Emilie Meyer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare your bacon. Air fryers are highly efficient at generating and circulating heat, so you don't need to set the temperature too high to get crispy bacon. This guide will take you through the steps to cook bacon in a Breville air fryer, from preheating to storing leftovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed | Quick to cook |
| Cleanliness | Minimal clean-up |
| Temperature | 350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature for tender-crisp bacon; higher temperatures can cause splatter |
| Time | 8-10 minutes for regular bacon, 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon |
| Crispiness | Air-frying bacon makes it crispy |
| Browning | Air fryers excel at browning food |
| Grease | Grease collects at the bottom of the basket, making it easy to scrape into the trash or a jar |
| Preheating | Preheat the air fryer before putting the bacon in |
| Storage | Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature
For regular bacon, a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) is recommended. At this temperature, you can cook the bacon for 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon and 7 minutes for non-crispy bacon. If you prefer thicker cuts of bacon, cooking for 10-12 minutes at the same temperature will give you the crispiest results, while cooking for 9-10 minutes will yield non-crispy bacon.
It is worth noting that cooking bacon at a lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, helps to cook it more evenly and prevents excess splatter. This temperature allows the pork's fat to render effectively, resulting in less greasy bacon. Additionally, cooking at a lower temperature reduces the risk of smoking in the air fryer, as the bacon is less likely to burn.
However, some sources suggest a higher temperature range of 375 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (190 to 220 degrees Celsius) for cooking bacon in an oven. This higher temperature range may be suitable for larger quantities of bacon or when using an oven instead of an air fryer.
When reheating leftover bacon, a lower temperature of 330 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 minutes in a preheated air fryer is recommended to maintain its crispiness without overcooking.
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How long to cook for
The cooking time for bacon in a Breville air fryer depends on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For regular bacon, cook for 7 minutes for non-crispy bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. If you're using thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-10 minutes for non-crispy bacon, and 10-12 minutes for the crispiest bacon.
It's important to note that air fryers are more efficient at generating and circulating heat than conventional ovens, so you don't need as high a temperature to achieve crispiness. The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350ºF (175ºC), which produces tender-crisp bacon in about 10 minutes and crunchier, more brittle bacon at the 13-minute mark.
Cooking at a lower temperature has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to effectively render the pork's fat, making the bacon less greasy. Secondly, it reduces the risk of your air fryer smoking, as the bacon is less likely to burn. However, it is still recommended to remove any excess fat and wipe out the air fryer basket between batches to prevent smoking.
If you're cooking for a large crowd, it may be more efficient to use an oven, as air fryers are better suited for cooking smaller batches of bacon for one or two people.
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Crispy bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare your bacon crispy and brown. It is also a more efficient way to cook bacon than a conventional oven as it takes a shorter time to heat up and can cook food faster.
To make crispy bacon in a Breville air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer. Then, place the bacon in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. If your bacon strips are too long, cut them in half so they fit easily. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook and reach the desired crispiness.
Cook the bacon at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. For the crispiest bacon, cook for 13 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through to make it crispier on the other side. You can also cook it for a little longer at a lower temperature to prevent excess splatter and the risk of your air fryer smoking.
Once it's ready, remove the bacon and enjoy it immediately. You can season it with pepper, maple syrup, or brown sugar for added flavor. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain any remaining grease.
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Cleaning the fryer
Cleaning your Breville air fryer after cooking bacon is important to prevent unpleasant smells and flavours from affecting your food. The good news is that air fryers are known for being a quick and easy method with minimal clean-up.
Firstly, always ensure your air fryer is unplugged and switched off before cleaning. Then, remove any excess fat and grease from the air fryer basket. You can use kitchen roll or a cloth to wipe out the basket, or you can scrape the fat into the bin or a jar to repurpose.
Next, clean the basket and any other removable parts with hot water and washing-up liquid. You can also put these parts in the dishwasher if preferred. Make sure all parts are thoroughly dried before reassembling the air fryer.
Finally, wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any grease or grime. For more stubborn stains, you can use a mild cleaning spray. Make sure to dry the outside of the air fryer with a clean cloth before storing it away.
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Storing leftovers
Storing leftover bacon is a great way to ensure you don't waste food and can enjoy your crispy bacon for days to come. There are a few methods you can use to store leftover bacon cooked in your Breville Air Fryer, depending on how long you want to keep it for and whether you want to reheat and use it in a specific way.
Firstly, it's important to let the bacon cool down to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming and making your bacon soggy. While the bacon is cooling, you can blot off any excess grease with a paper towel. This will help to preserve the crunch of your bacon. Once the bacon is cool, you can place it in an airtight container or bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. You can then store the bacon in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to five days.
If you want to keep your leftover bacon for longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled bacon in an airtight container or bag and store it in the freezer. It will keep for up to one month. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bacon, you can reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the air fryer. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 400°F and cook the bacon for 5-10 minutes. For thicker bacon or more than one serving, increase the time to 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat frozen bacon in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the bacon slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat your leftover bacon in the microwave. Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Microwaved bacon won't be as crispy as freshly cooked bacon, but it's a quick and convenient option.
Leftover bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, such as BLTs, salads, sandwiches, or crumbled over soups. No matter which storage and reheating method you choose, you'll be able to enjoy your crispy, delicious bacon all over again!
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is 350ºF (175ºC). Cooking at a lower temperature helps to cook the bacon evenly and prevents excess splatter.
It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook bacon in an air fryer, depending on your desired crispiness.
To prevent smoking, remove any excess fat and wipe out the air fryer basket between batches. It is also recommended to clean the air fryer thoroughly after each use to avoid any food from getting stuck on the heating element and burning.
Thick, uncured bacon is recommended for the most flavour.
Yes, you can cook bacon straight from the freezer in an air fryer.
