Tillie Doyle
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make smaller amounts of crispy bacon. It takes less time than preheating the oven and baking, and it's less messy than stovetop bacon. Depending on the thickness of the bacon and the size of your air fryer, it can take as little as 5 minutes or up to 15 minutes to cook bacon in an air fryer. You can also cook frozen bacon in the air fryer, and leftover bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 5-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-440°F / 175-226°C |
| Serving size | 1-5 slices |
| Calories | 18-354 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 3-1273mg |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times
The cooking time for bacon in an Instant Pot Air Fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the bacon, the number of slices, and the size of the air fryer. It's recommended to minimise the overlap of bacon slices in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
For thin slices of bacon, cooking times can range from 6 to 10 minutes at 440°F or 370-380°F. For medium-cooked bacon, it can take about 6 minutes at a higher temperature setting, while very crisp bacon may require 7 minutes at a similar temperature. If you're using thick-cut bacon, the cooking time can be extended to 12 minutes or more, with some sources recommending 10 minutes at 350°F/175°C and an additional 2 minutes for thicker cuts.
When using an Instant Pot without an air fryer lid, you can simply add the bacon directly into the pot and use the sauté function for 2 minutes per side. However, you may need to cut the bacon in half to ensure it fits properly without overlapping.
It's worth noting that different air fryer brands and models may have slight variations in cooking times and temperatures, so you might need to adjust the settings to find what works best for your specific air fryer. Additionally, if you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can always air fry it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
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How to prepare bacon for the air fryer
Preparing bacon for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, cut the bacon strips in half to fit more in the air fryer basket. Try to avoid overlapping the bacon slices as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. If you need to, you can pleat the bacon or cook it in batches.
Once you have prepared the bacon, you can cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F / 175°C. Then, place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. For softer bacon, air fry for 7-10 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook for 8 to 12 minutes. If you are using thick-cut bacon, you may need to add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the doneness and thickness of the bacon, as well as the style of your air fryer. Check on the bacon a few minutes before the time is up and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the bacon is not crispy enough, you can air fry it for another 1 to 2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Enjoy your crispy and crunchy air-fried bacon!
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How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare smaller amounts of crispy bacon in less than 10 minutes. However, cleaning up after frying bacon can be a hassle due to the grease and oil residue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:
Step 1: Unplug and let it cool
Always remember to unplug your air fryer and let it cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This is important for safety reasons, and it also makes the cleaning process easier as the grease and oil will have hardened, making them easier to remove.
Step 2: Remove excess grease
Before cleaning the air fryer, remove the basket, tray, and pan. Use paper towels or napkins to soak up as much grease and oil as possible from these components. You can also flip the air fryer basket over a pot or pan to drain the excess grease. Alternatively, if you lined the bottom of your air fryer with aluminum foil before cooking, simply remove the foil and dispose of the grease that has collected on it.
Step 3: Wash the removable parts
Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Wash the basket, tray, and pan in this soapy water, using a sponge or scrub brush to remove any remaining grease or food residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a towel or air dry before placing them back in the air fryer.
Step 4: Clean the heating coil
Check the heating coil of your air fryer, usually located at the top of the unit. If there is any oil or residue on it, wipe it clean with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Make sure to dry it completely before reassembling the air fryer.
Step 5: Wipe down the main unit
Finally, wipe down the exterior and interior of the main unit with a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a mild detergent or vinegar and lemon juice solution for this step. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a towel or a Swedish dishcloth before closing it up.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your air fryer after cooking bacon, ensuring that it remains in good condition and continues to deliver delicious, crispy bacon every time!
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How to reheat leftover bacon
There are several ways to reheat leftover bacon, including using an oven, toaster oven, air fryer, stovetop, or microwave. The best method for you will depend on the equipment you have available, the amount of time you have, and the desired crispiness of your bacon.
Oven
Reheating bacon in the oven is best for achieving large portions of crispy bacon. Preheat your oven to 350–400°F, and line a baking sheet or pan with foil. Place the bacon on the foil in a single layer, leaving space between each slice. Bake for 4–10 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. Once the bacon is hot and crispy, remove it from the oven and drain on paper towels before serving.
Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens are a good option for reheating a few slices of bacon to crispy perfection. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with foil if desired. Place the bacon on the foil or directly on the rack, leaving space between each slice. Cook for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning. Once the bacon is hot and crispy, remove it from the toaster oven and drain on paper towels before serving.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat leftover bacon, resulting in crispy bacon in just a few minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350–375°F, and place the bacon on the mesh rack or basket, ensuring the slices do not overlap. Reheat for 2–5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Once the bacon is hot and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Stovetop
Reheating bacon on the stovetop in a skillet is a quick method that produces bacon similar to freshly fried. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon, cooking for a few minutes until hot and crispy. This method requires active cooking and frequent flipping to prevent burning.
Microwave
The microwave is a convenient option for reheating a small amount of bacon, taking just 10 seconds or so. However, it may not produce the same level of crispness as other methods.
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How to cook other types of bacon in an air fryer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare smaller amounts of bacon. It results in crispy bacon in less than 10 minutes with none of the mess and splatter of stovetop bacon.
To cook bacon in an air fryer, you can either pleat the bacon or cut the slices in half to fit them in the air fryer basket. Try to minimise the overlap of bacon slices as they will not cook as evenly. You can also minimise cleanup by lining the inner pot with a piece of aluminium foil.
The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For example, thin slices of turkey bacon will take around 5-7 minutes, while thick-cut bacon can take up to 12 minutes. Regular cut bacon will typically take 7-9 minutes for softer bacon and 8-9 minutes for crispier bacon.
If you are cooking in batches, remember that the second batch will usually cook quicker as the air fryer is already heated up. Additionally, different air fryers may have slight variations, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature to find what works best for your appliance.
- Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon is leaner and thinner than regular bacon, so reduce the cooking time accordingly. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: For thicker slices, increase the cooking time. Air fry at 350˚F for 9-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
- Regular Cut Bacon: For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes. If you prefer softer bacon, stick to the lower end of the range, and for crispier bacon, go for the higher end.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes less than 10 minutes to cook bacon in an Instant Pot Air Fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and the number of slices. Thinner bacon slices can take as little as 6 minutes, while thicker slices can take up to 12 minutes.
Leftover bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 6 months, although this may affect the crisp texture.
The microwave is the recommended method for reheating bacon, as it only takes about 10 seconds and reduces the risk of burning the meat compared to using an Instant Pot or stovetop.
No, it is not necessary to turn the bacon during cooking. You can simply put the bacon in the air fryer, walk away, and it will cook evenly without needing to be turned.
