Air Fryer Bacon: How Long To Fry?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy bacon with less fat. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon, the desired doneness, and the style of the air fryer. Regular cut bacon will take around 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon will take 9-12 minutes. It's important to note that the air fryer should not be overcrowded to ensure even cooking, and the drip tray should be cleaned before and after cooking to prevent smoking.

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 type of bacon, your desired crispiness, and the style of your air fryer.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). Cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350°F, can help prevent smokiness while cooking. However, some recipes recommend cooking at 390°F or even 400°F for a crispier result.

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, cook at 350°F for 7 minutes. For crispy bacon, increase the cooking time to 8 to 9 minutes. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Thick-Cut Bacon

Thick-cut bacon requires a slightly longer cooking time. For softer thick-cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 9 to 10 minutes. For crispy thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes. Again, you can add an extra minute or two for a crispier texture.

Other Factors to Consider

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Layering too many slices of bacon can prevent even browning and crispiness. It is best to arrange the bacon in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the bacon to prevent sticking.

Tips for Crispy Bacon

If you prefer your bacon crispy, there are a few tricks you can try. First, you can cook the bacon for 5 minutes, drain the fat, and then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. For even crispier bacon, you can repeat the process, draining the fat again at the 7-minute mark and adding another 2 minutes of cooking time. Another tip is to use scissors to snip the fat layer of the bacon after flipping it over, which helps prevent curling.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking

Air fryers are a great way to cook bacon, but the high fat content of bacon can cause a lot of grease to be released, which can lead to smoking. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking:

Keep your air fryer clean

It is important to regularly clean your air fryer to prevent a buildup of grease and food particles. Make sure to wipe down the inside, heating elements or coils, and the basket to remove any grease or food stuck on them. You can also soak the basket in soapy water to help loosen any stubborn grease. Always clean your air fryer after each use.

Use water or bread to absorb grease

If your air fryer is smoking, you can place a couple of tablespoons of water in the bottom of the appliance. The water will quickly turn to steam and prevent the grease from causing more smoke. Alternatively, you can place a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb any grease that drips down.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Even if your food doesn't have a lot of grease, overcrowding the basket can cause oil and food particles to splatter onto the heating element. Make sure to leave enough space between items so that hot air can circulate properly.

Use the right temperature

Some air fryers cook at very high temperatures, which can cause smoking. Try cooking your food at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

Use oils with high smoke points

If you are cooking with oil, use one with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or light/refined olive oil. These oils can help to minimize smoke.

Ventilate your kitchen

If you are still experiencing smoke, try ventilating your kitchen by opening windows or turning on your vent hood. A well-ventilated kitchen can help to reduce smoke buildup.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your air fryer from smoking and enjoy perfectly cooked bacon without the fumes!

How to get crispy bacon

Ingredients:

Bacon (any type, but note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C).
• Place your bacon slices directly into the basket in a single layer. It's fine if the bacon slices touch, as they will shrink during cooking, but try not to overlap them.
• Cook the bacon for 5 minutes, then drain the fat.
• If you want crispy bacon, turn the bacon over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, drain the fat again and cook for a further 2 minutes.
• For softer bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes.
• For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 9-12 minutes.
• If you are cooking in batches, remember that the second batch will usually be quicker as the air fryer has heated up.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate or paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Tips:

• If you want to add a liner to help with cleaning, use something heavier than foil, as foil tends to fly around in the air fryer.
• If you want to prevent your bacon from curling, snip the fat layer with scissors when you flip the bacon over after the first cook.
• If you are cooking streaky bacon, lay the bacon in a single layer with no overlaps.

How to prevent bacon from curling up

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and less messy way to prepare this breakfast staple. However, it can be frustrating when your bacon curls up during the cooking process, leading to uneven cooking. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Cut the Strips in Half

Shortening the bacon strips by cutting them in half can help reduce the chances of curling. This technique works because the shorter strips are less likely to overlap in the air fryer, allowing heat to distribute more evenly.

Use a Bacon Press or Heavy Object

A bacon press is a heavy object designed to hold bacon flat while cooking. Place the bacon press directly on the strips in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a bacon press, you can use a heat-resistant bowl or another heavy object to weigh down the bacon and prevent curling.

Control the Temperature

Cooking bacon at a lower temperature can help prevent curling. A slower cooking process at a lower heat allows the meat to cook more evenly, reducing the likelihood of uneven shrinkage, which is a common cause of curling.

Flip the Bacon Halfway Through

Flipping the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process can help minimise the curling effect and promote even cooking. This technique ensures that both sides of the bacon are cooked evenly.

Use Bread Slices for Support

Try placing a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket and putting bread slices underneath the bacon. The bread helps bear the weight of the bacon, preventing it from curling as it cooks.

Manage the Released Grease

The grease released during cooking can contribute to bacon curling. To control this, use a parchment-lined air fryer basket or a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease and allow for proper air circulation, resulting in flatter, more evenly cooked bacon.

Additional Tips for Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Now that you know how to prevent curling, here are some bonus tips for cooking bacon in your air fryer:

• Cook time will vary depending on your desired doneness and the thickness of the bacon. Regular bacon typically takes 7-9 minutes for a softer texture and 8-9 minutes for a crispier texture. Thick-cut bacon will take longer, ranging from 9-12 minutes for softer bacon to 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer before cooking bacon.
• There is no need to add oil to the bacon or the air fryer tray, as the bacon will release its own grease during cooking.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean before starting a new batch.

How to store par-cooked bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking or baking in the oven. But what if you've cooked too much? How do you store par-cooked bacon?

First, it's important to know how long cooked bacon can be stored. Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to one month.

Now, here's a step-by-step guide on how to store par-cooked bacon:

• Cook the bacon in the air fryer as per your desired level of crispiness.
• Once cooked, remove the bacon from the air fryer using tongs and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess grease.
• Let the bacon cool down to room temperature.
• Transfer the bacon to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure it is well-sealed to prevent any air exposure, which can cause the bacon to dry out or become rancid.
• Store the container or wrapped bacon in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 4 to 5 days. If you need to store it for longer, place it in the freezer.
• When you're ready to enjoy your bacon again, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and let it thaw (if frozen) before consuming. You can eat it cold or reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave to regain some crispiness.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your par-cooked bacon stays fresh and tasty for future meals!

Frequently asked questions