Air-Fried Bacon: The Australian Way To Crisp Perfection

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient way to make delicious bacon with less mess and fat. The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and the desired level of crispness. In Australia, the most common type of bacon is a combination of back and streaky bacon. To cook bacon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, lay the bacon in a single layer, and cook for a few minutes on each side until the desired level of crispness is achieved.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is around 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some sources suggest reducing the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius to prevent the bacon from burning.

Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the bacon to prevent sticking. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispness. For thinner, American-style bacon, cook for 6 to 8 minutes. For thicker, English or Australian bacon, cook for 8 to 10 minutes. If you like your bacon crispy, cook it for a couple of minutes longer.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your air fryer's model. Thicker bacon may need to be cut in half to ensure even cooking. Additionally, if you are cooking in batches, the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer is already heated.

To prevent the bacon from drying out, drain the excess fat after about 5 minutes of cooking. You can also add a cup of water to the lower pan or a slice of bread to absorb the bacon grease and prevent smoking.

Types of bacon

While cooking bacon in an air fryer, you can use any type of bacon you prefer. In the UK, most people prefer leaner back bacon for breakfast, but you can also cook streaky bacon, which is the standard type eaten in the US. The combination of the two is also commonly found in Australia.

Back Bacon is the most popular cut of bacon in the UK. It is produced from pork loin, is usually very lean, and is shaped almost like an apostrophe. It is commonly served in local cafes and used in sandwiches.

Streaky Bacon, also known as American bacon, is made using pork belly and is the most common type of bacon found in the US. It is usually fattier and shaped like a ruler. It is often regarded as the bacon enthusiast's bacon of choice.

Middle Bacon is an old-fashioned variety that combines both the loin and the belly (back bacon and streaky bacon) in one rasher. It is served with the rind left on.

Canadian Bacon is a distinctive form of pork loin that is leaner, meatier, and less fatty than American bacon. It is cured and smoked with a flavour closer to ham. It is also known as "English bacon".

Irish Bacon is cured the same way as Canadian bacon or back bacon but is circular in shape and has a rich fat content that gives it a savoury flavour. It is not cooked to a crisp.

Other types of bacon include Italian bacon (guanciale), Hungarian bacon, Lap Yuk or Chinese bacon, Russian bacon (Salo), Pancetta, Slab bacon, and Speck.

Layering and overlapping

When laying the bacon in the air fryer, it can be placed in a single layer with some overlap, or slightly overlapping, as the bacon will shrink while cooking. However, it's important to note that the pieces that overlap may not get as crispy as the parts that are not overlapping. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the bacon in half or in two before cooking to ensure even cooking.

The amount of overlap can depend on your preference for the doneness of the bacon. If you prefer your bacon cooked medium-well to well-done, you can overlap the bacon slices a bit more. This method is also great if you are using the bacon for bacon bits. On the other hand, if you prefer your bacon to be less cooked or crispy, you may want to avoid too much overlap and stick to a single layer with only a few folds.

The size of your air fryer basket will also determine how much you can overlap the bacon. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. In this case, it is best to avoid too much overlap and stick to a single layer, with only a slight overlap if necessary.

Additionally, the type of bacon you are using can impact the amount of overlap. Thicker-cut bacon may require more space in the air fryer, so it is best to avoid too much overlap. On the other hand, thinner bacon slices can be overlapped more without affecting the cooking time significantly.

Overall, when layering and overlapping bacon in an air fryer, consider the desired doneness, the size of your air fryer, and the type of bacon you are using. By adjusting the amount of overlap, you can ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and to your desired level of crispness.

Cleaning and maintenance

The cleanup process for an air fryer is generally quite easy and undemanding. The first step is to clean the drip tray or the drip pan, which should be done both before and after cooking. This is because bacon releases a lot of fat, which drips into the tray, and can cause smoking if not cleaned properly.

To clean the drip tray, you can use a paper towel to wipe it down, or you can place a slice of bread or old bread at the bottom of the tray to absorb the grease and simplify cleaning. Another option is to use aluminium foil at the bottom of the bucket (not the basket) to make cleaning easier, as long as the airflow is not impeded.

Additionally, it is important to keep the coils clean. However, this is not required after every use, as the coils do not get very dirty.

To prevent a smoky kitchen, avoid cooking at a temperature higher than the smoke point of bacon fat, which is 400˚F.

Comparison to other cooking methods

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient method that yields tasty results. Compared to other cooking methods, air frying bacon is a relatively hassle-free process that produces less mess and requires less clean-up.

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer over a stovetop, microwave, or oven is the absence of fat and grease splatters. Air fryers contain the bacon's grease within the appliance, preventing it from splattering all over your stovetop or microwave. This not only makes the cooking process cleaner but also reduces the risk of accidental burns from hot grease.

Additionally, air frying bacon is a more hands-off approach compared to traditional methods. Once you place the bacon in the air fryer, it cooks with minimal intervention, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and stirring. This frees up your time and attention to focus on other tasks or prepare side dishes.

The air fryer's ability to cook bacon evenly and consistently is another advantage. Unlike stovetops or ovens, where hot spots and uneven heating can lead to overcooked or undercooked bacon, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, resulting in evenly cooked bacon every time.

Furthermore, air frying bacon is more energy-efficient than using an oven. Preheating an oven for a few slices of bacon can consume a significant amount of energy. In contrast, air fryers require less time and energy to preheat and cook, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

While microwaving bacon may seem like a convenient alternative, it often leads to unevenly cooked bacon with unappealing textures. Air frying produces crispy bacon with less fat, making it a healthier and tastier option.

In summary, cooking bacon in an air fryer offers several benefits over traditional methods, including reduced mess, hands-off cooking, even cooking, energy efficiency, and tasty results. It simplifies the process of making bacon, ensuring a delicious outcome with minimal effort and maximum convenience.

Frequently asked questions