Air Fryer Bacon: Best Tips And Tricks

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and the size of your air fryer, but it typically takes between 5 and 12 minutes. Before cooking, cut the bacon slices in half and lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer

To cook bacon in an air fryer, it's important to cut the bacon slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer. This helps the bacon cook more evenly and fit in the air fryer basket more comfortably. After cutting the bacon, arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your basket and the number of strips you'd like to cook at once, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

Once the bacon is arranged in the basket, it's time to air fry. For thin-cut bacon, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 9 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't burn. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can continue cooking in one to two-minute increments until it reaches your desired crispness. For thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

When the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps to absorb any excess grease. Properly dispose of the rendered bacon grease by pouring it into a separate container for later use or discarding it in the trash can once it has cooled off. Do not pour it down the sink.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, delicious bacon. By cutting the bacon slices in half crosswise and arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, you ensure even cooking and prevent overlapping. With the proper cooking time and temperature, you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon that is crispy and browned to your desired level of doneness.

Lay the bacon in the basket in a single layer

Laying the bacon in the basket in a single layer is a crucial step in cooking bacon in an air fryer. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from overlapping and sticking together.

To start, slide out the air fryer basket and use tongs to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. If your bacon slices are too long to fit comfortably, cut them in half crosswise before placing them in the basket. It is important to note that while some overlap is acceptable, the bacon should not be stacked on top of each other.

Depending on the size of your basket and the number of strips you wish to cook at once, you may need to cook the bacon in batches. For example, if you are cooking more than five pieces of bacon, it is recommended to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the basket.

Additionally, consider the thickness of your bacon slices. Thicker bacon, such as thick-cut bacon, may require more space in the basket due to its larger size. By laying the bacon in a single layer, you allow for proper air circulation and even cooking throughout the cooking process.

Air fry at 350 degrees F for 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon. To start, cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This helps them cook more evenly and fit in the air fryer basket more comfortably. Lay them in the basket in a single layer, with a little bit of touching at the edges being okay. If desired, sprinkle with black pepper.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it drain on a paper towel. Pour the rendered bacon grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket into a separate container for later use or discard it in the trash can (not the sink) once it has cooled off.

If cooking more than 5 pieces, cook in batches

If you're cooking more than five pieces of bacon in an air fryer, it's best to cook in batches. This is because the bacon needs to be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with no overlapping slices. This helps the bacon cook evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may only be able to fit a few slices at a time.

To cook bacon in an air fryer, first cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This helps them fit more comfortably in the basket. Then, arrange the halved slices in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they don't overlap, although a little touching at the edges is okay. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to trim the slices to fit more in the basket.

Set your air fryer to 350˚F and cook the bacon for 5-9 minutes for thin-cut bacon or 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired crispness and the model of your air fryer. Check the bacon's progress frequently to make sure it doesn't burn. If the bacon isn't cooked to your liking, continue cooking in one to two-minute increments until it's perfect.

When the bacon is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This will soak up any excess grease. If you're cooking another batch, be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before repeating the process.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease

Once your bacon is cooked to your desired crispness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to soak up any excess grease. Be sure to discard any oil in the drip pan before repeating the cooking process if you're cooking bacon in batches.

It's important to note that the cooking time for bacon in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the bacon. Thicker bacon will need more time, while thinner bacon will need less. As a general guideline, air fry regular cut bacon at 350˚F for 7-9 minutes, or until it's browned and reaches your desired crispiness. For thick-cut bacon, air fry for 10-12 minutes.

To ensure even cooking and a comfortable fit in the air fryer basket, it's recommended to cut the bacon slices in half crosswise before adding them to the air fryer. Arrange the halved bacon slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. However, a little bit of touching at the edges is acceptable.

Remember to check the bacon's progress frequently to prevent burning. If the bacon isn't cooked to your desired crispness, you can continue cooking in one to two-minute increments until it's perfect.

Frequently asked questions