Air-Fryer Bacon: Can You Do It?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and effective way to get crispy bacon without the mess. It is also safer than cooking bacon on a stovetop, which can cause grease splatters, and less nerve-wracking than using an oven, where there is a risk of hot grease spilling from a thin cookie sheet. Air fryers are also quicker than other cooking methods and produce less smell.

Air fryer bacon cooking times

Air fryer bacon is a quick, easy, and less messy way to cook bacon. The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and the style of your air fryer.

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes. For crispy bacon, air fry at the same temperature for 8 to 9 minutes.

Thick-Cut Bacon

For softer thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy bacon, air fry for 10-12 minutes.

Other Tips

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer for bacon.
• You don't need to add oil to the bacon or the tray of the air fryer.
• To prevent smoking, air fry at 350˚F, which is below the smoke point of bacon fat (400˚F).
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe clean with a paper towel.
• You can cook bacon in a single layer, but some overlap is okay.
• Depending on the thickness of the bacon, you may need to cook for 5-6 minutes for thin-cut bacon, and up to 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.

Air fryer bacon temperature settings

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer!

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and the style of your air fryer.

For regular cut bacon, set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon.

For thick-cut bacon, set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 9 to 10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10 to 12 minutes for crispy bacon.

It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, so it is recommended to get to know your air fryer and adjust the recipe timings as needed.

Additionally, when cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is suggested to:

• Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cutting them in half if needed to fit more.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the bacon from browning and turning crisp.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess grease.
• Discard any oil in the drip pan before cooking another batch of bacon to prevent smoking.

Air fryer bacon preparation

Air-frying bacon is a quick, convenient, and easy way to cook bacon. It is also less messy than cooking bacon on a stovetop or in an oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing bacon in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, ensure that your air fryer is clean and ready to use. Some air fryers recommend preheating, but it is generally not necessary for bacon. Check your air fryer's instructions to be sure.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Gather your desired amount of bacon. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. If your bacon slices are large, you may need to cut them in half to fit in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Place the Bacon in the Air Fryer

Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is okay if there is some overlap, but try to avoid stacking the bacon to ensure even cooking. For thicker bacon, you may need to cook it in batches.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Timer

The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the doneness and thickness of your bacon, as well as the type of air fryer you have. For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350-360˚F for 7-9 minutes. For thicker bacon, increase the time to 9-14 minutes. If you prefer softer bacon, reduce the cooking time, and for crispier bacon, increase the time.

Step 5: Cook the Bacon

Close the air fryer and let it cook according to the set time. There is no need to flip the bacon halfway through, as the air circulation in the fryer will ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Remove and Serve the Bacon

Once the bacon is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan and wipe it clean before adding more bacon.

Tips:

• No need to add oil: The bacon will release its own grease, so there is no need to add extra oil to the air fryer.
• Avoid smoking: To prevent smoking, cook the bacon at a temperature below the smoke point of bacon fat, which is 400˚F. Cooking at 350-360˚F should avoid any smokiness.
• Make-ahead: Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Easy cleanup: The grease from the bacon will collect in the drip pan or drawer underneath the basket, making it easy to discard. Simply tilt the drawer to pour it out.

Air fryer bacon cleanup

Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy meal to make, and the cleanup is simple, too.

The first step to cleaning up after cooking bacon in an air fryer is to remove the cooked bacon from the fryer. Using tongs, carefully transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to soak up any excess grease.

The next step is to dispose of the grease that has collected in the air fryer. Most air fryers have a drawer or drip pan underneath the basket where the grease collects. Simply tip the drawer or pan to pour off the grease. It is important to do this after each batch of bacon cooked, as allowing grease to build up can lead to a messier cleanup and potentially affect the taste of subsequent batches.

Once the grease has been discarded, the air fryer basket and liner can be cleaned. Some air fryer baskets and liners are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning them is as easy as placing them in the dishwasher. If your air fryer is not dishwasher-safe, you can easily wipe it clean with a paper towel.

In addition to the air fryer itself, be sure to clean any utensils, plates, and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the bacon grease. A small amount of dish soap and warm water should be sufficient for cleaning.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your air fryer bacon cleanup is quick, easy, and mess-free.

Air fryer bacon recipes

Bacon is one of those foods that people love to eat but hate to cook. The grease splatters on the stove, and there's always the risk of burning yourself with hot grease from the baking tray. Luckily, air fryers provide a solution to these problems. Air fryer bacon is quick, less messy, and can be cooked without preheating the air fryer first. Plus, you can make an epic BLT in half the time!

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes. If you like your bacon crispy, air fry it for 8 to 9 minutes. Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cut them in half if they don't all fit. There's no need to add oil to the bacon or the tray, as the bacon will release grease during cooking.

Thick-Cut Bacon

Thick-cut bacon will need a little longer in the air fryer. For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy thick-cut bacon, air fry for 10-12 minutes. As with regular bacon, there's no need to add oil, and you can cut the strips in half if they don't fit in a single layer in your air fryer.

Tips

• You can cook turkey bacon in the air fryer using the same method as regular bacon.
• If you're cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel to prevent smoking.
• Some air fryers require preheating, so check your manufacturer's instructions.
• If you want to avoid the bacon curling, turn it over halfway through the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions