Air Fryer Bacon: How Long Until It's Crispy?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and mess-free way to prepare this breakfast staple. The air fryer's ability to circulate air ensures even cooking and eliminates the need for preheating or flipping the bacon. The cooking time varies depending on the desired crispness, thickness of the bacon, and the model of the air fryer. For regular cut bacon, 7-9 minutes at 350˚F yields softer bacon, while increasing the time to 8-9 minutes results in crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon requires a slightly longer cooking time, with 9-10 minutes for softer bacon and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking bacon in your air fryer. Firstly, always cook your bacon in a single layer. This ensures even airflow and crisping. While the bacon rashers can touch, as they will shrink as they cook, you don't want to overcrowd the basket as this will prevent the food from crisping uniformly.

Secondly, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. For thin-cut bacon, check after 5-7 minutes. For regular bacon, 7-9 minutes will give you crispy bacon. Thick-cut bacon will need 10-12 minutes. You can also cut the bacon in half to ensure it cooks evenly and to fit more in the basket.

Thirdly, you don't need to flip your bacon halfway through as the air circulates in the fryer, cooking both sides evenly. However, if you want to add an extra step for crispiness, you can drain the fat after 5 minutes, flip the bacon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Finally, to prevent your air fryer from smoking, clean the drip tray before and after cooking, and don't cook at a temperature higher than the smoke point of bacon fat (400°F). You can also add a slice of bread to the drip tray to absorb the excess fat.

How to cook bacon in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, you can place the bacon directly on the drip tray of your air fryer, but removing the tray and lining the basket with foil makes for an easier clean-up. Overlapping the bacon is fine, as it shrinks when it cooks, but don't pile the slices on top of each other.

Cooking

Set your air fryer to air fryer mode and a temperature of 390°F (200°C). Place the bacon in the basket and cook for around 5 minutes. Then, drain the fat and turn the bacon over before cooking for another 2-3 minutes. If you want your bacon to be extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2 minutes after draining the fat for a second time.

Serving

Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Tips

• You can cook any type of bacon in an air fryer, but thicker bacon will take longer to cook.
• Parchment paper can be used to line your air fryer, but bacon grease tends to leak through it.
• If you want to cook chopped bacon, simply throw it into the foil-lined basket.
• Pre-cooked microwave bacon can be heated in an air fryer in 1-2 minutes.
• To prevent your air fryer from smoking, add a cup of water to the lower pan, put a slice of bread in the lower pan to soak up the grease, or add rock salt.

How to prevent your air fryer from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop or oven cooking. However, it can be tricky to get right without creating a cloud of smoke. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking while cooking bacon:

Temperature Control:

The temperature you cook your bacon at is critical in preventing smoking. Air fryers heat up quickly and cook at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Bacon should be cooked at around 350˚F (180˚C) for 7-10 minutes. This temperature provides crispy bacon without burning it and gives the fat time to melt and drip down without overheating and smoking.

Bread Barrier:

A clever trick to prevent smoking is to place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer basket to absorb excess grease. This can be done in addition to the drip tray to catch any drips that may cause smoking. The bread can then be toasted for some delicious fried bread.

Absorbent Material:

As well as bread, other absorbent materials can be used to soak up grease. Rock salt, for example, is a good option as the pieces are too large to be blown around by the air fryer but will effectively absorb grease.

Parchment Paper:

Using parchment paper designed for air fryers can help to prevent smoking. These have holes to allow for air circulation while catching grease and stopping it from hitting the heating element.

Regular Cleaning:

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly, especially before each use. Grease can build up and smoke if not removed. Ensure you wipe down the air fryer bowl and basket and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.

Ventilation:

Keep your kitchen well-ventilated when using an air fryer. Turn on the exhaust hood to direct smoke away from the kitchen and use the exhaust fan to increase ventilation.

Don't Overcrowd:

When arranging your bacon in the air fryer, don't overcrowd the basket. This prevents air from circulating efficiently and can cause uneven cooking, leading to smoking.

Don't Overcook:

Check your bacon regularly to ensure it is not overcooking. The sugar in the bacon can burn and create smoke, so keep an eye on it and only cook until your desired crispness is achieved.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy bacon from your air fryer without the unwanted smoke!

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal cleanup. But, if you're cooking bacon, there's still going to be some grease to deal with. Here's how to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:

Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, make sure your air fryer is unplugged and switched off. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before attempting to clean it.

Cleaning the Air Fryer Basket

The air fryer basket is likely to be the dirtiest part of the appliance, so it's important to choose a cleaning method that effectively removes grease and grime without damaging the coating. Here are some methods you can try:

• Dish soap and water: Fill the basket with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and turn on the air fryer for two minutes. Then, rinse the basket with water.
• Baking soda and lemon paste: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon in a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of hot water and mix into a paste. Apply the paste to the basket and scrub with a soft toothbrush or sponge.
• Vinegar and lemon juice steam: Pour 1/4 cup of white vinegar and the juice of half a lemon into a ceramic ramekin. Place the ramekin in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and run the air fryer for five minutes. Let the air fryer sit for another 30 minutes with the basket closed to allow the steam to work.
• Dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar: Squirt dish soap all around the air fryer basket. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and pour in hot water until the basket is nearly full. Let it sit for one minute, then add two tablespoons of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for another 10 minutes before pouring it out and rinsing the basket.
• Dawn Powerwash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide: Combine two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and two sprays of Dawn Powerwash directly in the basket or in a separate bowl. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the basket for about two minutes. Rinse the basket with water, using the non-abrasive side of a sponge.

Cleaning the Drip Pan

The drip pan can catch a lot of grease and oil during bacon cooking. To clean it, simply wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth. If there is a lot of grease, you can soak it up with paper towels or bread before wiping the pan clean.

General Tips for Cleaning

• Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions.
• Clean your air fryer regularly to prevent a buildup of grease and grime.
• Some air fryer parts may be dishwasher-safe, so check your model's specifications.

How to store cooked bacon

Storing cooked bacon is a great way to preserve your crispy bacon for a few days or even the next month. Here are some tips to keep your leftover bacon fresh and crispy:

Short-Term Storage:

If you need to store cooked bacon for a few hours, the oven is your best friend. Set the oven temperature to 200°F and centre a baking rack. Lay the cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. This will keep your bacon warm and crispy for a few hours.

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 ideal. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature to limit condensation, which can make the bacon soggy. Then, place the cooled bacon in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and refrigerating. This will keep your bacon fresh for up to five days.

Long-Term Storage:

For longer storage, the freezer is your best option. Similar to refrigerator storage, allow the bacon to cool before sealing it in an airtight bag specifically designed for freezer storage. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, frozen cooked bacon will stay fresh for about a month.

Reheating Cooked Bacon:

To reheat refrigerated or frozen bacon, start by defrosting the frozen bacon in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Then, choose your preferred reheating method:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lay the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about five minutes until sizzling.
• Stovetop: Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and place a single layer of bacon in the pan for a few minutes until crispy.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the bacon for three to four minutes.

Frequently asked questions