Making Crispy Bacon In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make crispy bacon. It is also less messy than cooking bacon on a stovetop or in an oven, as the grease is contained inside the air fryer basket, resulting in easy cleanup. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, it takes around 5-15 minutes to cook bacon in an air fryer.

How long to cook crispy bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can make crispy bacon in an air fryer! The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness.

For thin-cut bacon, check the bacon after 5-6 minutes, as it will cook faster. For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. If you're using streaky bacon rashers, set the air fryer to 200C and cook for 6-10 minutes – just-cooked bacon will take 6 minutes, while crispier bacon will take 9-10 minutes.

For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. If you want to cook your bacon for longer, be aware that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so air frying at 350˚F will avoid any smokiness while cooking.

If you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches. You may also need to adjust the cooking time for the second batch, as the air fryer will already be heated up.

How to prevent bacon from smoking in an air fryer

Yes, you can make crispy bacon in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent the bacon from smoking:

Firstly, it is important to keep the temperature low. The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at 350˚F to avoid any smoke.

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

You can also add a cup of water to the lower pan to prevent smoking. Alternatively, you can add a slice of bread to the lower pan to soak up the bacon grease. This will prevent the grease from splattering and causing smoke.

Another option 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, be mindful of the thickness of your bacon rashers, as thicker cuts will take longer to cook than thin-cut bacon. Do not cook at a higher temperature to compensate for thicker bacon, as this will increase the risk of burning and smoking. Simply cook for a longer period at the same temperature.

How to store and reheat air fryer bacon

Storing Cooked Bacon

To store cooked bacon, allow it to cool completely, and then place it on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to blot and remove excess grease. After this, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Push out any excess air and refrigerate for 3-5 days or freeze for 1-2 months.

Reheating Bacon in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent option for making leftover bacon crispy again. To reheat bacon in an air fryer, start by preheating the appliance to 370-375°F. Then, place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the amount and thickness of the bacon, so watch it closely to prevent burning.

For optimal crispiness, flip and rearrange the bacon halfway through cooking. If you're reheating frozen precooked bacon, add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also finish cooking in 30-second increments until you achieve the desired crispness. Finally, pat off any excess grease with paper towels.

Tips for Reheating Bacon in an Air Fryer

• For thicker bacon slices, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F.
• To prevent smoking, clean the drip tray before and after cooking, and stick to the temperature in the recipe.
• To absorb excess fat, add a slice of bread or a cup of water to the drip tray.

How to prevent a mess when cooking bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can make crispy bacon in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent a mess when cooking bacon in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that the air fryer method is already less messy than stovetop or oven cooking, as the grease collects in the drawer underneath the basket, so there are no grease splatters. However, to further minimize mess, you can place a splatter guard over the bacon slices.

Before cooking, cut the bacon slices in half to ensure they fit comfortably in the basket, and to prevent overlapping or overcrowding. You can also slice the bacon strips in half to help them fit better in the basket. Ensure the bacon is in a single layer, with no overlapping slices, as this is crucial for achieving crispiness.

To prevent mess during the cooking process, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 380-400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and crispy results.

After cooking, carefully remove the bacon from the basket and place it on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain the excess grease. This will help to reduce any residual oiliness. Be sure to empty the grease drippings from the lower basket before cooking another batch.

Finally, remember to clean the air fryer thoroughly after use to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your appliance.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Now that you've cooked your crispy bacon in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast Options

Air fryer bacon is a great breakfast option and can be served with a variety of dishes. Try it with some fried eggs or an egg white omelette. You could also add it to a breakfast veggie scramble or a wrap. For something more substantial, why not try a classic BLT sandwich or a club sandwich?

Salads

Bacon is a tasty addition to many salads. Try it with a Chicken BLT salad with avocado, a Pasta Caesar salad, or a Chicken Corn Chowder. The salty, smoky flavour will really enhance these dishes.

Sides

If you're looking for some side dish options, air fryer bacon could be served with some Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs, whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins, or blueberry oat muffins.

Other Ideas

For a light lunch, serve your air fryer bacon with some tomato basil frittata or Irish corned beef hash. If you're after something more substantial, how about air fryer chicken wings or chicken tenders? And don't forget, you can always just enjoy your bacon as it is—crispy and delicious!

Frequently asked questions