Cody Casey
Cooking bacon rashers in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient way to make delicious crispy bacon. The air fryer can be used to cook bacon medallions, back bacon, or streaky bacon. The cooking time will depend on the type of bacon and the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to cook the bacon in a single layer, with space between each slice to allow for air circulation. The bacon can be flipped during cooking to ensure even cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 200C/390F |
| Preheat | 3 minutes at 200C/390F |
| Cooking time | 5-11 minutes |
| Bacon type | Back bacon, medallions, streaky bacon |
| Basket capacity | 6-10 rashers |
| Overlap | Yes, but not too much |
| Oil | Not required |
| Foil | Not required |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the crispiest bacon rashers
To get the crispiest bacon rashers, use US streaky bacon. The higher fat content in streaky bacon compared to back bacon will make it crisp up nicely. If you want to use back bacon, opt for medallions, which are smaller and will therefore cook faster and crisp up more.
When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Place your bacon rashers directly into the basket in a single layer, allowing space for air to circulate. It's fine if the rashers touch, but try not to overlap them too much. If you are cooking streaky bacon, you can cook up to 6 rashers at a time.
Cook for 5 minutes, then drain the fat off and flip the rashers over. If you want to avoid back bacon curling up, use scissors to cut through the fat layer. Place the rashers back into the air fryer for another 2–3 minutes for delicious crispy bacon.
If you want your bacon even crispier, you can cook it for a further 2 minutes. Drain the grease on a plate lined with a paper towel.
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Cooking bacon from frozen
You can cook bacon straight from frozen in an air fryer. Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket, ensuring the basket can properly close. Set the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 8 minutes.
Once the time is up, use tongs to separate the bacon slices and lay them in a single layer. Overlapping is okay, as the bacon will shrink as it cooks. Put the bacon back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-14 minutes, checking frequently and flipping every 3-4 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove any strips that have reached your desired level of crispiness and space out the remaining strips. Continue to check and flip every 2 minutes, removing any pieces that are cooked.
If you are using thick-cut bacon, you may need to lower the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and add 4-5 minutes to the cook time. You can also add a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to avoid smoking.
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How to clean up after cooking
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is not only delicious but also convenient and energy-efficient. The cleanup is also a breeze! Here is a detailed guide on how to clean up after cooking bacon rashers in your air fryer:
Step 1: Unplug and let it cool
Always remember to unplug your air fryer and let it cool down completely before you start cleaning it. This is an important safety measure.
Step 2: Check the heating coil
Once the air fryer is cool, check the heating coil for any oil or residue. If there is any buildup, take a damp cloth or a dish brush and carefully wipe down the coil, just as you would with the heating element on an electric stove. Make sure to dry the coil thoroughly before reassembling the air fryer.
Step 3: Remove the basket, tray, and pan
Take out the removable parts of the air fryer, such as the basket, tray, and pan. You can wash these with warm soapy water, just like you would wash any other dish. For stubborn grease, you can use a sturdy sponge like the Scrub Daddy, being careful not to scrub the interior cooking surface too hard to avoid scratches.
Step 4: Wipe down the main unit
Use a Swedish dishcloth or a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and interior of the main unit. Avoid using paper towels, as Swedish dishcloths are more absorbent, reusable, and better for the environment. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent any greasy buildup.
Step 5: Dispose of the grease properly
Bacon grease can be disposed of in several ways. You can let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can pour it into a container, such as an old jar, and save it for later use in cooking. If you want to dispose of it down the sink, add some liquid dish soap to the grease, mix it, and add a little water to emulsify it before pouring it down the drain.
Now that you know how to clean your air fryer, you can enjoy your bacon rashers without worrying about the mess!
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The best types of bacon for air frying
There are several types of bacon that can be cooked in an air fryer, with the most common types being back bacon and streaky bacon. The type of bacon you choose will depend on your personal preference, as each type has a unique taste and texture. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best bacon for air frying:
Back Bacon: Back bacon is a popular choice, especially in the UK. It is taken from the pig's loin, so it is meatier than other cuts of bacon with a bit of fat still around the edges, making it savoury and delicious. Back bacon typically cooks a bit faster than streaky bacon due to its smaller size. In an air fryer, cook back bacon for 7-9 minutes for regular cut or 9-12 minutes for thick-cut, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Streaky Bacon: Streaky bacon, also known as American bacon, is the standard type of bacon consumed in the US. It is characterised by its streaks of fat and meat. Streaky bacon rashers, if cut thin, will cook faster than back bacon. In an air fryer, cook streaky bacon for 5-8 minutes for thin rashers or 8-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
Bacon Medallions: Medallions are smaller than back bacon slices and are also taken from the pig's loin. They have a similar taste to back bacon and cook a bit faster due to their smaller size. In an air fryer, cook medallions for 8-10 minutes.
Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner and thinner alternative to regular bacon. It is less fatty and can be cooked in an air fryer in the same way as regular bacon. Reduce the cooking time and air fry for 5-7 minutes.
When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it is recommended to place the rashers in a single layer with some overlap being acceptable. Preheat the air fryer to 350-390°F (180-200°C) and cook the bacon for 5-12 minutes, depending on the type and desired level of crispiness. Drain the excess grease and flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking.
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How to make bacon bits for loaded potato skins
To make bacon bits for loaded potato skins in an air fryer, you will first need to cook the bacon rashers. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Cooking the Bacon Rashers:
- Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 200°C (390°F).
- Place your bacon rashers directly into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. You can use any type of bacon you prefer, such as back bacon or streaky bacon, and there is no need to add any oil.
- Cook the bacon for 5 minutes.
- Drain the excess fat, and if you want to prevent the bacon from curling up, make small cuts through the fat layer using scissors.
- For crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. If you prefer your bacon well-done, you can cook it for a further 2 minutes after draining the fat again at the 7-minute mark.
- Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and drain any remaining fat.
Preparing the Bacon Bits:
- Once the bacon rashers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Cut the bacon rashers into small pieces or bits.
Assembling the Loaded Potato Skins:
- Start by cooking your potatoes. You can bake them in the oven, microwave them, or use a combination of both. Baking the potatoes the night before and storing them in the refrigerator is a good option.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool, and then cut them in half and scoop out the middle, leaving some potato around the edges to create a border.
- In a bowl, mix the scooped-out potato with shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, the bacon bits, and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients to prevent the potato from clumping together.
- Stuff the potato skins with this mixture.
- Place the stuffed potato skins in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the filling.
- Remove the loaded potato skins from the air fryer and top with desired toppings such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or green onions.
Your bacon bits for loaded potato skins are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
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Frequently asked questions
Place the bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. It's fine if they touch but try not to overlap them. You can cook at 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
It depends on the type of bacon and your desired crispiness. For crispy bacon, it will typically take 7-11 minutes.
Streaky bacon is a popular choice for crispy bacon. Back bacon is meatier and medallions are smaller.
No, you don't need to add oil. The bacon will cook in its own fat. However, you can lightly brush the bacon with a tiny layer of oil if desired.
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon rashers in an air fryer. Make sure any ice crystals are removed and dry the bacon with a paper towel. It will take a couple of minutes longer to cook.
