Air-Fryer Bacon: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, evenly cooked bacon with less fat. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon you are using and your desired level of crispiness. For example, thin-cut bacon will take around 5-6 minutes, whereas thick-cut bacon will take around 9-12 minutes. It's important to note that you shouldn't overcrowd the air fryer basket and should cook the bacon in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

How to prevent smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess. However, it can be tricky to get right, and one of the most common issues is smoke caused by the bacon's grease dripping and burning. Here are some tips to prevent smoking when cooking bacon in an air fryer:

Temperature Control:

Air fryers are small, enclosed appliances that heat up quickly, so it's important to choose the right temperature to avoid burning the bacon fat. Cookbook author Clare Andrews recommends cooking bacon in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 8-10 minutes. This temperature provides crispy bacon without overheating the fat too quickly, reducing the risk of smoking. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, cook it for a little longer rather than increasing the temperature.

Batch Size:

Cooking large amounts of bacon at once can lead to excess grease dripping into the drip pan and causing smoke. Try cooking in smaller batches to reduce the amount of grease produced. You can also try rolling or twisting the bacon slices to fit more in the air fryer without increasing the grease. Remember to drain the grease from the drip pan between batches.

Absorbent Materials:

One way to prevent the grease from burning and smoking is to use absorbent materials in the drip pan. Try adding a slice of bread to the pan to soak up the excess fat. Alternatively, you can use rock salt (the kind used to make ice cream) as it won't blow around in the air fryer and will absorb the grease.

Water:

Adding a cup of water to the lower pan can help prevent the grease from burning and smoking. However, be cautious as mixing hot oil and water can be dangerous, and it may not completely eliminate the smoke.

Parchment Paper:

Use parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers to line the air fryer basket. These parchment papers have holes that allow for air circulation while catching some of the grease.

Thickness and Timing:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly. Check your bacon regularly to ensure it doesn't burn, and remember that sugar can also burn in the air fryer, so check frequently to minimise smoke.

How to clean an air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal mess. But what about cleaning the air fryer itself? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Clean the Air Fryer Right After Using

It is important to clean your air fryer as soon as possible after using it. Turn off the machine, unplug it, and let it cool down. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove any grease or food residue.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Basket and Pan

Most air fryers have a removable inner basket and pan. Pull these out and wipe them clean with a soft sponge or cloth. Then, wash them with warm, soapy water. If there is any stubborn residue, you can soak these parts in soapy water or put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.

Step 3: Wipe the Bottom Chamber

The bottom chamber of the air fryer is where crumbs, oil, and meat drippings can collect. Once the basket and pan are removed, use a damp paper towel or clean dish towel to wipe out the inside of the machine. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Heating Element

The heating element should only be cleaned once the machine has completely cooled down. You may need to tip or invert the machine to access it easily. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe it down gently.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Before putting the air fryer away, make sure all the parts are completely dry. Reassemble the machine and store it until the next use.

Additional Tips:

• To prevent smoke and grease build-up, clean your air fryer after every use or every few uses.
• Avoid using abrasive sponges or sharp utensils as these can scratch the non-stick coating on most air fryer parts.
• For a deeper clean, especially if there is built-up grease, you can use a mild soap or baking soda and a soft-bristled brush to scrub the affected areas.
• Some users recommend using parchment paper or air fryer paper liners with holes to catch any mess and make clean-up easier.
• Always unplug the machine before cleaning and be careful not to bend or damage any heating elements.

How to cook streaky bacon

Ingredients:

Streaky bacon

Method:

• Place the rashers of streaky bacon into your air fryer tray. Make sure they are in a single layer, with no overlaps. A few folds are okay, but try not to overcrowd the pan.
• Set the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. For softer bacon, cook for 6 minutes. For crispy bacon, cook for 9-10 minutes. If you like your bacon very crispy, you can cook it for up to 12 minutes.
• Halfway through the cooking time, turn it over. You may need to rearrange the rashers with tongs.
• Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Tips:

• If you are cooking in batches, remember that the second batch will usually cook quicker as the air fryer will already be heated up.
• If you are cooking from frozen, make sure any ice crystals are removed and dry the bacon with a paper towel. It will take a couple of minutes extra to cook.
• You can store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, or in the freezer.

How to cook back bacon

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. While you wait, you can prepare your bacon by removing it from its plastic packaging.

Once preheated, place your bacon rashers directly into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. It is fine if the rashers touch but try not to overlap them. You can cook as many rashers as your air fryer basket can fit in a single layer.

Cook the bacon for 5 minutes, then drain any fat. If you want to avoid the back bacon curling up, use scissors to snip the fat layer.

Then, cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to crisp up the bacon. If you prefer your bacon lightly cooked and pale, you can serve it after the initial 5-minute cook. For crumbly and well-done bacon, drain the fat again at the 7-minute mark and cook for another 2 minutes.

Finally, remove the bacon from the air fryer using tongs and place it on kitchen paper to drain any excess grease before serving.

If you are cooking in batches, remember that the second batch will usually be quicker as the air fryer is already heated up.

How to cook bacon without a fryer

If you don't have an air fryer, there are several other ways to cook bacon. Here are some alternative methods:

Oven-Baked Bacon

Oven-baked bacon is a popular alternative to frying, as it's less messy and you can cook large batches at once. To cook bacon in the oven, first preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place your bacon slices on the foil, ensuring they're in a single layer with minimal overlap. For even cooking, swap the pans at the halfway point if cooking multiple batches.

Cook the bacon for 18-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. You don't need to flip the bacon during cooking, but you may want to rotate the baking tray if your oven has hot spots to prevent burning. Once it's cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Microwave Bacon

Cooking bacon in the microwave is another quick and convenient option. Simply place the desired number of bacon slices on a plate and cover them with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1 minute per slice, or until the bacon is crispy. Blot the cooked bacon with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease before serving.

Stovetop Bacon

Cooking bacon on the stovetop is a classic method that allows you to monitor the cooking process closely. To cook bacon on the stovetop, place a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices to the pan, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Grill Bacon

If you're looking for an outdoor cooking option, grilling bacon is a great choice. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the bacon slices directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy. Keep an eye on the bacon to avoid burning, as the high heat of the grill can cook it quickly. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate and serve immediately.

Tips for Cooking Bacon

• When cooking bacon, it's important to monitor it closely to avoid burning.
• Bacon releases grease during cooking, so it's not necessary to add additional oil.
• For easier cleanup, line your cooking surface with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than regular or thin-cut bacon.
• If you're cooking a large batch of bacon, it's a good idea to rotate the pans or shelves halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions