Air Fryer Bacon: Overlapping Technique For Perfect Crispy Bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make crispy bacon with minimal mess. However, there are a few things to consider when doing so. Firstly, it is recommended to cook the bacon in a single layer, with some sources saying it's okay for the bacon to touch, while others advise against any overlapping. This is because the bacon will shrink as it cooks, and overlapping may affect how evenly the bacon cooks. Secondly, adding a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent the rendered bacon fat from smoking. Finally, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the desired doneness and thickness of the bacon, but it typically ranges from 5 to 12 minutes at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for bacon in an air fryer depend on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and for 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 9 to 10 minutes for softer bacon, and for 10 to 12 minutes for crispy bacon.

If you are using thinner bacon slices, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner slices will cook faster. For example, thin-cut bacon may only need 5 to 6 minutes in the air fryer.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may cook at different rates, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, some air fryers recommend preheating, but it is not necessary for bacon.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's best to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer, avoiding overlapping or layering. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from becoming overcrowded in the basket.

To prevent smoking, it's recommended to cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease, which is 400°F. You can also add a cup of water to the bottom pan, place a slice of bread in the lower pan to absorb the grease, or use parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers to line the basket.

Overlapping bacon

The main issue with overlapping bacon in an air fryer is the risk of burning and smoking. Bacon is so fatty that when hot air is circulated around it, the air fryer will fill with rendered bacon fat, which will then burn and may release smoke.

If you do choose to overlap your bacon, it's best to cook it at a lower temperature to avoid burning. One source recommends cooking at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon. Another source recommends cooking at 390˚F for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

To avoid overlapping, you can cut your bacon slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer. This helps them cook more evenly and fit more comfortably in the basket.

Crispy bacon

It is not recommended to overlap bacon in an air fryer. The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so it is fine for the rashers to touch at the edges, but they should be arranged in a single layer.

How to cook crispy bacon in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350˚F–400˚F.
• Place your bacon rashers directly into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Thicker-cut bacon may need to be cut in half to fit.
• Cook for 5–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispiness. Check the bacon regularly to ensure it doesn't burn.
• For extra crispy bacon, drain the fat after 5 minutes, flip the rashers, and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to blot and drain off any excess grease.

Tips

• If you are cooking more than one batch, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the lower portion of the air fryer basket before cooking the second batch.
• To prevent smoking, add a cup of water to the lower pan, place a slice of bread in the lower pan to soak up the grease, or use rock salt to absorb the grease.
• To prevent the bacon from curling up, use scissors to cut through the fat layer before cooking for the final 2–3 minutes.
• For bacon that's perfect for crumbling, drain the fat after 7 minutes and add another 2 minutes of cooking.
• For a quick clean-up, place a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb excess grease.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. While some recipes and air fryer models may not require preheating, it is generally recommended to ensure optimal cooking results. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer when cooking bacon:

Preheating Time and Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer for approximately 3 minutes. This is a standard preheating time recommended by several sources. However, always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.
• Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C). This temperature setting is suitable for cooking bacon and will ensure that it becomes crispy without burning.

Preparing the Bacon:

• While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the bacon slices. Cut the bacon strips into your desired size. Some recipes suggest cutting them in half to fit more slices in the air fryer basket.
• It is important to note that you should not overlap the bacon slices when placing them in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each slice. The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so a slight touch between the slices is acceptable.

Benefits of Preheating:

• Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking and prevents the bacon from sticking to the basket. It creates a consistent temperature environment, allowing the bacon to cook through properly.
• Preheating also helps achieve the desired level of crispiness. By starting at the optimal temperature, you can better control the cooking process and avoid overcooking or undercooking the bacon.

Adjustments and Tips:

• Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the preheating time and temperature slightly. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines.
• If you are cooking a large batch of bacon, you may need to cook it in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer before each batch to maintain consistent cooking results.
• For thicker-cut bacon, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the bacon during the cooking process to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Clean-up

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal cleanup.

The cleanup process for air fryer bacon is straightforward. After cooking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before starting a new batch.

To clean the air fryer, carefully pour out the grease and wipe it with a paper towel. You can also place a slice of bread in the air fryer basket to absorb excess grease and prevent smoke.

Some air fryer parts can be washed in the dishwasher, making cleanup even easier. Check your specific model to see if this is an option.

If your air fryer starts to smoke, it may be due to old grease left in the fryer. Once the air fryer is cool, wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent further smoking.

Overall, cooking bacon in an air fryer results in a much quicker and easier cleanup compared to traditional stovetop methods, with less grease splatter and mess.

Frequently asked questions