Emilie Meyer
Cooking center-cut bacon in an air fryer is a quick, mess-free, and easy way to prepare crispy bacon. The air fryer method is faster than stovetop or oven cooking, as it doesn't require preheating and produces less splatter and grease. The powerful convection cooking of an air fryer means you can cook bacon hands-free, without needing to flip it. The key to cooking center-cut bacon in an air fryer is to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your desired crispness and the thickness of the bacon.
Cooking Center Cut Bacon in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-390°F |
| Time | 5-12 minutes |
| Flip | Yes |
| Preheat | No |
| Overlap | No |
| Clean-up | Easy |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for center-cut bacon in an air fryer depend on the level of crispiness you prefer, the type of bacon, and the model of your air fryer.
For thin-cut bacon, the temperature should be set between 350°F and 390°F. The cooking time for this type of bacon ranges from 5 to 9 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning. Check the bacon after 5 or 6 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Thick-cut bacon requires a higher temperature, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. The cooking time for this type of bacon is generally longer, ranging from 8 to 12 minutes, or even 14 minutes if you prefer it crispier. Similar to thin-cut bacon, it is advisable to check on the bacon frequently to prevent burning.
Some recipes suggest cooking the bacon for 4 minutes on each side at 390°F, resulting in a total cooking time of 8 minutes. However, some users have reported that this may lead to burnt bacon, and they have achieved better results by reducing the temperature to 370°F or 350°F and cooking for a slightly longer time.
It is worth noting that some air fryers may require higher temperatures and longer cooking times, depending on their model and specifications. Therefore, it is always recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust the temperature and time accordingly.
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How to prepare the air fryer basket
Preparing the air fryer basket for cooking center-cut bacon is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This helps the bacon cook more evenly and fit more comfortably in the basket. Next, slide out the air fryer basket and use tongs to arrange the halved bacon slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. A little touching at the edges is okay if needed to fit more slices. Depending on the size of your basket and the number of strips you want to cook, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.
It is important to note that the bacon will release a good amount of fat during cooking, which will drip into the drip tray. To prevent smoking and simplify cleaning, clean out the air fryer drip tray both before and after cooking. Additionally, you can place a thin slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer, underneath the basket, to absorb grease.
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How to prepare the bacon slices
Preparing bacon slices for an air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. First, cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This helps the bacon cook more evenly and fit more comfortably in the air fryer basket. Then, lay the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If your air fryer has a metal rack, you can cook two layers at once, but you may need to adjust the timing.
The cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your bacon slices and your desired level of crispness. For thin-cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 5 to 9 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't burn. For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or up to 14 minutes if you like your bacon extra crispy. If you're using frozen bacon, thaw it first at 350°F for 4 minutes before separating the slices and cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also experiment with different temperatures and timings to find your preferred method. Some people prefer to air fry at 390°F for 4 minutes on each side or 375°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway. However, be cautious when increasing the temperature as it may cause the bacon to burn or even explode.
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How to clean the air fryer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy and crunchy bacon, without the mess of grease splatters all over the kitchen. The cleanup is also easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
Firstly, it is important to note that the main unit of the air fryer contains electrical components and cannot be submerged in water. After use, turn off the machine, unplug it, and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, pull out the removable inner basket and pan, and wipe them clean with a soft cloth or sponge. You can then wash these parts with warm, soapy water and rinse them. These parts can also be submerged and soaked in soapy water, or washed in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe—check the manufacturer's instructions.
The heating element can also be wiped down with a soft cloth or sponge, but only once the machine has cooled completely. It may be helpful to tip or invert the machine for easier access to the heating element. Allow all the parts to dry completely before reassembling and storing the air fryer.
To prevent greasy buildup, it is recommended to clean the air fryer after every use or every few uses. When cooking in batches, you can remove debris by letting the machine cool slightly and carefully wiping it out with a paper towel in between batches. Avoid using abrasive sponges or sharp utensils, as most air fryer parts have a non-stick coating that can be scratched.
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What to do with the cooked bacon
Now that you've cooked your center-cut bacon in an air fryer, what's next? Here are some ideas on what to do with your crispy, crunchy bacon:
Breakfast Options
- BLT Sandwich: Layer your bacon with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your favourite bread.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Get creative with your toppings and spreads. Try a classic like eggs or experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces.
- Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs and bacon on an English muffin with a creamy hollandaise sauce—a delicious, indulgent breakfast option.
- Omelette: Bacon adds a savoury crunch to your omelette. Pair it with some vegetables and cheese for a well-rounded meal.
- Scrambled Eggs: Mix things up by adding bacon bits to your scrambled eggs for added flavour and texture.
- Poached or Fried Eggs: Whether you like your eggs runny or firm, a side of crispy bacon is a classic pairing.
- Paleo Pancakes: For a savoury twist, dip your bacon in maple syrup and enjoy it with a stack of paleo pancakes.
Lunch and Dinner Ideas
- Chicken Wrap: Add bacon to a tortilla wrap with chicken and your favourite veggies for a quick and easy lunch option.
- Pasta Caesar Salad: Toss your bacon with pasta, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing for a satisfying salad.
- Toppings: Use bacon as a topping for soups or chowders, like Pierogi, Zuppa Toscana, or Clam Chowder, to add a crunchy, savoury element.
Snacks and Appetizers
- Deviled Eggs: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of deviled eggs for a tasty, savoury bite.
- Tortilla Chips: Bacon bits can be a delicious, savoury addition to your tortilla chips.
- Charcuterie Board: Bacon is a great addition to a charcuterie spread, featuring prepared meats, sausages, ham, terrines, and more.
Remember, bacon is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavour combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook center cut bacon is 350°F.
It takes 5 to 9 minutes to cook thin-cut bacon and 10 to 12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
To prevent your bacon from burning, cut the bacon slices in half before placing them in the air fryer. This helps the bacon cook more evenly.
To prevent your air fryer from smoking, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the bacon in a single layer with a little space between each slice. Drain the grease after each batch.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is quick, easy, and mess-free. It also produces similar results to pan-frying without the bacon soaking in grease.
