Cooling Bacon In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and effective way to get crispy bacon without the mess. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it to be. For example, regular cut bacon should be cooked at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes, while thick-cut bacon should be cooked for 10-12 minutes. It is important to note that cooking bacon at a higher temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke, so it is recommended to cook it at a lower temperature.

How to prevent bacon from smoking in the air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking or the long preheat times of an oven. However, one of the main issues with cooking bacon in an air fryer is the risk of smoke. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking when cooking bacon:

Control the Temperature

The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is best to cook your bacon below this temperature. Most sources recommend cooking at 350˚F to 360˚F to avoid any smokiness while still getting crispy bacon.

Adjust the Timing

Cooking bacon for too long at a high temperature can also cause smoking. For regular bacon, 7-9 minutes at 350˚F should be enough for crispy bacon, while thick-cut bacon will need 9-12 minutes. If you want your bacon extra crispy, cook it a little longer, but avoid increasing the temperature. Check your bacon every two minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Absorb Excess Grease

When cooking bacon, a lot of grease is released, and this can cause smoking. To prevent this, you can place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to absorb the excess grease. Alternatively, you can add a cup of water to the lower pan, use parchment paper, or line the drip tray with aluminium foil. If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil between batches.

Choose the Right Bacon

The type of bacon you use can also impact the amount of smoke produced. Uncured bacon is a good option as it falls between thin and thick-cut, reducing the risk of burning. Thicker slices of bacon will need longer to cook, so be mindful of the cooking time to avoid burning.

Other Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. A few folds are okay, but don't overcrowd the pan.
• If your air fryer recommends preheating, do so before adding the bacon.
• You don't need to add oil to the bacon or the tray as the bacon will release grease during cooking.
• If you notice any splatter, use a drip tray or a piece of bread to catch the grease.

How to store and reheat cooked bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy bacon in under 10 minutes. But what do you do if you have leftovers or want to prepare bacon in advance?

Storing Cooked Bacon

Firstly, allow the bacon to cool to room temperature. Blot off any excess fat or grease with paper towels. Then, place the bacon in an airtight container or bag. If you are using a container, ensure it is not too big, and if there is spare room, cover the bacon with a layer of cling film to minimise air contact. Squeeze as much air out of a bag as possible before sealing.

Cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Reheating Cooked Bacon

There are several ways to reheat cooked bacon, depending on the quantity and your desired level of crispiness.

Microwave

Spread the bacon in a single layer on a plate, covered with a paper towel. Microwave for 20-60 seconds, checking after the first round. Remove and place on a paper towel.

Skillet

Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, place the bacon strips in the pan and allow them to cook in their own fat for 1-2 minutes. Turn the strips over and heat for another minute. Remove and place on a paper towel-covered dish.

Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with aluminium foil. Place in the oven for 8-10 minutes, checking after 8 minutes. Remove and place on a platter covered with paper towels.

Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350ºF and cook the bacon for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

How to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon

Cookingsection Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this tasty treat, and the cleanup is simple, too.

First, you'll want to let your air fryer cool down after cooking. This will take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your air fryer model.

Once your air fryer has cooled, it's time to start cleaning. Here are the steps to ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for your next cooking adventure:

• Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the air fryer basket and drip tray. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any excess grease or oil.
• If there is any grease or oil residue, you can use a few drops of dish soap and a soft sponge or brush to gently clean the affected areas. Be sure tosection rinse the basket and drip tray thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
• For a deeper clean, create a cleaning solution by mixing dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar in the air fryer basket. Let this solution sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to work their magic. Then, gently scrub the basket and drip tray with a soft sponge or brush. Rinse everything with warm water and dry the parts before reassembling.
• You can also use a combination of baking soda and lemon juice to create a natural cleaning paste. Apply this paste to the air fryer basket and drip tray, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub and rinse with warm water.
• Don't forget to clean the outside of your air fryer, too. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior, being careful not to get it too wet.

By following these steps, your air fryer will be clean and ready for your next culinary adventure. Enjoy your bacon and your sparkling air fryer!

How to prevent bacon from flying around in the air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and less messy alternative to stovetop or oven cooking. However, bacon is a lightweight food, and the powerful fan in an air fryer can cause it to fly around in the basket. Here are some tips to prevent bacon from flying around in your air fryer:

Use a Wire Rack

Place a wire rack over the bacon to prevent it from taking flight and reaching the heating element. This method is effective in keeping the bacon in place due to the concentrated airflow inside the air fryer.

Stainless Mesh or Crisper Plate

You can use a stainless mesh or a crisper plate to weigh down the bacon and keep it in place. The weight of the mesh is usually enough to prevent the bacon from floating. If your air fryer has a crisper plate, place it over the bacon instead of at the bottom of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Basket Rack

If your air fryer comes with a stainless-steel rack, you can use it to create a partition or add more space for cooking multiple ingredients. Alternatively, turn the rack upside down and place it over the bacon to keep it in its place.

Toothpicks

Toothpicks can be used to hold down lightweight ingredients in the air fryer. Stab a toothpick through multiple layers of bacon to keep them together and in place. This method is particularly effective if you don't have a basket-style air fryer.

Cutlery

Although it will leave a mark on the surface, using a piece of cutlery such as a fork or butter knife can help keep the bacon slices in place and prevent them from taking flight.

Other Tips

• Always cut the bacon strips in half if needed to fit more in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer model, you may not need to preheat it before cooking bacon.
• Bacon releases grease, so there is no need to add oil to the bacon or the air fryer tray.
• The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, the desired doneness, and the style of your air fryer. For regular cut bacon, cook at 350-360˚F for 7-9 minutes for softer bacon or 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, cook at 350-360˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon or 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.

How to cook bacon in the air fryer without it drying out

Air-fried bacon is a quick, easy, and less messy way to cook bacon. The air fryer method is much more convenient than stovetop or oven methods, and you can have hot, crispy bacon ready to serve in under 10 minutes.

How to cook bacon in the air fryer:

First, place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cut the strips in half if needed to fit more. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the bacon from crisping evenly.

Next, air fry the bacon. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. For softer regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook for 8 to 9 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.

Finally, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and serve. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan and wipe it clean before repeating the process.

Tips:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer for bacon.
• There is no need to add oil to the bacon or the tray of the air fryer, as the bacon will release grease during cooking.
• To prevent smoking, cook at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon fat (400˚F). Be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean before and after cooking.
• To absorb excess fat, you can add a slice of bread, rock salt, or a cup of water to the drip tray.

Serving suggestions:

Air fryer bacon is perfect for a BLT sandwich, or you can crumble it over salads, veggies, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, fried eggs, or omelets.

Frequently asked questions