Air Fryer Frozen Bacon: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking. You can cook bacon in an air fryer straight from frozen, with no need to defrost or preheat the appliance. The whole process can take as little as 13 minutes, making it a convenient option for a tasty breakfast or a bacon-based meal.

How to cook frozen bacon in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen bacon
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Bread (optional)

Method:

• Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350°F/177°C and the timer for 5 minutes.
• After 3 minutes, flip the bacon.
• Once the 5 minutes are up, separate the bacon into two halves. Set one half aside.
• Set the temperature to 400°F/205°C and cook the second half for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
• Repeat the previous step for the other half of the bacon.
• Bacon will crisp up further as it cools.

Tips:

• If your air fryer is smoking, place a slice of bread in the drawer under the air fryer basket to soak up the grease.
• If you have a small air fryer, cut the bacon in half before freezing so that it fits.
• For thick-cut bacon, cook for 2-3 minutes longer.
• If you have leftover bacon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The benefits of cooking frozen bacon in an air fryer

No Need to Defrost

One of the main benefits of cooking frozen bacon in an air fryer is that you don't need to defrost the bacon first. This saves time and effort, as you can simply take the bacon straight from the freezer to the air fryer.

Quick and Easy

Cooking frozen bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It typically takes around 20 minutes to cook frozen bacon in an air fryer, which is much faster than other methods such as cooking on a stovetop.

Less Mess

Cooking bacon on a stovetop can be messy, with grease splattering onto surrounding surfaces. Air fryers contain the grease, making cleanup much easier.

Crispy Bacon

Air fryers are known for producing crispy food, and bacon is no exception. Cooking frozen bacon in an air fryer results in crispy, delicious bacon that is perfect for breakfast or any other meal.

No Preheating Required

Unlike some other cooking methods, you don't need to preheat your air fryer before cooking frozen bacon. This saves time and energy.

Versatile

Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a variety of frozen foods, including chicken, burgers, and even desserts. This makes them a valuable tool for busy cooks who want to save time and effort in the kitchen.

Tips for making the best air fryer bacon

No need to defrost

You can cook bacon straight from frozen. There's no need to defrost it first! This is a super convenient way to cook bacon if you're short on time or forgot to take it out of the freezer.

Avoid smoking

To prevent your air fryer from smoking, add a cup of water to the lower pan or a slice of bread to the drawer underneath the air fryer basket to absorb excess grease. You can also try adding rock salt to the drawer, as the pieces are big enough that they won't blow around but will still soak up the grease.

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in the air fryer is around 350°F to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon and the thickness of the cut. For thinner bacon, cook for 5-9 minutes, and for thicker bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your air fryer model.

No need to flip

One of the benefits of cooking bacon in the air fryer is that it cooks evenly without needing to flip the bacon halfway through.

Easy cleanup

The air fryer method is less messy than cooking bacon on the stovetop or in the oven. The grease drips off into the bottom of the basket, and you can simply wipe it clean with a paper towel.

How to defrost bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can defrost bacon in an air fryer. Here's how to do it:

• Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350°F/177°C and the timer for 5 minutes.
• After 3 minutes, flip the bacon to the other side.
• When the 5 minutes are up, the bacon should be defrosted. Separate the bacon in half and set one half aside.
• Set the temperature to 400°F/205°C and cook the second half for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
• Repeat the process for the other half of the bacon.

It is important to note that you should not attempt to defrost more than one pound of bacon at a time in the air fryer. Also, during the defrosting stage, do not cook at 400°F/205°C as this will lead to overcooked edges.

Once the bacon is defrosted, you can cook it in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness. You don't need to defrost bacon before cooking it in the air fryer, but defrosting it first can make it easier to separate the slices and ensure an even cook.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Yes, you can cook bacon straight from frozen in an air fryer. It's super convenient and easy to make, and the cleanup is a breeze!

Now, here is how you can clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

First things first, always make sure to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Remove the Basket and Tray

Take out the basket and tray from the air fryer. Most air fryers have a removable basket and drip tray that collects the grease and oil. If your air fryer has a similar design, remove these parts and set them aside.

Step 3: Dispose of the Excess Grease

Before cleaning, it's important to dispose of the excess grease properly. You can do this by soaking it up with paper towels or napkins and throwing it away in the trash. You can also pour the grease into a container and dispose of it later. Do not pour grease down the sink as it can cause clogs.

Step 4: Clean the Basket and Tray

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and place the basket and tray inside to soak. You can use a mild dish soap for this step. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining grease or food particles. Then, take a soft sponge or cloth and gently scrub the basket and tray to remove any stuck-on residue. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Air Fryer

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Pay special attention to the heating element and make sure to remove any grease or food residue that may have built up. You can also use a mild cleaning solution or a small amount of vinegar to help cut through the grease. Just be sure to dry the air fryer thoroughly before using it again.

Step 6: Reassemble and Plug In the Air Fryer

Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer by placing the basket and tray back inside. Plug the air fryer back in and it's ready to be used again!

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly to prevent a buildup of grease and maintain its optimal performance. Enjoy your crispy bacon, and don't forget to clean afterward!

Frequently asked questions