Tillie Doyle
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to achieve crispy bacon with less fat. The air fryer method is much simpler than stovetop or baking in the oven because it’s fast, less messy, and there’s no need to pre-heat the oven. It is also simple, mostly hands-off, and the bacon grease falls off effortlessly into the bottom of the basket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-390°F |
| Cooking Time | 5-17 minutes |
| Cooking Method | Lay bacon in a single layer, some overlap is okay |
| Clean-up | Use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket |
What You'll Learn
How to lay the bacon in the air fryer
When laying bacon in your air fryer, it's important to arrange the rashers in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for even airflow and even cooking. Depending on your air fryer's size, you can fit anywhere from 5 to 11 slices in one batch. It's fine if the rashers touch, as they will shrink during cooking, but avoid stacking or overcrowding. If you're using thick-cut bacon, you may need to cut the slices in half so they fit better.
You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, which has holes to allow for air circulation. Alternatively, you can place the bacon directly on the grill. If you want to minimise the mess, you can put a piece of foil or a slice of bread under the tray or basket to catch any grease.
If you're cooking a large amount of bacon, you may need to do multiple batches. In this case, remember to empty the bacon grease and wipe the drip pan clean between batches.
Once you've laid out the bacon, you're ready to start cooking!
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The ideal temperature and time
Firstly, it is essential to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping the bacon slices is generally not recommended as it can affect even airflow and cooking. However, a little overlap or folding is acceptable, especially if you are cooking thicker slices of bacon.
For thinner, regular cut bacon, set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 7-9 minutes for crispy bacon. If you prefer softer bacon, reduce the cooking time to 6-7 minutes. There is no need to preheat the air fryer for bacon, and flipping the bacon halfway through cooking is optional, as the circulating air will ensure even cooking on both sides.
For thicker slices of bacon, the cooking time will be longer. At 350°F (180°C), cook thick-cut bacon for 9-12 minutes for crispy bacon and 9-10 minutes for softer bacon. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon slices. Always keep an eye on your bacon to avoid overcooking or burning.
Finally, regardless of the type of bacon, be sure to drain the excess fat after 5 minutes of cooking to ensure your bacon crisps up nicely. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining grease before serving.
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How to clean the air fryer after cooking bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of oil splatters on your stove or ruined baking sheets in the oven. The cleanup is also a breeze and can be done in five easy steps. Here is how you can clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:
Step 1: Allow the Air Fryer to Cool Down
Before you start cleaning, it is important to let the air fryer cool down completely. Turn off and unplug your air fryer, and be patient until it is cool to the touch.
Step 2: Remove the Basket, Tray, and Pan
Take out the removable parts of the air fryer, such as the basket, tray, and pan. These accessories can be washed just like your regular dishes. Fill them with warm soapy water and scrub them gently with a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Main Unit
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the main unit. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any grease or food residue. For the exterior, you can use Swedish dishcloths, which are absorbent and reusable, instead of paper towels.
Step 4: Clean the Heating Coil
Check the heating coil of your air fryer, usually located at the top of the unit. If there is any oil or residue buildup, use a damp cloth or dish brush to gently wipe it down. Make sure the air fryer is unplugged and cooled before doing this.
Step 5: Dry and Reassemble
Once all the parts are clean and rinsed, dry them thoroughly with a towel or air dry them before reassembling the air fryer. Make sure all components are completely dry to prevent any water residue from affecting the air fryer's performance.
Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of bacon, it is a good idea to clean the grease buildup between each batch. Use paper towels or napkins to soak up the excess grease and oil, and then dispose of them properly. You can also pour the grease into a separate container, such as an old jar, and let it cool before discarding it in the trash.
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The best type of bacon to use
The type of bacon you use for your air fryer will depend on your personal preference and dietary requirements. You can use back bacon, streaky bacon, or turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is leaner and thinner, so it will require less cooking time.
The thickness of the bacon will also affect the cooking time. Thick-cut bacon will need more time in the air fryer than thinner bacon. If you want softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes. For thinner bacon, you can air fry at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes.
If you are cooking streaky bacon, set the air fryer to 200C and cook for 6-10 minutes. For back bacon, cook for 4-8 minutes.
If you are looking for the most flavourful option, thick, uncured bacon is the way to go.
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How to make bacon crispy
To make bacon crispy in an air fryer, start by arranging the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if the slices overlap slightly, as they will shrink while cooking, but try not to overcrowd the pan. If you are using thick-cut bacon, you may need to cut the slices in half.
Once the bacon is in the air fryer, set the temperature to between 350°F and 390°F. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer and the type of bacon you are using. Thicker bacon will likely require a higher temperature, while thinner bacon may cook faster at a lower temperature.
Cooking time will also vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. For crispy bacon, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. If you want your bacon to be extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
After cooking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Season with pepper, maple syrup, or brown sugar if desired, and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Lay the bacon in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain the fat. For crispy bacon, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
This depends on the type of bacon you are cooking and your desired crispiness. For streaky bacon, cook for 6-10 minutes. For back bacon, cook for 4-8 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-12 minutes.
Set your air fryer to 350˚F. Cooking at a higher temperature may cause the bacon to splatter.
Use tongs to remove the cooked bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel to drain any remaining grease. Then, use a baster to remove the grease from the fryer.
Yes, you can cook bacon straight from the freezer.
