Air-Fryer Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to make everyone's favourite breakfast side. It's less messy than cooking bacon on a stovetop or in an oven, and it takes less time. The grease collects underneath the basket in a drawer, which can simply be poured out and discarded.

To cook bacon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may be able to fit more or less in a batch. Make sure the pieces don't overlap. Air fry the bacon for 7-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your bacon will cook evenly and guarantees that the bacon will start cooking immediately. While some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, others recommend preheating it briefly. This is a good time to prepare your bacon or get other things ready.

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary. Some recipes suggest that you can put your bacon straight into a cold air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F. However, preheating is recommended if you want your bacon to have that ultimate crispiness.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can then lay your slices of bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The bacon can be thick-cut or thin-cut, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than thin-cut bacon. You can also use turkey bacon, which will need to be cooked for 6 to 8 minutes.

Lay out the bacon in a single layer

Laying out the bacon in a single layer is an important step when cooking bacon in an air fryer. This is because air flow is key to the air frying process, and laying the bacon slices out in this way ensures that air can circulate around each piece. This helps to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy. It's fine if there is a little overlap, but you should avoid folding the bacon or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

Cook for 4-10 minutes

When air frying bacon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of doneness. On average, you'll want to air fry bacon for 4 to 10 minutes at this temperature to achieve your desired crispness. Here's a more detailed guide to help you navigate the cooking process:

For thinner bacon slices, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap them. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bacon. For thinner bacon, set the timer for 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as thinner bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overdone in a matter of seconds. If you prefer your bacon on the chewier side, aim for the lower end of this time range.

Thicker-cut bacon will require a slightly longer cooking time. Again, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the thicker bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 6 to 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon. For a chewier texture, opt for the lower end of the range, and for crispier bacon, let it fry for the full 10 minutes.

Regardless of the thickness of your bacon, it's important to remember that air fryers can vary in terms of power and efficiency. Always keep a close eye on your bacon during the cooking process, especially if it's your first time using your particular air fryer for this task. You may need to adjust the timing slightly based on your air fryer's performance.

Additionally, if you're cooking a large batch of bacon, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, as the bacon may release more moisture, which can affect the overall cooking process. It's always a good idea to cook bacon in batches to ensure even cooking and the best results.

Blot with paper towels to remove excess grease

Blotting with paper towels is a common way to remove excess grease from bacon. This method is popular because paper towels are highly absorbent and can soak up a lot of grease. However, some people prefer not to use paper towels due to their single-use nature. If you are looking for an alternative, there are several options to consider:

• Using cut-up paper bags from the grocery store.
• Investing in reusable bamboo paper towels, such as Bambooee.
• Keeping a stack of rags or old cotton shirts on hand to absorb the grease.
• Purchasing a bacon-only dish towel specifically for draining bacon. Just be sure to wash it by hand!
• Cooking your bacon in the oven. Place the bacon on a broiler pan and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. The grease will run off while it bakes, so there's no need to soak it up.
• Using slices of stale bread to absorb the grease. Just be aware that the bread will no longer be fit for human consumption afterward.
• Placing a cookie cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet when cooking bacon, allowing the grease to drain through.
• Pouring the grease into a cup or empty can and scraping it out once it has solidified.
• Using the clean side of a paper bag from the grocery store to soak up the grease, as suggested by celebrity chef Paula Deen.
• Absorbing the grease with old napkins from takeout food orders.
• Using newspaper to absorb the grease, with a paper towel on top to keep things clean.
• Using coffee filters or a brown paper bag to soak up the grease.
• Using a splatter screen for your frying pan, allowing the grease to drain back into the pan.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Cooking bacon in an air fryer at 400 °F for 10 minutes will give you the perfect crispiness. If you're cooking thin-cut bacon, check it after 5-6 minutes. After cooking, it's important to store your bacon properly to maintain freshness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your air-fried bacon in an airtight container in the fridge:

Step 1: Allow the Bacon to Cool

After cooking, let the bacon cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup in the container, which can make the bacon wet and less appealing.

Step 2: Blot Excess Grease

Use paper towels to blot and remove any excess grease from the bacon. This step ensures that your bacon doesn't become soggy and helps extend its shelf life.

Step 3: Decide on Portioning

Determine how you want to portion the bacon—whole strips, pieces, or crumbled. This step is important if you plan on using the bacon for different recipes.

Step 4: Use an Airtight Container

Place the cooled and blotted bacon in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination. You can also use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap the bacon securely.

Step 5: Refrigerate and Label

Store the container in the fridge. Bacon can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Label the container with the date to easily track its freshness.

Step 6: Freeze for Longer Storage (Optional)

If you want to store the bacon for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Place the airtight container in the freezer, or wrap the bacon securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Frequently asked questions