Air Fryer Bacon: Can You Make It?

There are several ways to cook bacon, including using a stove, oven, air fryer, or microwave. While the stove is a classic approach, it can be messy and greasy. The oven is great for cooking large batches of bacon, but it can be time-consuming. Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook small batches of bacon, and they create the perfect taste and texture. Microwaving bacon is the quickest method, but it can be dry and not as crispy as other methods.

Characteristics and values of cooking bacon in an air fryer or microwave

Air fryer temperature settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, with many people claiming it is their favourite method. It is quick, easy to clean up, and produces evenly cooked, crispy bacon with minimal grease splatters.

The temperature setting for cooking bacon in an air fryer depends on the style of your air fryer, the doneness and thickness of the bacon, and how many batches you are cooking. Most sources recommend cooking at 350˚F to avoid any smokiness while cooking bacon, as the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370˚F, 375˚F, 380˚F, 390˚F, or even 400˚F.

For regular cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel. You can also put a thin slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb grease and reduce smoking.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others claim it is not necessary. It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Silicone bacon maker

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook bacon, a silicone bacon maker is a great option. This handy tool is designed specifically for cooking bacon in the microwave, and it delivers crispy and tasty results. Here's how it works:

The silicone bacon maker is a specially designed tray with cavities that hold the bacon strips in place. To use it, simply fill each cavity with a strip of bacon, close the tray, and place it in the microwave. Set the microwave to high power for 4-5 minutes, and you're done! After cooking, let the bacon rest in the microwave for about a minute to cool down. Not only is this method quick, but it's also easy to clean up – the silicone bacon maker can go straight into the dishwasher.

One thing to note is that bacon cooked in a silicone bacon maker tends to be drier than bacon cooked in an air fryer or oven. However, it still tastes great and has a crispy texture, reminiscent of bacon bits. This method is perfect when you're short on time or don't want to deal with the mess of a stovetop or oven.

Now, let's talk about cooking bacon in an air fryer. If you're looking for that perfect balance of taste and texture, the air fryer is the way to go. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and lay the bacon strips in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for about 7 minutes at 400°F for crispy, evenly cooked bacon. This method is ideal for small batches and delivers consistent results with minimal mess.

In conclusion, the silicone bacon maker is a convenient and quick option for cooking bacon in the microwave, resulting in crispy and tasty bacon bits. However, if you're looking for that classic bacon texture and taste, the air fryer is the way to go, providing you with delicious bacon strips that are sure to impress.

Air fryer basket

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, prepare the air fryer basket by ensuring it is clean and ready for use. The basket should be large enough to accommodate the desired amount of bacon, so consider the number of servings and the size of the basket. For example, the Ninja two-basket air fryer can cook 6-7 strips of bacon at a time.

When placing the bacon in the air fryer basket, it is recommended to arrange the strips in a single layer. Some overlap is generally acceptable, but it is best to avoid overcrowding the basket. This is because layering too many slices may prevent the bacon from browning and achieving the desired crispness. Depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired doneness, you may need to cut the bacon pieces in half to ensure even cooking.

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is typically around 350°F to 400°F. However, it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your preferred level of crispness. For regular cut bacon, cooking for 7-9 minutes at 350°F will give you softer bacon, while increasing the time to 8-9 minutes will result in crispier bacon. For thick-cut bacon, cooking times will be longer, ranging from 9-12 minutes.

During the cooking process, it is not necessary to flip the bacon halfway through, as the circulating air in the air fryer will ensure even cooking. However, some recipes suggest flipping the bacon after a certain amount of time, such as halfway through the cooking process or after a specified number of minutes. After cooking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Oven-cooked bacon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C). The ideal temperature depends on your preference and the type of bacon you're using. If you're using thick-cut bacon, you may want to cook it at a lower temperature to avoid burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will help with cleanup and prevent the bacon from sticking. If you have an oven-safe baking rack, you can place it on the sheet pan to allow the grease to drip down and make your bacon even crispier.

Step 3: Arrange the Bacon

Lay the bacon slices side-by-side on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Make sure they don't overlap, as you want them to cook evenly. You can sprinkle the bacon with black pepper or other seasonings if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness. If you're using thick-cut bacon, plan for an extra 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time.

Step 5: Flip and Rotate (Optional)

If you're using a baking rack, there's no need to flip the bacon. However, if you're cooking directly on a sheet pan, you may want to flip the bacon strips halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking multiple pans of bacon, be sure to rotate the pans from top to bottom halfway through.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Keep an eye on your bacon, especially if you're cooking at a higher temperature. The bacon is done when it turns a dark tan color and reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remember that the bacon will continue to crisp as it cools, so don't worry if it's not completely crispy when you take it out of the oven.

Step 7: Drain and Cool

Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. You can also pour off the bacon grease and save it for future cooking, such as sautéing vegetables or eggs.

Step 8: Store or Serve

Air fryer pros and cons

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep fryers, as they use little to no oil and reduce exposure to carcinogens. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of foods such as bacon, chicken, vegetables, and frozen foods. Air fryers are ideal for small batches and can produce crispy and evenly cooked food with less grease and mess compared to traditional frying methods. Additionally, they heat up quickly and have shorter cooking times, making them a time-efficient option for busy cooks.

However, one of the limitations of air fryers is their capacity. They are suitable for cooking small portions but may not be ideal for larger gatherings or families. The size of the air fryer and the number of servings it can accommodate should be considered before purchasing. Additionally, air fryers may require some trial and error to find the optimal settings and techniques for the best results.

Another factor to consider is the cleaning process. While air fryers produce less grease, learning how to clean the machine can be challenging due to the various components that cannot be exposed to water. Proper cleaning is essential to maintain the air fryer's performance and longevity.

Lastly, while air fryers can make foods crispy, they do not technically "fry" in the traditional sense. If you are seeking the taste and texture of indulgent deep-fried foods, you may still need a deep fryer for certain dishes.

Frequently asked questions