clean, use a mild dish soap or degreaser solution and gently scrub the interior surfaces.

Preventative Measures:

To reduce the amount of cleaning required, take some preventative measures. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking and excessive grease buildup. Also, consider placing a thin slice of bread beneath the basket (in basket-style air fryers) to absorb grease and simplify cleaning.

Safety Precautions:

Always monitor your air fryer during use and adhere to the cooking instructions. Keep an eye out for smoke or unusual smells that could indicate burning food or plastic. Regularly cleaning your air fryer will help prevent fires and ensure your appliance functions properly for a long time.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve crispy bacon from an air fryer. It can be a breakfast side, served with scrambled eggs, French toast, or buttermilk pancakes. It can also be used as a crispy flavour booster, such as a topping for a baked potato, potato soup, devilled eggs, air fryer Brussels sprouts, or homemade mac and cheese.

You can also crumble the bacon and add it to a Cobb salad, corn in Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cobbs, or a spinach salad. It can also be sprinkled over air fryer chicken tenders, French fries, or tossed with air-fried potatoes.

For a heartier meal, try bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, bacon-wrapped asparagus, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, or bacon-wrapped shrimp. You can also use the bacon in recipes that call for cooked bacon, such as a breakfast casserole.

Finally, you can also use the crispy bacon in sandwiches, such as a BLT, breakfast sandwich, or an eggs benedict.

Frequently asked questions