Air Fryer Bacon: Can You Fry It?

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, but cooking it can be a messy affair. The grease splatters, the smoke alarms, the nervousness around a thin layer of hot grease in the oven—it's enough to put you off bacon altogether. But fear not, because air fryers are here to save the day. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is all about convenience and saving time. It's less messy, quicker than cooking bacon in the oven, and you don't have to worry about grease splattering everywhere.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking bacon in an air fryer will depend on the type of bacon you are cooking, the desired crispiness, and the type of air fryer you are using.

Air Fryer Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. Cooking at 350°F avoids any smokiness while cooking bacon, as the smoke point of bacon fat is 400°F.

Timing for 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.

Timing for Thick-Cut Bacon

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

Other Factors Affecting Timing

The timing may vary depending on the doneness and thickness of the bacon, as well as the style of your air fryer. Thinner slices of bacon will likely need less cooking time. Additionally, some air fryers may cook faster than others, so it is important to get to know your air fryer and adjust recipe timings as needed.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the bacon to prevent sticking, while others suggest that preheating is not necessary for bacon.

Tips for Crispy Bacon

To achieve crispy bacon, it is important to drain off the excess fat after cooking for 5 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, you can cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after draining the fat. For bacon that is perfect for crumbling, drain the fat again at the 7-minute mark and add another 2 minutes of cooking time.

How to prevent bacon from curling

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! It's quick, easy, and less messy than using a frying pan. Here are some tips to prevent your bacon from curling:

Cut the Strips in Half

Halve the bacon strips to make them shorter, reducing the chance of curling during cooking.

Arrange Bacon Strips Properly

Place the bacon strips singly in the air fryer basket without overlapping them. This ensures even heat distribution along the edges and throughout the bacon.

Use a Lower Temperature Setting

Cooking the bacon at a lower temperature for a longer time gives the meat enough time to cook evenly, reducing the likelihood of uneven shrinkage, which leads to curling.

Use a Bacon Press or Heavy Object

Place a bacon press or a heat-resistant bowl directly on the bacon strips in the air fryer basket to weigh them down and prevent curling.

Flip the Bacon Halfway

Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides and minimise curling.

Use Bread Slices for Support

Place a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket and put bread slices underneath the bacon. This helps bear the weight and prevent curling during cooking.

Control the Grease

Use a parchment-lined air fryer basket or a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease and allow for proper air circulation, reducing the chance of curling.

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy bacon. However, it can be tricky to get right, and it's common for the air fryer to start smoking during the cooking process. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Temperature Control:

The temperature you cook your bacon at is crucial in preventing smoking. Air fryers heat up quickly and cook at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Aim for a temperature of around 350˚F (180˚C) for 8-10 minutes for crispy bacon. Cooking at a lower temperature for longer will prevent the bacon from burning and reduce the amount of smoke.

Absorb Excess Grease:

Bacon is a fatty food, and the grease can splatter and burn on the heating element, causing smoke. To prevent this, place a slice of bread in the drip tray to absorb the excess grease. You can then toast the bread for a tasty snack! Alternatively, adding a tablespoon or two of water to the basket can help prevent smoking without affecting the bacon's texture or flavour.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket:

If your basket is too crowded, the hot air won't be able to circulate properly, and the food may burn and smoke. Cook in batches of four to five strips at a time, and ensure there is adequate ventilation around the air fryer.

Clean Your Air Fryer:

Leftover grease and food particles can build up in your air fryer, causing smoke. Regularly clean your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent this.

Don't Use Foil or Parchment Paper:

Lining the basket with foil or parchment paper can limit the circulation of hot air and prevent the fat from draining, leading to more smoke.

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

How to store cooked bacon

Storing cooked bacon is a great way to preserve this tasty treat for later enjoyment. Whether you're looking to store it for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks, there are some simple methods to keep your bacon crispy and fresh.

Short-Term Storage:

If you need to keep your cooked bacon warm and crispy for a few hours, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 200°F and centre a baking rack. Lay your cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. This method will keep your bacon crunchy and warm for a few hours.

Alternatively, if you don't want to use the oven, avoid covering your warm bacon with an airtight container. Instead, use a breathable towel to prevent trapping moisture and robbing your bacon of its crunch.

Medium-Term Storage:

For storing cooked bacon for a few days, the refrigerator is your go-to option. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature first to limit condensation. Then, place the bacon in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and refrigerating. This will help maintain crispiness and freshness for up to five days.

Long-Term Storage:

For longer storage periods, the freezer is your best bet. Similar to refrigerator storage, let the bacon cool before sealing it in an airtight bag. Use dedicated freezer bags to protect your bacon from freezer burn. When properly stored, frozen cooked bacon will stay fresh for about a month.

Reheating Cooked Bacon:

To reheat refrigerated or frozen bacon, start by defrosting it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Then, choose your preferred reheating method:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F, lay the bacon on a baking sheet, and bake for about five minutes until sizzling.
• Stovetop: Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and cook the bacon for a few minutes until crispy.
• Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the bacon for three to four minutes.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Air fryer bacon is a quick, convenient, and tasty way to cook bacon. But what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for sides and dishes to accompany your air fryer bacon:

Breakfast

Air fryer bacon is a great breakfast option. Serve it with some freshly scrambled or fried eggs, or use it to make a delicious bacon and egg sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try a breakfast veggie scramble or an Irish corned beef hash? You could also pair it with some whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins or blueberry oat muffins for a sweeter start to your day.

Lunch

Air fryer bacon is the perfect addition to a classic club sandwich or a BLT. For a more substantial lunch, why not try a creamy bacon pasta or an easy chicken pie with bacon and puff pastry? If you're looking for something on the lighter side, a chicken BLT salad with avocado or a chicken wrap with bacon are great options.

Dinner

Air fryer bacon can be a tasty side dish for dinner. Try pairing it with a main course like hunter's chicken or a full English breakfast. For a heartier meal, bacon can be added to dishes like oven-baked risotto or chicken tikka traybake. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, air fryer bacon goes well with dishes like broccoli and stilton soup or a Mediterranean bowl.

Sides and Snacks

Of course, bacon can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Air fryer bacon-wrapped dates or air fryer hard-boiled eggs are unique and tasty options. For something more substantial, air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes or air fryer BBQ cheddar-stuffed chicken breasts are sure to satisfy.

Frequently asked questions