Air Fryer Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make your breakfast favourite. It's faster than the stovetop or oven, with less mess and grease splatter. You can have crispy, evenly cooked bacon in under 10 minutes, with the easiest cleanup. Simply place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and timer, and you're good to go!

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer can be a convenient way to prepare a batch of crispy bacon, but it can also lead to smoking issues. Here are some tips to help prevent your air fryer from smoking when cooking bacon:

• Cook at a lower temperature: The smoke point of bacon fat is around 400°F (204°C). Cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350°F (177°C), can help prevent smoking while still achieving crispy bacon.
• Add water: Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer, such as a cup, can help prevent the grease from burning and smoking. However, be cautious when mixing hot oil and water, as it can cause the water to burst and potentially lead to a fire if it comes into contact with a flame.
• Use bread: Placing a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer, underneath the basket, can help soak up excess grease and reduce smoking.
• Rock salt: Adding a layer of rock salt (not regular salt) to the bottom of the air fryer can absorb grease and prevent smoking. The larger size of rock salt ensures it won't blow around in the air fryer.
• Parchment paper: Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper, specifically the type with holes designed for air fryers, can help reduce smoking and make cleanup easier.
• Drip tray: If using an air fryer oven, place a drip tray lined with aluminium foil at the bottom to catch any grease drips.
• Batch cooking: Cooking bacon in small batches can help reduce the amount of grease that builds up and potentially burns. Be sure to drain the grease from the drip pan between batches.
• Flip the bacon: While not necessary, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process can help achieve even crispiness on both sides.
• Clean the air fryer: Regularly cleaning your air fryer, including wiping down the inside with a damp cloth to remove grease spatters, can help reduce the risk of smoking.

How long to cook bacon in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook bacon in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the bacon, the style of the air fryer, and how crispy you like your bacon.

Regular cut bacon will take around 7-9 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while thick-cut bacon will take 9-12 minutes. If you like your bacon on the softer side, opt for a shorter cooking time. For crispier bacon, cook for a little longer.

It's worth noting that different air fryer models can vary in cooking times, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks and adjust the timing as needed.

• 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer regular bacon, 8-9 minutes for crispier bacon
• 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer thick-cut bacon, 10-12 minutes for crispier bacon
• 360˚F for 7-9 minutes for regular bacon, 12-14 minutes for thick-cut bacon
• 350°F for 5 to 9 minutes for thin-cut bacon, 10 to 12 minutes for thick-cut bacon
• 390°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7 minutes

So, depending on your preferences and equipment, you can have perfectly cooked bacon ready in under 15 minutes!

How to store and reheat

Short-term storage

If you want to keep your bacon warm and crispy for a few hours, set your oven to 200ºF and place your cooked bacon on a baking rack in the centre of the oven. If you don't want to heat up your oven, simply leave the bacon uncovered or use a breathable towel instead of an airtight container, as this will prevent condensation from forming and robbing your bacon of its crunch.

Medium-term storage

To keep your bacon fresh for up to five days, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight bag or container and store it in the refrigerator at or below 40ºF.

Long-term storage

For long-term storage, cool the bacon to room temperature, then seal it in an airtight bag and place it in the freezer. When properly sealed, frozen cooked bacon will stay fresh for about a month.

Reheating

If you're reheating frozen bacon, first defrost it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or in the microwave. Then, you can use a variety of methods to reheat your bacon, including the oven, stovetop, or air fryer.

#### Reheating in the oven

Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400ºF. Lay your bacon out in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for about five minutes, or until you hear your bacon begin to sizzle.

#### Reheating on the stovetop

Turn a burner on to medium-high heat and place a frying pan on top. Once the pan is hot, place a single layer of bacon in the pan and cook for a few minutes until crispy.

#### Reheating in an air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF and cook the bacon for three to four minutes, or until crispy.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Now that you've cooked your bacon in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

Bacon is a breakfast classic, so why not serve it with some eggs, pancakes, French toast, or even a breakfast sandwich? If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try making a breakfast casserole or an egg white omelette.

Salads

For a more savoury option, bacon goes well with a variety of salads. Try a spinach salad, a chicken BLT salad with avocado, or a pasta Caesar salad. You could also add some bacon bits to a tomato basil frittata.

Sandwiches and Wraps

As mentioned earlier, bacon is a great addition to a BLT sandwich. But why not get creative and try something new? A classic club sandwich, chicken wrap, or even a crustless quiche could be a great way to enjoy your air fryer bacon.

Sides

If you're looking for something simple, bacon can be a great side dish. Try serving it with some air fryer chicken tenders, French fries, or Brussels sprouts. You could also add it to a baked potato or potato soup for an extra flavour boost.

Recipes

In addition to the above ideas, bacon can be used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. Try using it in a breakfast casserole, spinach salad, or even a quiche. The options are endless!

How to cut the bacon slices

To cut bacon slices, you'll need to follow a few important steps. Firstly, it's essential to chill the bacon to make slicing easier. Aim for a temperature of around 23°F to 25°F (-5°C to -4°C) by placing it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.

Now, you're ready to begin slicing. Put on some BBQ gloves to protect your hands and ensure a good grip. Place the chilled bacon on a chopping board, positioning it so that you can cut it on the shorter side.

For the best results, use a slicing knife. Hold the bacon down with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to firmly slice through the bacon. Ensure your first slice is straight, as this will help guide the remaining cuts. Continue slicing, adjusting the bacon as needed, until you have the desired number of slices.

Remember to clean and store your knife safely when you're done.

Some additional tips:

• Always slice bacon across the grain, not with it, to ensure tenderness and easier chewing.
• The thickness of your slices will depend on your preference and intended use. Thinner slices are great for breakfast, while thicker slices can absorb more flavour and feed a larger group.
• If your bacon slices are too long to fit in the air fryer, cut them in half.

Frequently asked questions