Air-Fryer Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make your bacon crispy and crunchy. It is also less messy than cooking bacon on a stovetop or in an oven. The time it takes to cook bacon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it to be. For thin-cut bacon, it should take around 5 to 9 minutes at 350–400°F. For regular-cut bacon, it should take 7 to 9 minutes at 350–360°F. For thick-cut bacon, it should take 9 to 12 minutes at 350–360°F.

How to prevent bacon from smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon, but it can be tricky to get right. Here are some tips to prevent your bacon from smoking:

Temperature Control

The key to preventing smoking is to avoid overheating the bacon fat too quickly. Air fryers heat up faster than conventional ovens, so they require lower temperatures. The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at 350˚F or 360˚F. This will give you crispy bacon without burning.

Cooking Time

Cooking time depends on the thickness of your bacon. Thick-cut bacon will need more time, but always check your bacon regularly to prevent burning. If you like your bacon extra crispy, cook it for longer, rather than increasing the temperature.

Batch Size

Cooking large amounts of bacon will produce more grease, so it is recommended to work in small batches. Try 2-5 slices at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. This will also make it easier to control the cooking process and prevent burning.

Absorbing Grease

Grease dripping into the bottom of the air fryer and burning is a common cause of smoke. To prevent this, you can place a slice of bread on the drip tray to absorb the excess fat. You can then toast this bread for some delicious fried bread. Alternatively, you can add a cup of water to the lower pan to prevent the grease from burning. However, be cautious when mixing hot oil and water as this can be dangerous.

Other Tips

• Use parchment paper to line your air fryer basket. There are types specifically designed for air fryers with holes to allow air circulation.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.
• Uncured bacon is a good option as it straddles the line between thin and thick-cut, giving you more flexibility with cooking time.
• If your air fryer requires preheating, be sure to do so.
• If your bacon is curling, try turning it over halfway through the cooking time.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon from your air fryer without the smoke!

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating bacon cooked in an air fryer is simple. Here is a comprehensive guide:

Storing Cooked Bacon:

Firstly, ensure the bacon is completely cooled and drained of any excess fat. Then, get a sheet of aluminium foil large enough to cover the entire length of the bacon. Place the bacon in the middle of the foil in a single layer, and fold the foil over the top, sealing the edges to keep it flat. This will prevent the slices from sticking together. Finally, place the foil-wrapped bacon in a zip-top bag and lay it flat in the fridge.

Reheating Bacon in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The lower temperature is recommended as the bacon is already cooked, and a higher heat could cause it to burn quickly. Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to ensure even reheating. Cook for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bacon is hot and crispy. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning, and note that thicker bacon slices may require a higher temperature.

Reheating Bacon in the Microwave:

Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, which will absorb excess grease. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking regularly to avoid overcooking. The time will vary depending on the amount of bacon and the microwave's wattage. For 2-3 slices, 30-60 seconds should be enough. For a pound of bacon, try 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds. Microwaved bacon may not be as crispy as freshly cooked or air-fried bacon.

Reheating Bacon in the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper, and place a wire rack on top to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack and bake for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and crispy. For thicker bacon or larger quantities, increase the baking time to 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Reheating Bacon on the Stovetop:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, add the bacon slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• Bacon can be reheated multiple times, but it will lose its crispiness and become chewy, so it's best to only reheat it once.
• Always allow bacon to cool completely before storing, and blot off any excess grease with paper towels to ensure it stays crispy.
• When reheating, always ensure the bacon is in a single layer for even heating and to maintain its texture.
• Reheated bacon will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container and fully cooled.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy bacon that tastes just like it's been freshly cooked!

Why cook bacon in an air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and mess-free way to prepare your breakfast. Here are some reasons why you should consider using an air fryer for your next bacon craving:

Quick and Time-Saving

The air fryer is a lot faster than traditional methods of cooking bacon in an oven. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and the cooking time is significantly reduced. Depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispness, you can have perfectly cooked bacon in under 10 minutes. This makes it an excellent option for a quick and convenient breakfast, especially if you're short on time in the mornings.

Easy Cleanup

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the ease of cleanup. Unlike stovetop cooking, which can result in grease splatters all over the stove, the air fryer contains all the grease within its basket. The grease collects neatly underneath the basket in a drawer, making it easy to discard without creating a mess in your kitchen. No more worrying about hot grease on thin cookie sheets or scrubbing grease splatters from your stovetop!

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide consistent and even cooking, ensuring your bacon is crispy and evenly cooked every time. The circulating air in the air fryer eliminates the need to flip the bacon halfway through cooking, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon without the hassle.

Versatile Cooking

Air-fried bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Crumble it over salads, veggies, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or enjoy it alongside fried eggs and omelettes. You can even use it to make that epic BLT sandwich!

Healthier Option

Air fryers require little to no additional oil, as the bacon releases its own grease during cooking. This makes it a healthier option compared to other cooking methods that may require adding extra oil or grease.

So, the next time you're craving crispy, perfectly cooked bacon, consider using your air fryer for a quick, convenient, and mess-free experience. It's a game-changer for bacon lovers!

How to cook bacon in an air fryer

Preparation

Before you start cooking, you may want to cut your bacon slices in half so they fit more comfortably in the air fryer basket. It's also important to note that you shouldn't overlap the bacon slices when placing them in the basket, but it's okay if they're touching.

Cooking

Now you're ready to start cooking! Place the bacon in the air fryer basket and set the temperature. The ideal temperature seems to be a matter of some debate, with sources suggesting anywhere between 360°F and 400°F. However, several sources recommend cooking at 350°F to avoid any smokiness while cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it. For regular cut bacon, cook at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, and for thicker cut bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes. If you're cooking at a higher temperature, you'll want to check the bacon after 5-6 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn.

Serving

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess grease. If you're cooking multiple batches, be sure to pour out the grease from the bottom of the air fryer and wipe it out with a paper towel before adding the next batch.

Tips

To prevent smoking, it's recommended to cook the bacon at a temperature below the smoke point of bacon grease, which is 400°F. Some sources also suggest adding a slice of bread to the bottom of the air fryer to absorb excess grease and prevent smoke.

Storing and Reheating

Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the bacon back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until it's hot and crispy again.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A quick, easy, and relatively mess-free way to cook bacon. Enjoy your crispy, crunchy bacon as a breakfast side or crumble it over your favorite dishes!

Best air fryer temperature for bacon

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer depends on the type of bacon you are cooking, and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes. If you prefer crispier bacon, increase the cooking time to 8 or 9 minutes. You can also cook regular cut bacon at 360˚F for 7-9 minutes.

Thick-Cut Bacon

Thick-cut bacon requires a longer cooking time than regular bacon. For softer thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. You can also cook thick-cut bacon at 360˚F for 12-14 minutes.

Preventing Bacon from Smoking

The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at 350˚F or lower to avoid any smokiness while cooking bacon.

Other 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.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.
• Lay the bacon slices flat in the air fryer basket. It is okay if they are touching but avoid overlapping or layering them.
• Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cut the bacon slices in half to make them fit in the basket.
• The cook time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on your bacon and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions