Cooling Air-Fried Bacon: How Long Should You Wait?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to achieve the perfect crispy bacon. The air fryer is also said to create beautiful, curly, crispy strips, whereas oven-baked bacon tends to lay flat. The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For streaky bacon, cook at 200 degrees Celsius for 6-10 minutes, and for back bacon, cook for 4-8 minutes. For regular bacon, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes.

Optimal temperature and time for cooking bacon in an air fryer

The optimal temperature and time for cooking bacon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the desired doneness, the thickness of the bacon, and the style of air fryer used.

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes. If you prefer crispier bacon, increase the cooking time to 8 to 9 minutes. It's important to note that the cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks and adjust the timing as needed.

Thick-Cut Bacon

Thick-cut bacon requires a longer cooking time to ensure it's cooked through. For softer thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. If you prefer your bacon crispy, cook it for 10-12 minutes. As with regular cut bacon, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.

Preheating and Oil

Most air fryer models do not require preheating for bacon, but it's always a good idea to check your manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, there is no need to add oil to the bacon or the tray of the air fryer as the bacon will release its own grease during the cooking process.

Preventing Smoking

To prevent smoking, it's recommended to air fry at 350˚F since the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F. If you're cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any excess oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with only a little overlap if necessary.
• Use tongs to rearrange the bacon halfway through the cooking process if needed.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the lower portion of the air fryer basket before starting a new batch.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, chicken wings, and other foods with less oil and still get them perfectly crisp. However, they can sometimes start smoking, which can be alarming and needs to be dealt with quickly. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking:

Place Bread or Water in the Bottom

If your air fryer is smoking, you can use water or bread to stop it. Place a couple of tablespoons of water in the bottom of the appliance, and it will quickly convert to steam, preventing greasy food from causing more smoke. Alternatively, you can place a slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer to absorb any grease that drips through the basket.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Even if your food has little oil, cooking too much at once can cause oil/food particles to splatter onto the heating element and create smoke. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate properly and prevent food from burning.

Use the Right Temperature

Some air fryers cook at very high temperatures, which can cause smoking. Try cooking the food at a lower temperature for a longer time. For example, if you're cooking bacon, set the temperature to 350˚F to avoid any smokiness while cooking.

Keep Your Air Fryer Clean

Regularly clean your air fryer to remove any old grease or food stuck to the inside, heating elements, or coils. Leftover grease or food residue can overheat and release smoke. Ensure you clean your air fryer after each use and always unplug it before cleaning.

Use Parchment Paper or Foil

Wrapping your food in parchment paper or foil can help prevent splattering and reduce smoke. However, do not preheat your air fryer with parchment paper inside, as this can cause burning and smoking.

Ventilate Your Kitchen

If your air fryer is smoking, open a window or turn on your vent hood to ventilate your kitchen. A well-ventilated kitchen can help reduce smoke and prevent your smoke alarm from going off.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect, crispy bacon. But what about the clean-up? Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always check your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer. Different models may have specific requirements or restrictions when it comes to cleaning.

Now, onto the cleaning process. The first step is to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down. It is important to never put water on a hot air fryer as this can cause damage or even be a safety hazard. Once it has cooled down, remove any large pieces of food debris or bacon grease from the basket and pan. You can use paper towels or a soft cloth to wipe down the surfaces and absorb any excess grease. If you have an aluminium foil lining in your air fryer, make sure to remove and dispose of it at this point.

Next, you can start to tackle the stuck-on grease and grime. There are several methods you can use, and you may need to experiment to find the one that works best for your air fryer. Here are some options:

• Dish soap and water: Fill the basket with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and turn on the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse the basket and pan with clean water.
• Baking soda and lemon paste: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon, and add a teaspoon of hot water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the basket and pan, and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush or sponge.
• Vinegar and lemon juice steam: Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar with the juice of half a lemon in a ceramic ramekin. Place the ramekin in the air fryer, set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it run for five minutes. Then, let the air fryer sit closed for half an hour to allow the steam to loosen the grease.
• Dawn Powerwash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide: Mix two tablespoons each of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with a few sprays of Dawn Powerwash to form a paste. Apply the paste to the basket and pan, and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush for about two minutes. Rinse with water, using the non-abrasive side of a sponge.

After cleaning, make sure to dry all parts of the air fryer thoroughly before putting it away or using it again.

By following these steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and well-maintained, ensuring it works optimally for a long time.

What to do with leftover bacon

So, you've cooked up a batch of bacon in your air fryer and have some leftovers. What now? Well, the good news is that cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to four or five days and can be frozen for up to a month. So, you have some time to decide what to do with it! Here are some ideas for what to do with your leftover bacon:

Reheat and Eat

If you want to enjoy your bacon as a side or a snack, simply reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to 10 minutes. If it's thinly sliced or crumbled, a few minutes should be enough. You can also reheat it in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Salads and Sandwiches

Bacon is a great addition to many salads, such as a Cobb salad or a chicken, avocado, bacon, and roasted corn salad. You can also use it to make a classic BLT sandwich or a chicken and bacon club sandwich.

Breakfast

Crumble your leftover bacon and add it to eggs, omelettes, or breakfast casseroles. You can also use it to make breakfast haystacks or egg-topped avocado toast.

Soups and Stews

Add some flavour to your soups and stews by tossing in some chopped-up bacon. It goes well in potato, beef and barley, pumpkin bisque, or lima bean soups.

Appetizers and Snacks

Try making bacon-wrapped dates, bacon and roasted corn salad, or a cheddar-veggie appetizer torte. You could also make some loaded red potato casserole or bacon and blue cheese Brussels sprouts.

Main Dishes

There are endless possibilities for using leftover bacon in main dishes. Try making bacon cheeseburger tacos, chicken and broccoli soup with tortellini, or pork chops with a tomato-bacon topping. You could also add it to pasta dishes like mac and cheese or spaghetti squash.

Freeze for Later

If you don't want to use your leftover bacon right away, you can always freeze it for later. Wrap it tightly in a paper towel and place it in a storage container. You can also crumble it before freezing to make bacon bits.

How to cook bacon in an air fryer without it curling

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess. To prevent your bacon from curling, try the following:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, you don't need to preheat the air fryer. However, if your specific model recommends preheating, then you should do so according to the manufacturer's instructions. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon is 350˚F to 400˚F.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can cut the strips in half to fit more, and a few folds are okay, but don't overcrowd the basket. Some overlap is acceptable.

Step 3: Air-Fry the Bacon

Air-fry regular-cut bacon at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes for softer or crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, air-fry at 350˚F for 9-12 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness.

If your bacon is curling, try flipping the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process. One user commented that turning the bacon over at the halfway point prevented it from curling.

Step 4: Transfer to a Plate

Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to blot and drain off any excess grease.

Tips:

• If cooking in batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan and wipe it clean before starting a new batch.
• The bacon grease can be discarded by simply tipping the drawer to pour it out.
• To prevent the air fryer from smoking, add a cup of water to the lower pan, or add a slice of bread to the lower pan to soak up the bacon grease.

Frequently asked questions