Air-Fryer Bacon: Crispy, Quick, And Mess-Free?

Air fryers are a popular choice for cooking bacon, but does bacon cook well in an air fryer? While it is possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, some argue that there are better ways to cook it. Air fryers are loved for their ability to create crispy food without the need for added oil, but as bacon is already high in fat, cooking it in an air fryer can lead to a smoky, greasy mess. However, some people swear by cooking bacon in an air fryer, claiming it is quick, easy, and mess-free. So, does bacon cook well in an air fryer? The answer may depend on personal preference and the type of air fryer being used.

Does bacon cook well in an air fryer?

Air fryer bacon cooking times and temperatures

While bacon can be cooked in an air fryer, some sources argue that there are better ways to cook it. One of the main issues with cooking bacon in an air fryer is that it will likely result in a burnt, smoky mess. This is because bacon is full of fat, and when hot air is circulated around it, the air fryer will fill up with rendered bacon fat, which will then burn.

However, if you still want to cook bacon in your air fryer, there are some things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to cook no more than two pieces at a time, as the air fryer basket cannot accommodate larger quantities. Secondly, avoid cooking the bacon for too long at high temperatures.

• Regular cut bacon: cook at 350˚F (177˚C) for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon.
• Thick-cut bacon: cook at 350˚F (177˚C) for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.
• Back bacon rashers: cook at 200˚C (392˚F) for 4-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Streaky bacon rashers: cook at 200˚C (392˚F) for 6-10 minutes, with just-cooked bacon taking 6 minutes and crispier bacon taking 9-10 minutes.
• Thick-cut bacon: cook at 350˚F (177˚C) for 12-14 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

It is important to note that the cook time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, the doneness desired, and the style of your air fryer. Some air fryers recommend preheating, while others do not. Additionally, there is no need to flip the bacon halfway through cooking, as the air circulates around it.

Pros and cons of cooking bacon in an air fryer

While it is possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, there are several pros and cons to this method.

Pros

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook bacon with minimal cleanup. They can produce crispy bacon with less fat and grease than other cooking methods, and without the need for added oil. Air fryers are also more efficient at generating and circulating heat than conventional ovens, so they require lower temperatures and less time to achieve the same results.

Cons

Air fryers can only cook a few pieces of bacon at a time, so cooking for a large group will require multiple batches. Additionally, the high-fat content of bacon means that it can fill the air fryer with rendered bacon fat, which may burn and cause smoking. While some suggest adding water to the drawer to prevent this, this is a safety hazard as it can cause hot oil to spray.

Some people also prefer the taste of bacon cooked in an oven or on a stovetop, and find that air fryers can lead to burnt bacon if not carefully monitored.

Overall, while air fryers can be a convenient option for cooking small batches of bacon, there are other methods that may be more suitable depending on the desired outcome and the number of people being served.

Air fryer bacon recipes

While bacon can be cooked in an air fryer, some sources argue that there are better ways to cook bacon. One of the main issues with cooking bacon in an air fryer is that it can fill up with rendered bacon fat, which can burn and cause smoking. However, some people still enjoy cooking bacon in an air fryer due to the convenience and effectiveness of the method.

Tips:

• Cook in small batches: The size of the air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at once. It is recommended to cook no more than two pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature: The cooking time and temperature will depend on the desired doneness, thickness of the bacon, and the type of air fryer. Regular cut bacon will take less time to cook than thick-cut bacon.
• Avoid high temperatures: Cooking bacon at very high temperatures for long periods can lead to burning and smoking. It is recommended to cook bacon at temperatures between 350°F and 390°F for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness.
• Use a paper towel: After cooking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
• Clean up grease: If cooking in batches, remember to discard any grease in the drip pan before starting a new batch.

Recipes:

Air Fryer Bacon (BBC Good Food):

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
• Lay the bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook streaky bacon for 6-10 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness. For just-cooked bacon, aim for 6 minutes, and for crispier bacon, go for 9-10 minutes.
• Cook back bacon for 4-8 minutes, adjusting the time to your preference.
• Remove the bacon using tongs and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease before serving.

Air Fryer Bacon (Natasha's Kitchen):

• Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cutting them in half if needed to fit more.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F.
• Air fry regular cut bacon for 7-9 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and reaches the desired crispiness.
• Air fry thick-cut bacon for 10-12 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease and then serve.

Variations:

Some people like to coat their bacon with extra virgin olive oil and dust it with coarse ground pepper before air frying for added flavour. Others prefer to sous vide the bacon in its original packaging first and then finish it off in the air fryer for a quick crisp.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Although bacon can be cooked in an air fryer, it may not be the best way to cook it. The high fat content of bacon means that the air fryer will fill up with rendered bacon fat, which will then burn and may release smoke. This can be prevented by removing the hot bacon grease after each batch, but this is not a convenient solution.

To clean an air fryer after cooking bacon, it is important to choose a method that not only works well but also protects the coating to keep your fryer working for years to come. Here are some methods to clean an air fryer basket:

• Using a Scrub Daddy sponge, which is sturdy enough to remove food buildup and grease from the basket and more durable than traditional sponges. Just be careful not to scrub the interior cooking surface too hard to avoid scratching it.
• Filling the basket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap and turning it on for two minutes, followed by a rinse.
• Using baking soda, which is a fine abrasive grit that's good for cleaning without scratching.
• Filling the basket with water and adding a few drops of Dawn dish soap, then turning it on inside the main unit. However, this method may damage the non-stick coating on the interior cooking surface, so it is best to unplug the air fryer and clean the basket with warm soapy water, then wipe down the main unit with a cloth.
• Lining the bottom of the air fryer with aluminium foil to catch the grease. Once it has hardened, the foil can be rolled up and thrown away, making it easier to clean the grate and pan.
• Absorbing the grease with paper napkins or towels and then washing the air fryer bucket with dish soap.
• Pouring the grease into a pot or pan and then disposing of it properly. The grease can also be saved and used for cooking.

Other ways to cook bacon

While cooking bacon in an air fryer can be a convenient and effective way to get crispy bacon without the mess, there are a few potential issues with this method. Firstly, the air fryer basket can only accommodate a few pieces of bacon at a time, so you may need to cook the bacon in several batches. Secondly, due to the high-fat content of bacon, your air fryer may fill up with rendered bacon fat, which can burn and cause smoking.

With these considerations in mind, here are some other ways to cook bacon:

Stovetop

Cooking bacon on the stovetop is a traditional method that can be quick and easy. Simply place the bacon slices in a pan on medium-high heat and cook until the desired crispness is achieved, usually a few minutes on each side. This method allows you to control the heat more easily than with an air fryer, reducing the risk of burning or smoking.

Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven is another option that can be less messy than the stovetop method. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-400˚F (180-200˚C) and place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the desired crispness is achieved. This method is especially good for large batches of bacon, as it can accommodate more slices than an air fryer.

Microwave

The microwave is a fast and clean way to cook bacon, and it can produce results similar to those of an oven or pan. Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, followed by the bacon slices, and then another paper towel on top. Microwave for one minute per slice or until the desired crispness is achieved. This method is convenient and safe, as it reduces the risk of grease splatters and burns.

Sous Vide

Sous vide is a unique method that involves cooking the bacon in its original packaging. Pre-cook the bacon by sous vide at 145˚F (63˚C) for 8 hours, which will render most of the grease. Then, you can simply crisp it up in the air fryer or another method whenever you like. This technique ensures even cooking and reduces the mess and grease typically associated with bacon preparation.

Frequently asked questions