Air Fryer Bacon: Can You Fix It?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to get crispy bacon without the mess. It is faster than cooking bacon in the oven and there is less splatter on the stovetop. The grease collects underneath the basket in a drawer, making it easy to discard. The cook time depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it to be. For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350-360˚F for 7-9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-14 minutes.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and less messy alternative to stovetop or oven cooking. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it.

For regular cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes. For softer bacon, stick to 7 minutes, and for crispy bacon, go for 8-9 minutes.

For thick-cut bacon, the cooking time is a little longer. At 350˚F, cook for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.

If you like your bacon particularly crispy, you can cook it for a little longer. Some recipes suggest cooking regular cut bacon for up to 14 minutes, and thick-cut bacon for up to 15 minutes.

If you're cooking thin-cut bacon, check it after 5-6 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn.

You don't need to preheat the air fryer, and there's no need to add oil to the bacon or the tray. Simply place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and you're good to go.

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess. However, it can be tricky to get right without producing a cloud of smoke. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking when cooking bacon:

Temperature Control:

Air fryers are small, countertop convection ovens that heat up quickly and cook food faster than a conventional oven. Therefore, they require lower temperatures. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350°F (180°C). This temperature provides crispy bacon without the risk of burning and reduces the amount of smoke produced. If you like your bacon extra crispy, cook it for a little longer, rather than increasing the temperature.

Absorb Grease:

Bacon produces a lot of grease, which can cause smoking. To prevent this, place a slice of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to catch the grease. Alternatively, you can use a drip tray lined with aluminium foil to collect the grease.

Batch Cooking:

Cooking large amounts of bacon at once can lead to excess grease hitting the drip pan and causing smoke. If cooking for a larger group, consider cooking in batches to minimise grease build-up.

Thickness of Bacon:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than thin-cut bacon. Check the bacon regularly to ensure it doesn't burn.

No Preheating:

Air fryers do not need to be preheated for cooking bacon. Preheating can cause the bacon fat to overheat and smoke.

Clean Drip Pan:

If cooking multiple batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.

Parchment Paper:

Use parchment paper designed for air fryers to line your air fryer basket. These have holes to allow for air circulation while catching grease and preventing smoking.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon from your air fryer without the smoke!

How to store and reheat air fryer bacon

Storing Air Fryer Bacon

Before storing your cooked bacon, allow it to cool completely. Blot the bacon with paper towels to remove any excess grease, then place the cooled bacon in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Push out any excess air and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bacon

The best way to reheat air fryer bacon and restore its crispiness is, well, using an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-375°F.
• Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Reheat for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning.
• For even heating, flip and rearrange the bacon halfway through the cooking process.
• If you're reheating frozen precooked bacon, add 1-2 minutes to the total cooking time.
• If necessary, finish cooking in 30-second increments until you achieve the desired crispness.
• Blot any excess grease with paper towels for the optimal level of crispiness.
• For thicker bacon slices, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F.

Other Reheating Methods

You can also reheat bacon in a microwave, oven, toaster oven, griddle, convection oven, or on a stovetop. Each method has its own set of instructions, but the general idea is to use medium to high heat and cook until the bacon is sizzling and has reached your desired level of crispiness.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy meal to make, and it goes with a variety of dishes. It can be served as a side or crumbled and added to other meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer bacon:

Breakfast Options

• Fried Egg and Toast: A simple, classic breakfast option. Fry an egg to your liking and serve with a slice of toast. The bacon and egg combo is always a winner.
• Pancakes: For a more indulgent breakfast, serve your bacon with a stack of fluffy pancakes. You could even add some syrup for that sweet and savoury combo.
• Cheese Grits: For something more filling and savoury, cheese grits are a great option to serve with bacon.
• Breakfast Pizza: If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making a breakfast pizza? Add your bacon as a topping, along with other breakfast favourites like eggs and vegetables.
• Egg Muffins: These are a great option if you're looking for something portable and easy to eat on the go. Crumble your bacon and add it to your egg muffin mixture before baking.
• Twice Baked Potatoes: For a heartier breakfast, serve your bacon with twice-baked potatoes. Load them up with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Other Meal Options

• BLT Sandwich: This classic sandwich is a great option for lunch or a light dinner. Toast some bread, add your bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and you're good to go.
• Deviled Eggs: Bacon and eggs are a match made in heaven. Crumble your bacon and mix it with your favourite deviled egg filling.
• Salads: Bacon adds a nice crunchy texture to salads. Try it with a Caesar salad or a salad of your choice.
• Wraps: Bacon wraps are a great option for a quick and easy lunch. Try it with a chicken wrap or your favourite wrap filling.
• Burgers: Add a slice of bacon to your burger for an extra layer of flavour and texture.
• Tacos: Bacon tacos are a fun and delicious option for dinner. Crumble your bacon and add it to your favourite taco filling.

How to cook bacon in an air fryer

Ingredients:

Bacon (regular or thick-cut)

Method:

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make crispy bacon with minimal mess.

First, place your bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cut the strips in half to fit more in the basket. It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

For regular cut bacon, set the air fryer to 350˚F-360˚F and cook for 7-9 minutes. If you prefer softer bacon, aim for 7 minutes, and for crispier bacon, go for 8-9 minutes.

For thick-cut bacon, use the same temperature setting but increase the cooking time to 9-12 minutes. Again, adjust the time depending on your desired level of crispiness.

There is no need to preheat the air fryer or add oil to the bacon, as it will release its own grease during cooking.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. If you are cooking in batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan and wipe it clean before starting the next batch.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy air fryer bacon ready to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from BLT sandwiches to breakfast pizzas.

Frequently asked questions