Air Fryer Bacon: Is It Possible?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy bacon with minimal mess and no oil required. The high temperature of the air fryer means that bacon cooks in under 10 minutes, with the added benefit of the grease being caught in the drawer underneath, making it easy to discard.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are cooking, the desired crispiness, and the style of your air fryer.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350˚F (177˚C) or 390˚F (200˚C) for 3 minutes. If your air fryer has a lower wattage, you may need to preheat it for longer.

Place your bacon slices directly into the basket in a single layer. It's okay if the slices go up the sides of the basket slightly, but they should not overlap. If your bacon slices are too long, you can cut them in half.

For regular cut bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. For half slices, cook for 7-9 minutes, and for turkey bacon, cook for 5-7 minutes.

If you want your bacon to be crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 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.

Tips:

• There is no need to flip the bacon during cooking.
• To prevent smoking, empty the air fryer basket of bacon grease after every batch. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of cold water to the bottom of the basket before cooking.
• For easy clean-up, line the basket with foil or place a slice of bread at the bottom to absorb the grease.

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods. However, cooking fatty foods like bacon at high temperatures can sometimes cause smoking. Here are some tips to prevent bacon from smoking in your air fryer:

Choose the Right Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is around 350 °F (180 °C). This temperature provides crispy bacon without too much risk of burning it and helps reduce smoking by preventing the bacon fat from overheating too quickly. Air fryers heat up quickly, so you don't need to cook at a higher temperature to get crispy bacon; simply increase the cooking time.

Use a Slice of Bread

Lay a slice of bread on the drip tray to absorb excess fat, seasoning, and sugar, which can cause smoking. The bread won't get as hot as the bottom of the basket, so it helps prevent smoking. After cooking, you can toast the grease-soaked bread for a tasty treat.

Roll or Twist Bacon Slices

Rolling or twisting your bacon slices will make them cook more evenly and take up less space in the air fryer. However, more bacon means more grease, so be sure to use the bread trick to minimize the amount of grease that hits the drip pan.

Don't Overlap the Bacon

When placing the bacon in the air fryer, arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking and increase the risk of smoking. Touching the slices is fine, as they will shrink during cooking.

Adjust Time for Thickness

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon rashers. For crisp, thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time. Longer cooking times at a lower temperature will help ensure that thicker cuts cook evenly.

Add Water

Carefully adding a tablespoon or two of water to the air fryer basket can help prevent smoking without compromising the texture or flavor of the bacon.

Don't Use Foil or Parchment Paper

Lining the air fryer basket with tin foil or parchment paper will limit the hot air circulation and prevent the fat from draining, so avoid doing this.

How to prevent a mess

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy bacon without the mess of frying or baking. Here are some tips to prevent a mess when cooking bacon in an air fryer:

Use the Right Amount of Bacon

It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the bacon in a single layer, ensuring that the slices do not overlap. This allows for even airflow and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

Choose the Appropriate Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is around 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the thickness of the bacon. For regular cut bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes for softer or crispier bacon, respectively. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-12 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preferred doneness.

Use a Liner or Tray

To make cleaning easier, consider using a liner or tray to catch any dripping grease. Foil can be placed under the tray to collect the grease, but avoid using it inside the basket as it may fly around. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the basket and absorb some of the grease.

Drain Excess Grease

After cooking, be sure to drain the excess grease from the air fryer. Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb the excess grease and prevent a mess. Additionally, if cooking in batches, remember to drain and wipe the drip pan clean between batches to prevent smoking.

Prevent Bacon from Curling

Bacon tends to curl up when cooked in an air fryer. To prevent this, use scissors to snip the fat layer of the bacon before placing it in the air fryer. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent excessive curling.

Clean the Air Fryer Regularly

Even though air fryers produce less mess compared to other cooking methods, it is important to clean them regularly. Wipe down the air fryer, including the basket and drip pan, after each use to prevent a buildup of grease and residue.

How to store cooked bacon

Storing cooked bacon is a great way to preserve your leftovers and enjoy them later. Here are some tips on how to store cooked bacon to keep it fresh and crispy:

Short-Term Storage:

If you want 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. Place your cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. This method will keep your bacon crunchy and warm until you're ready to serve it.

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 moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.

Medium-Term Storage:

For storing cooked bacon for a few days, the refrigerator is your go-to option. Allow the bacon strips to cool down to room temperature to prevent condensation buildup. Then, place them in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Store the bag in the refrigerator, and your bacon should stay fresh for up to five days.

Long-Term Storage:

If you've cooked more bacon than you can consume in a week, it's time to reach for the freezer. Similar to refrigerator storage, let the bacon cool down to room temperature first. Then, place the bacon strips in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Properly sealed bacon will stay fresh in the freezer for about a month.

Reheating Cooked Bacon:

When you're ready to enjoy your stored bacon, you can reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an air fryer. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F, place the bacon on a baking sheet, and heat for about five minutes until sizzling. On the stovetop, heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and cook the bacon for a few minutes until crispy. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and cook the bacon for three to four minutes.

What type of bacon to use

When it comes to choosing the right bacon for your air fryer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, let's talk about the type of bacon you can use. You can use either back bacon or streaky bacon in your air fryer. Back bacon is leaner and more common in the UK, while streaky bacon is fattier and the standard type consumed in the US. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and the level of crispiness you want to achieve. Streaky bacon will give you a tastier and crispier result due to its higher fat content.

Now, let's discuss the thickness of the bacon. You can use thin or thick-cut bacon in your air fryer. Thicker slices may require a little more time to cook, so keep that in mind when preparing your bacon. If you're using thinner slices, keep a close eye on them as they may cook faster.

Additionally, you have the option of choosing between smoked or unsmoked bacon. This is entirely up to your taste preferences, as both options are suitable for air frying.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that you can also cook turkey bacon in your air fryer. Just follow the same cooking instructions as you would for regular bacon, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey bacon is leaner and thinner.

In summary, the type of bacon you use in your air fryer is a matter of personal preference. Choose between back bacon or streaky bacon, select the thickness you prefer, and decide if you want smoked or unsmoked. With the right type of bacon and proper cooking techniques, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy bacon cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions