Emilie Meyer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to achieve crispy bacon without the hassle of grease splatters. The cooking time and temperature depend on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For thin-cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 5 to 9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. If you want softer bacon, you can air fry at a lower temperature, and for less time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Time | 5-12 minutes |
| Bacon type | Thin or thick cut |
| Bacon style | Streaky or back |
| Amount | 4-12 oz |
| Number of slices | 5-11 |
| Number of batches | 1-2 |
| Overlap | Some overlap is okay |
| Flip? | No, but check halfway through |
What You'll Learn
Cooking temperature and time for regular bacon
The cooking temperature and time for regular bacon in an air fryer will depend on the desired crispiness of the bacon and the style of the air fryer. For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes, and for crispy bacon, increase the time to 8 to 9 minutes. It's important to note that the air fryer is not preheated for bacon.
When cooking regular bacon, it's best to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of the air fryer basket, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.
During cooking, keep an eye on the bacon and feel free to rearrange the slices with tongs to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time for regular bacon will typically range from 7 to 9 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. If you're cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before starting a new batch.
Additionally, to prevent smoking, it's recommended to cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon fat, which is 400˚F. By cooking at 350˚F, you can avoid any smokiness while still achieving crispy bacon.
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Cooking temperature and time for thick-cut bacon
The optimal cooking temperature and time for thick-cut bacon in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness. For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy bacon, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
It is important to note that the cook time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, the doneness desired, and the type of air fryer being used. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the bacon while it is cooking and adjust the timing as needed.
Additionally, when cooking thick-cut bacon in an air fryer, it is suggested to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing for a little overlap if necessary. It is also advised to check halfway through the cooking process to rearrange the bacon or separate the slices if they are sticking together.
For optimal results, it is recommended to use tongs when handling the bacon to avoid burning yourself. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Furthermore, if cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the drip pan or lower portion of the air fryer basket before starting a new batch. This will help prevent smoking and ensure optimal cooking conditions.
Some additional tips for cooking thick-cut bacon in an air fryer include:
- Using foil to line the drip pan or basket to retain moisture and prevent the bacon from drying out.
- Flipping the bacon slices halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
- Spacing out the bacon slices to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cooking the bacon in a single layer for even cooking.
- Brushing a small amount of rapeseed oil onto each slice of bacon before cooking.
By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of crispiness, you can achieve perfectly cooked thick-cut bacon in your air fryer.
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How to prevent the air fryer from smoking
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess and oil. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent your air fryer from smoking.
Firstly, it's important to know that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it's best to cook your bacon at a lower temperature to avoid any smoke. Most recipes recommend cooking bacon in the air fryer at around 350˚F for 7-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
If you're cooking fatty meats like bacon, it's also a good idea to add a cup of water to the lower pan of your air fryer or a slice of bread to the bottom to soak up the excess bacon grease. Rock salt can also be used in the same way as bread to absorb grease, without the risk of it blowing around.
Another way to prevent smoking is to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper, specifically the type with holes in it to allow for air circulation. This will catch any grease and prevent it from splattering onto the heating element.
Finally, always clean your air fryer after each use. Leftover grease and food particles can cause smoking, so be sure to wipe down the inside and heating elements with a warm soapy cloth to remove any residue.
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How to store and reheat leftover bacon
Leftover bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to a month. To store, let the bacon cool completely, blot off excess grease with paper towels, and place in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Push out any excess air before sealing.
When you're ready to reheat your bacon, there are several methods you can use, depending on your desired level of crispiness and the appliances you have available. Here are some of the most common ways to reheat leftover bacon:
Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.
- Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bacon is hot and crispy.
- For thicker bacon slices, increase the temperature to 400°F.
- For frozen precooked bacon, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is heated through and has reached your desired level of crispiness.
- For thicker-cut bacon or larger quantities, increase the baking time to 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Microwave:
- Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate, preferably lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- For 2-3 slices of bacon, start with 30-60 seconds on high power.
- For a pound of bacon, microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.
- Microwaved bacon may not be as crispy as bacon reheated in an air fryer or oven.
Stovetop:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom.
- When the oil is hot, add the bacon slices in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is heated through and crispy.
- For thicker bacon slices, increase the heat to medium-high.
No matter which method you choose, always allow your bacon to cool completely before storing, and blot off any excess grease with paper towels for optimal crispiness. Enjoy your crispy, leftover bacon!
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What to serve with air fryer bacon
To cook bacon in an air fryer, set the temperature to between 350˚F and 400˚F and cook for 10 minutes. Thicker bacon may need to be cooked for up to 12 minutes, and thinner bacon may need less time.
Now, what to serve with it? Here are some mouth-watering ideas:
Baked Potatoes
Crumble your crispy air fryer bacon over a fluffy, crispy-skinned baked potato. You could even air fry the potato for extra crispiness!
Cobb Salad
Add some crunch to a Cobb Salad with your air fryer bacon. The perfect combination of textures and flavours.
Corn in Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cobbs
Try these delicious corn on the cobs withsection of air-fried bacon.
Devilled Eggs
Devilled eggs with bacon are a tasty treat, and air-fried bacon is the perfect addition.
BLT Sandwich
The classic BLT sandwich is a great option. The air fryer method means you can make this epic sandwich in half the time!
Chicken Wrap
Add some air-fried bacon to a chicken wrap for a flavour boost.
Pasta Caesar Salad
Throw some air-fried bacon into a pasta Caesar salad for a satisfying bite.
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A sweet and savoury combination of air fryer bacon-wrapped dates.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Try air fryer bacon with air fryer baked potatoes for a match made in heaven.
So, there you have it! Plenty of delicious options to serve with your air fryer bacon. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F. However, the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so air frying at 350˚F is recommended to avoid smokiness.
For thin-cut bacon, air fry for 5 to 9 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, air fry for 9 to 12 minutes.
To prevent smoking, keep the drip tray clean before and after cooking. You can also add a cup of water to the lower pan, place a slice of bread in the lower pan or the air fryer basket to absorb the grease, or use rock salt in the lower pan.
First, cut the bacon slices in half crosswise and lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap. Then, air fry at the recommended temperature and time, checking halfway through and rearranging the slices with tongs if needed. Finally, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to blot and drain off any excess grease.
Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer using the same instructions as regular bacon.
