Air Fryer Bacon: Cooking Raw Bacon Made Easy

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon. It's safe to put raw bacon in an air fryer, as long as it's cooked to a safe temperature. To avoid any smokiness, it's best to cook the bacon at 350˚F. It's also important to note that different air fryers preheat differently, so it's worth checking the instructions for your particular model.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea if you want to cook bacon that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Not all air fryers need preheating, but if yours does, set it to 350ºF. This is the ideal temperature for cooking bacon, as it avoids any smokiness while still getting the bacon nice and crispy. If you cook bacon at a higher temperature, it may splatter, so keep the temperature low.

If you're using an air fryer basket, place a piece of bread or a little water underneath to catch any grease. Alternatively, you can use a drip tray lined with aluminium foil. If you're cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel.

Cooking times for regular bacon

Yes, you can cook raw bacon in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook bacon, as long as it's cooked to a safe temperature.

Cooking times will vary depending on how crispy you like your bacon and how thickly it's cut. For crispy bacon, cook at 350 degrees F for 8-9 minutes. For non-crispy bacon, cook for 7 minutes. If you're cooking thick-cut bacon, you'll need to cook it for 10-12 minutes for the crispiest version, or 9-10 minutes for non-crispy.

If you're cooking in 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 flat in the bottom of the air fryer (beneath the basket) to absorb grease, simplify cleaning, and reduce smoking.

Cooking times for thick-cut bacon

Yes, you can cook raw bacon in an air fryer. It's recommended that you preheat the air fryer to 350ºF, although not all air fryers need this. Then, add the bacon into the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 5-9 minutes, or until it's crisped to your liking. If you're cooking thick-cut bacon, you should air fry for 10-12 minutes for the crispiest version, or 9-10 minutes for non-crispy bacon.

To avoid any smokiness while cooking bacon, it's best to air fry at 350˚F, as the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F. If your air fryer is smoking, it's likely due to the grease that drips off the bacon as it cooks, or because the temperature is too high. To catch any grease, place a piece of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket, or use a drip tray lined with aluminium foil in an air fryer oven.

How to avoid splatter

Yes, you can cook raw bacon in an air fryer. To avoid splatter, keep the temperature low. Cooking bacon in an air fryer at a temperature higher than 350˚F can cause it to splatter. If you do notice any splatter, place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket to catch any grease. Alternatively, use a drip tray lined with aluminium foil in an air fryer oven. If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel.

How to clean the air fryer

Yes, it is safe to cook raw bacon in an air fryer, as long as it is cooked to a safe temperature. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is quick and easy. However, it can cause grease to drip off the bacon, which may cause smoke. To avoid this, place a piece of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to catch any grease. Alternatively, use a drip tray lined with aluminium foil. If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe clean with a paper towel.

To clean your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
• Remove the basket or tray from the air fryer. If your air fryer has a removable basket or tray, take it out for easier cleaning.
• Soak the basket or tray in warm, soapy water. Fill your sink or a large container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the basket or tray in the water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any grease or food residue.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside of the air fryer. Be gentle and avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or brushes, as these can scratch the surface.
• Rinse the basket or tray with clean water and dry thoroughly. After soaking and wiping down the basket or tray, rinse it with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry it completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting it back in the air fryer.
• Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the air fryer, including the control panel and any other surfaces. Dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Reassemble the air fryer and plug it back in. Once everything is clean and dry, put the basket or tray back in the air fryer and plug it into the power outlet. Your air fryer is now ready to use again!

By following these steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and maintain its performance. Remember to clean it regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods like bacon, to prevent a build-up of residue and ensure optimal cooking results.

Frequently asked questions