Air Fryer Bacon: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to get crispy bacon without the mess. It's faster than cooking bacon in the oven and there's less splatter on the stovetop. The grease collects underneath the basket in the drawer, so there's no grease splatter in the kitchen. 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 350-390˚F for 7-9 minutes or 12-14 minutes for thick-cut bacon.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon and the thickness of the bacon. For crispy bacon, thick-cut bacon will take 10-12 minutes, while regular bacon will take 7-9 minutes. If you prefer softer bacon, thick-cut bacon will take 9-10 minutes, and regular bacon will take 7 minutes.

The cooking process is simple. First, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A few overlaps are okay, but try not to overcrowd the basket. You don't need to add any oil as the bacon will release grease as it cooks. Set the temperature and timer according to your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of the bacon. Check the bacon halfway through and rearrange the slices with tongs if needed.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the air fryer basket and wipe it clean before cooking the next batch.

Some additional tips for cooking bacon in an air fryer:

• Preheating the air fryer is not necessary for bacon, but some models may recommend it.
• To prevent smoking, clean the drip tray before and after cooking, and stick to the recommended temperature.
• To make cleanup even easier, you can add a slice of bread to the drip tray to absorb excess grease.

The best temperature to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer. The best temperature to cook bacon in an air fryer depends on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

Regular cut bacon should be cooked at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispier bacon. Thick-cut bacon, on the other hand, requires a little more time. For softer thick-cut bacon, cook at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryer models may vary, so it's always a good idea to check on your bacon periodically to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of crispiness. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and allow for proper airflow around each slice of bacon.

Some recipes suggest cooking bacon in an air fryer at 400˚F for 10 minutes, or preheating the air fryer to 390˚F and cooking for 8 minutes on one side, then flipping and cooking for an additional 7 minutes. However, some people have found that these higher temperatures and longer cooking times can lead to burnt bacon.

Experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the best combination for your air fryer and your preferred bacon crispiness.

How to prevent bacon from smoking in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry bacon in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to prevent bacon from smoking in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to keep the temperature low. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350˚F. This temperature provides crispy bacon without the risk of burning it and also reduces the amount of smoke produced. Air fryers heat food faster than conventional ovens, so they require lower temperatures.

Secondly, the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so cooking at 350˚F helps to avoid any smokiness. If you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel.

Thirdly, you can place a slice of bread or a little water underneath the air fryer basket to catch any grease. This helps to prevent smoking and is especially useful if you are cooking large amounts of bacon.

Another tip is to use parchment paper to line your air fryer basket. There are types of parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers with holes to allow for air circulation.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon. Thicker cuts of bacon will require longer cooking times to ensure they cook evenly. Uncured bacon is a good option as it straddles the line between thin and thick-cut.

How to store and reheat cooked bacon

How to Store Cooked Bacon

Allow the cooked bacon to cool to room temperature, then blot off any excess fat or grease with paper towels. Place the bacon in an airtight container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. You can also add a layer of cling film over the bacon to minimise air contact. Put the container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

How to Reheat Cooked Bacon

There are several methods to reheat cooked bacon:

• Using a skillet: Place a skillet on medium-high heat and let it heat up. Put the bacon strips in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Using the oven: Preheat the oven to 350-400°F and lay the bacon on a foil-lined baking tray. Heat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired crispness.
• Using the microwave: Place the bacon on a plate covered with a paper towel and microwave for 20-60 seconds, checking and reheating as needed.
• Using an air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the bacon for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon, and it goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer bacon:

Breakfast

Air fryer bacon is a great breakfast option. Serve it with eggs, whether fried, scrambled, or in an omelette. You can also add it to breakfast sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy it with some avocado on toast. If you're looking for a lighter option, air fryer bacon also tastes great with egg white omelettes or fresh fruit.

Lunch/Dinner

Of course, the classic BLT sandwich is always a good option. You can also crumble your air fryer bacon and sprinkle it over a chicken wrap, or add it to a club sandwich. For a heartier meal, serve it with a chicken corn chowder or a potato leek soup.

Salads

Air fryer bacon adds a delicious, salty crunch to a variety of salads. Try it with a Chicken BLT salad, a Pasta Caesar salad, or a simple green salad with avocado.

Snacks and Appetizers

For a quick snack or appetizer, air fryer bacon can be served with devilled eggs or hard-boiled eggs. You can also wrap the bacon around dates or make air fryer bacon-wrapped tater tots.

Sides

As a side dish, air fryer bacon goes well with roasted pineapple or garlic and parsley baby potatoes.

With so many options, air fryer bacon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day!

Frequently asked questions