Air-Fryer Bacon: How Long Should You Fry?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy bacon with minimal mess and less fat. The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For streaky bacon, cook at 200°C for 6-10 minutes, and for back bacon, cook for 4-8 minutes. For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, air fry for 9-12 minutes. If you like your bacon extra crispy, simply cook it for a few minutes longer.

How to cook bacon in an air fryer

Ingredients:

Bacon (regular or thick-cut)

Method:

• Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If the bacon strips are too long, cut them in half. It's okay if the bacon slices are touching but they shouldn't overlap or be layered.
• You don't need to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350˚F-400˚F and cook for 7-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
• If you're cooking regular bacon, it should take 7-9 minutes. For crispy bacon, cook for 8-9 minutes.
• If you're cooking thick-cut bacon, it will take 9-12 minutes for softer bacon and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.
• If you like your bacon very crispy, you can cook it for a few minutes longer.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
• If you're cooking another batch, carefully pour out any excess grease, wipe out the bottom of the air fryer basket with a paper towel, and repeat the process.

Tips:

• Cooking bacon at a lower temperature (around 350˚F) can help to prevent smoking.
• Some people like to add a slice of bread to the bottom of the air fryer to soak up the grease, but this isn't necessary.
• Always clean your air fryer after cooking bacon by pouring out the grease and washing the basket with warm soapy water.
• Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for bacon in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of bacon, the desired doneness, the style of the air fryer, and your personal preference. Here's a detailed guide on how long to cook bacon in an air fryer:

Regular Cut Bacon:

For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F (176˚C) for 7 minutes. If you prefer your bacon crispy, increase the cooking time to 8 to 9 minutes. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your air fryer.

Thick-Cut Bacon:

If you're cooking thick-cut bacon, the timing will be a little longer. For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F (176˚C) for 9 to 10 minutes. For crispy thick-cut bacon, extend the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes. Again, keep in mind that different air fryer models may have slight variations in cooking times.

Back Bacon:

Back bacon is commonly found in the UK, and the cooking time will vary depending on your preference. Set your air fryer to 200˚C and cook the back bacon rashers for 4 to 8 minutes. The shorter cooking time will give you just-cooked bacon, while the longer end of the range will result in crispier bacon.

Streaky Bacon:

Streaky bacon is typically found in the US and is known for its fatty, stripy texture. To cook streaky bacon in an air fryer, set the temperature to 200˚C and cook for 6 to 10 minutes. Similar to back bacon, the cooking time depends on your desired doneness. For just-cooked streaky bacon, aim for 6 minutes, while 9 to 10 minutes will give you crispier results.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Avoid overlapping the bacon slices in the air fryer basket. A single layer with some touching is ideal, as the bacon will shrink during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the bacon to prevent sticking.
• If you're cooking in batches, remember that the second batch will usually cook faster since the air fryer is already heated.
• To prevent smoking, avoid cooking at temperatures above 360˚F, as the smoke point of bacon is 400˚F.
• For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after draining the excess fat.

How to get crispy bacon

Ingredients:

• Bacon (thick-cut or thin-cut)
• Black pepper (optional)

Method:

• Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. If you want to keep the bacon warm between batches, preheat your oven to 250°F.
• Place the halved bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this will prevent the bacon from crisping evenly. A few folds are okay, but the slices should not overlap.
• Air fry the bacon at 350°F for 5 to 9 minutes for thin-cut bacon, or 8 to 12 minutes for thick-cut bacon. For softer bacon, air fry for a shorter duration within these time ranges.
• Check the bacon frequently to ensure it doesn't burn and adjust the timing as needed.
• Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to blot and drain off any excess grease.
• If cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the lower portion of the air fryer basket before cooking the next batch.
• Enjoy your crispy bacon!

Tips:

• To prevent the air fryer from smoking, clean it before and after cooking, and stick to the recommended temperature. The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so air frying at 350˚F helps to avoid any smokiness.
• To make cleanup even easier, you can place a slice of bread in the drip tray or at the bottom of the air fryer to absorb excess grease.
• If you want to reheat the bacon, you can place it back in the air fryer at 350°F to recrisp it.

How to prevent smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking or the need to preheat an oven. However, one issue that some people experience is smoke escaping from the air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Choose the Right Temperature

Bacon fat has a smoke point of 400˚F. Therefore, it is recommended to air fry at a lower temperature of around 350˚F to avoid any smoke while cooking bacon. This is a simple way to prevent smoking without making any additional preparations.

Add Water

If you want to be extra cautious, you can add a small amount of water to the air fryer to prevent smoking. Cover the bottom of the air fryer tray or the drip pan with water. The water will help to cool down the bacon grease that drips down during cooking, preventing it from reaching its smoke point.

Use Bread

Another option is to place a slice of bread underneath the grate or in the lower pan to absorb the bacon grease. This method is simple and effective, but it may not be as reliable as adding water, as the bread can only absorb a limited amount of grease.

Use Rock Salt

As an alternative to bread, you can use rock salt (not regular salt) in the lower pan to soak up the grease. The larger pieces of rock salt won't blow around in the air fryer and will effectively absorb the grease.

Keep the Air Fryer Clean

It is important to clean out any bacon fat drippings between batches. Wipe out the basket and the top burner to remove any excess grease. Leftover grease, especially on the heating element, can start to smoke and may even have a lower smoke point if it is residue from a different type of food.

Use Parchment Paper

You can line your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers. These parchment papers have little holes in them to allow for air circulation while also catching some of the grease. Check your specific air fryer model for the correct dimensions, as sizes can vary.

By following these tips, you can prevent smoking when cooking bacon in your air fryer and enjoy perfectly crispy bacon without any mess or fuss.

How to store leftover bacon

Leftover bacon is a rare occurrence, but if you find yourself with some, there are a few ways to store it to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.

Short-Term Storage:

If you want to keep your bacon crispy for a few hours, the oven is your best friend. Set your oven to 200ºF and place a baking rack in the centre. Lay your cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. This method will keep your bacon crispy for a few hours.

If you don't want to use the oven, avoid covering your bacon with anything airtight, as this will create condensation and make your bacon soggy. Instead, leave it uncovered or use a breathable towel.

Medium-Term Storage:

If you want to keep your bacon for a few days, you'll need to refrigerate it. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Your bacon should stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, though some sources suggest that the flavour is best within a day or two.

Long-Term Storage:

For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover bacon. Again, allow the meat to cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight bag. Frozen bacon will stay fresh for about a month.

To avoid ice crystals forming, you can wrap individual portions in wax paper or parchment paper before placing them in a resealable bag and freezing.

Reheating:

When it comes to reheating your leftover bacon, you have a few options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF and lay your bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Heat for around five minutes, or until your bacon is sizzling.
• Stovetop: Turn your burner to medium-high heat and place a frying pan on top. Once hot, place your bacon in the pan and heat for a few minutes until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350ºF and cook your bacon for three to four minutes.
• Microwave: Place your bacon on a microwave-safe plate or dish and cover with a paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second increments until hot and sizzling.

Always heat your bacon to an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure food safety.

Frequently asked questions