Air-Fryer Bacon: How Long At 400 Degrees?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to get perfect, crispy bacon. But how long should you put the bacon in the air fryer for if it's set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

Thick-cut bacon takes 6-10 minutes at 400°F

Thick-cut bacon can be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.

First, cut 2-3 slices of thick-cut bacon in half and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the slices as this will affect the cooking time and the texture of the bacon.

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6-10 minutes. Check on the bacon halfway through and use tongs to rearrange the slices if necessary. For crispy bacon, you may want to cook it for the full 10 minutes, but for softer bacon, 6-9 minutes should be enough.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and blot away any excess grease with a paper towel. Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon!

Some additional tips for cooking thick-cut bacon in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to get a good sear on the bacon.
• Don't be afraid to open the air fryer and check on the bacon—if it's moving around, just use tongs to place it back in a single layer.
• Always remember to drain the grease from the cooked bacon before starting a new batch.

Thin-cut bacon takes 5-7 minutes at 400°F

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's important to note that you don't need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. Simply set it to 400°F and set your timer. You also don't need to add any oil to the bacon, as it will release grease as it cooks.

To cook thin-cut bacon in an air fryer, start by placing the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cut the strips in half to ensure they fit in a single layer. Depending on the size of your basket, you may be able to fit 4-5 slices in one batch.

Air fry the bacon at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. For chewier bacon, cook for closer to 5 minutes, and for crispier bacon, cook for 6-7 minutes. Be sure to check on the bacon regularly to ensure it doesn't burn.

Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to blot and drain any excess grease. If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before starting a new batch.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfectly crispy bacon with minimal mess. The air fryer method is also less messy than cooking bacon on the stovetop or in the oven, and there's no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand.

No need to preheat the air fryer

How Long to Put Bacon in an Air Fryer at 400°F Without Preheating

While some recipes and air fryer models may recommend preheating, it is generally not necessary for cooking bacon. In fact, some sources specifically instruct against preheating the air fryer. This means you can get cooking straight away!

The cooking time depends on the type of bacon you are using. For thin-cut bacon, 5 to 7 minutes should be enough to get crispy bacon. However, if you prefer your bacon on the chewier side, 4 to 6 minutes will do. For thick-cut bacon, the cooking time increases to 8 to 12 minutes for crispy bacon and 6 to 8 minutes for chewier bacon.

How to cook the bacon

First, cut the bacon slices in half and lay them flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap, although a little touching at the edges is fine. You may need to cook the bacon in batches if you have a lot or if your air fryer is small.

Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the bacon according to the timings above, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness. There is no need to flip the bacon during cooking.

Tips

• To prevent smoking, add a cup of water to the lower pan, place a slice of bread in the lower pan to soak up grease, or use rock salt to absorb grease.
• To prevent grease splatters, use tongs to transfer the bacon from the air fryer to a plate.
• To store, keep the bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Blot cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease

Blotting cooked bacon with paper towels is a common way to remove excess grease. However, this method can be wasteful and there are more sustainable options available. For example, you could use cut-up paper bags from the grocery store, bamboo paper towels, or a stack of old rags. You could also buy a cotton dish towel specifically for bacon draining, but be sure to wash it by hand.

If you want to avoid using paper towels altogether, you can oven-cook your bacon. Place the bacon on a broiler pan and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Then turn the bacon over and bake the other side to your desired level of doneness. The grease will run off while it cooks, so there's no need to blot with paper towels.

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's important to note that the grease collects underneath the basket in the drawer. This makes it easy to discard—simply tip the drawer to pour it out. However, if you're cooking multiple batches of bacon, be sure to empty out the bacon grease before cooking the next batch.

Clean the air fryer regularly to prevent smoking

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon with minimal cleanup. However, the high temperatures and greasy nature of bacon can cause your air fryer to start smoking. To prevent this, it's important to clean your air fryer regularly. Here are some tips to help you keep your air fryer clean and smoke-free:

Clean your air fryer after each use:

This is especially important if you're cooking greasy foods like bacon. The leftover grease and oil can smoke and negatively impact the taste of your food the next time you use the air fryer. Wipe down the inside of the air fryer, including the basket and liner, with a warm soapy cloth to remove any grease buildup. Some air fryers even have dishwasher-safe parts, so be sure to check your model's instructions.

Use slices of bread to catch grease:

Bread can be a lifesaver when it comes to preventing smoke in your air fryer. Simply place a slice of bread at the bottom of your air fryer, below the basket, to catch any dripping grease. The bread will absorb the grease, preventing it from burning and smoking. This trick works for a variety of greasy foods, including bacon, burgers, and fried chicken.

Add water to diffuse grease:

If you find your air fryer starting to smoke, adding a tablespoon or two of water to the bottom basket can help. The water diffuses the dripping grease, preventing it from burning and smoking. However, be cautious when adding water, as too much can create a steaming effect and leave your food mushy.

Avoid overcrowding the basket:

Overcrowding the basket can also lead to smoking. When the air fryer is too full, hot air cannot circulate properly, causing food to cook unevenly and potentially burn. Make sure to leave enough space for air to circulate and adjust your cooking method if needed.

Ventilate your kitchen:

In addition to keeping your air fryer clean, it's important to ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Set up your air fryer in an area with adequate ventilation and keep the room well-ventilated while cooking. This will help prevent smoke from building up and reduce the likelihood of setting off your smoke alarm.

By following these tips and regularly cleaning your air fryer, you can enjoy crispy bacon at 400°F without worrying about smoke. Remember to always use common sense and be cautious when trying new cooking methods to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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