Air Fryer Bacon: Cooking Rashers The Quick Way

Cooking bacon rashers in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient method that delivers delicious results. The air fryer's ability to cook bacon with less fat and minimal mess makes it a popular choice for those seeking a crispy texture without the splatter of traditional frying methods. By following specific techniques and adjusting cooking times, individuals can achieve their desired level of crispiness, making it perfect for a classic bacon sandwich or as a savoury addition to any meal.

Cooking times and temperatures for streaky bacon rashers

Streaky bacon rashers can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The cooking time and temperature for streaky bacon rashers depend on the level of crispiness desired and the air fryer model.

Firstly, lay the streaky bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is fine if the rashers touch, as they will shrink during cooking, but ensure they are not overlapping. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the streaky bacon in batches to avoid overlapping.

Secondly, set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Most sources recommend cooking streaky bacon rashers at 200°C (390°F) for 6-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. For just-cooked streaky bacon, 6 minutes is sufficient, while 9-10 minutes will result in crispier bacon. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the streaky bacon rashers and the specific air fryer model.

During the cooking process, it is recommended to flip the streaky bacon rashers halfway through to ensure even cooking. Additionally, for extra crispy bacon, consider draining the excess fat after 5 minutes of cooking and adding another 2 minutes of cooking time.

Finally, once the streaky bacon rashers have reached the desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and place them on kitchen paper to drain any excess grease before serving.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time and temperature based on your preferences and air fryer model, you can achieve perfectly cooked streaky bacon rashers with your desired level of crispiness.

Cooking times and temperatures for back bacon rashers

Cooking bacon rashers in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient way to get delicious, crispy rashers. The cooking time and temperature for back bacon rashers in an air fryer depend on how crispy you like your bacon and how thick the rashers are.

First, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. Then, place your back bacon rashers directly into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. For regular back bacon rashers, cook for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer your bacon on the crispier side, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. For thicker-cut back bacon, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

It is important to note that the size of your air fryer and the number of rashers you cook at once can impact the cooking time. If you are cooking in batches, the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer is already heated. Additionally, if your air fryer is crowded, you may need to increase the cooking time.

To prevent the bacon from curling up, you can use scissors to make a small cut through the fat layer. For even cooking, rotate the rashers halfway through the cooking process. Always keep an eye on your bacon while it's in the air fryer, as the timing can vary depending on your desired doneness.

How to cook multiple batches of bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon rashers in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to cook multiple batches of bacon in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes, but some suggest 180°C (355°F) or even 160°C (320°F) if you prefer less crispy bacon. If you are cooking frozen bacon, you should preheat to 180°C (355°F) and cook for 4 minutes before separating the slices and continuing with the recipe.

Next, place your bacon rashers directly into the basket. It is important to ensure that the bacon is in a single layer, with some sources suggesting that the rashers should not overlap, while others say that some overlap is okay. If you are cooking streaky bacon, you can lightly brush one side of the bacon with a tiny layer of rapeseed oil (less than 1 teaspoon) before placing it in the basket.

Now, it's time to cook the bacon. Most sources recommend cooking at 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes, then flipping the rashers and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. However, the total cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are using and your desired level of crispiness. For example, thinner rashers of streaky bacon will cook faster, while thicker medallions will take longer. Check the bacon frequently to ensure it doesn't burn, and remove it from the air fryer when it has reached your desired level of doneness.

If you are cooking multiple batches, remember that the subsequent batches will usually cook faster since the air fryer is already heated. Be sure to remove excess grease from the air fryer between batches to maintain optimal cooking conditions.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Yes, you can cook bacon rashers in an air fryer. It's super quick, convenient, and energy-efficient, and the results are delicious!

Now, to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon, follow these steps:

• Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. It's important to ensure your safety and not risk getting burned by hot oil or surfaces.
• Check the heating coil of your air fryer (usually located at the top of the unit). If there is oil or residue on the coil, wipe it down with a damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. You can also use a dish brush, similar to how you would clean the heating element on an electric stove.
• Remove the basket, tray, and pan. These accessories can be washed with soap and warm water, just like your regular dishes. Use a sturdy sponge, such as a Scrub Daddy, to remove any food buildup and grease. Be careful not to scrub the interior cooking surface too hard to avoid scratching it.
• For extra stubborn residue and stuck-on food, let the accessories soak in warm soapy water for a while before scrubbing. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to clean the crevices.
• Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. If needed, use a baking soda and lemon paste for extra cleaning power. Baking soda has a fine, abrasive grit that's great for cleaning without scratching.
• Dry all the parts completely with a towel or air dry them before reassembling the air fryer.
• If you want to freshen up your air fryer and remove any lingering odours, try a lemon and vinegar steam. Fill the basket with water and add a few drops of dish soap and vinegar, then turn on the air fryer for a few minutes. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the steam to work its magic. This method is excellent for loosening grease and removing odours.

Always remember to consult your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer, and spot test any new cleaning methods to ensure they don't damage the coating or interior surface.

How to stop bacon from curling up in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon rashers in an air fryer. It is super quick, convenient, energy efficient, and the results are delicious.

To stop bacon from curling up in an air fryer, you can try the following:

• Cut your bacon strips in half to make them shorter, reducing the chance of curling during cooking.
• Use a lower temperature setting. A slower cooking process at a lower heat gives the meat enough time to cook evenly, reducing the likelihood of uneven shrinkage, which leads to curling.
• Use a bacon press—a heavy object designed to hold bacon flat while cooking. If you don't have a bacon press, use a heat-resistant bowl or another heavy utensil to press down on the bacon to prevent curling.
• Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process, ensuring that both sides are evenly cooked. This will help minimise the curling effect and keep the bacon flat.
• Place a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket for the bacon to rest on, and put bread slices underneath it to help bear some of the weight and prevent curling.
• Control the grease released during cooking, as this contributes to curling. Use a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease and allow for proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Make a small cut through the fat layer to stop it from curling up.

Frequently asked questions