Air-Fryer Bacon Bits: Quick, Crispy, And Easy!

Bacon bits are a versatile condiment that can be used to add a burst of flavour to salads, soups, pasta, sandwiches, and more. While store-bought bacon bits can be lacklustre and gummy, making your own in an air fryer is easy and will give you a better texture and flavour.

The air fryer's intense heat and powerful air circulation will give you crispy, evenly cooked bacon with minimal mess and fuss. You can use thin or thick-cut bacon, and you don't even need to preheat the air fryer. Simply cut the bacon into strips, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F/200°C for 6 to 8 minutes or 10 to 12 minutes, tossing the bacon halfway through.

Once cooked, you can drain the bacon bits on a paper towel and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Cutting the bacon: cut the bacon into thin strips, around 1 inch thick

When preparing bacon bits in an air fryer, it is important to cut the bacon into the right size. Cutting the bacon into thin strips, around 1 inch thick, ensures that the bacon bits will be the ideal size after cooking. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for cutting the bacon to achieve the desired results:

First, it is recommended to keep the bacon cold or even chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time before slicing. This makes the bacon firmer and easier to cut into precise strips.

Next, using a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, start cutting the bacon into thin strips. Aim for a thickness of around 1 inch for each strip. It is important to remember that the bacon will shrink quite a bit during cooking, so cut the strips about twice as big as you want the final bacon bits to be. Make sure they are not too small, or they might fall through the holes in the air fryer basket and burn.

If you are cutting multiple pieces of bacon at once, separate any strips that are stuck together. Alternatively, you can cut each slice individually to avoid having to separate them later.

Finally, once you have cut the bacon into the desired strip size, you are ready to move on to the next step of preparing bacon bits in your air fryer. Remember, uniform-sized strips will cook more evenly and give you better control over the final size of your bacon bits.

Air fryer temperature: cook at 400°F/200°C for 6-8 minutes for regular bacon or 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon

Air fryer temperature is a key factor in achieving the perfect bacon bits. For regular bacon, set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook for 6-8 minutes. If you're using thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

At this temperature, the bacon bits will emerge crispy and golden brown. The high heat of the air fryer will render the fat, creating a delicious crunchy texture. It's important to keep an eye on the bacon bits during cooking, as you don't want them to burn. Additionally, different air fryer models may vary slightly in temperature and cooking time, so adjustments may be necessary.

The beauty of cooking bacon bits in an air fryer is the convenience and ease of preparation. You can cut the bacon into strips or bits, place them in the air fryer basket, and let the machine work its magic. No need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. The air fryer's intense heat and air circulation will crisp up the bacon bits beautifully.

Remember to stir or toss the bacon bits halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. When they're done, simply drain the excess grease on a paper towel and let them cool before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

Now you know the secrets to achieving crispy, mouth-watering bacon bits in your air fryer!

Air fryer benefits: it's quicker, easier, and less messy than cooking bacon in a pan or in the oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook bacon bits with minimal mess and maximum flavour. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer over more traditional methods like a pan or an oven:

Speed and Efficiency:

Air fryers cook bacon bits faster than ovens or pans. There is no need to preheat an air fryer, and the cooking time is significantly shorter. For example, it takes around 20-25 minutes to cook bacon bits in an air fryer, while an oven might take 30 minutes or more. This makes air fryers ideal for busy cooks or those looking for a quick and tasty snack.

Ease of Use and Clean-up:

Air fryers are simple to use and require less effort than traditional methods. The bacon grease drips through the holes in the air fryer basket, eliminating the need to deal with messy grease trays or splattering pans. Clean-up is a breeze, as you can easily remove the basket and strain the grease. No more scrubbing greasy pans or ovens!

Healthier Option:

Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep frying, promoting a healthier cooking option. The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the food, crisping it evenly without the need for excessive oil. This reduces the fat and calorie content of your bacon bits, making them a healthier treat.

Safety:

Deep frying bacon in a pan can be risky due to the possibility of spilling or splashing hot oil. Air fryers eliminate this risk, as they don't involve large containers of scalding oil. While air fryers do get hot, the risk of accidental contact with hot oil is minimal.

Flavour and Texture:

Air fryers deliver on taste and texture. They produce bacon bits with a similar flavour and crispiness to deep-fried bacon, but with less fat and grease. The end result is a delicious, crispy bacon bit that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Budget-Friendly:

Making your own bacon bits in an air fryer is a cost-effective option. You can choose the quality and quantity of bacon you use, and there's no need to buy pre-packaged bacon bits, which can be expensive and highly processed.

In summary, air fryers offer a quicker, easier, and less messy way to cook bacon bits compared to traditional methods like pans or ovens. They provide a healthier, safer, and more convenient option without compromising on taste and texture. So, if you're looking to elevate your bacon game, an air fryer might just be your new best friend in the kitchen!

How to prevent smoking: don't overcrowd the air fryer, use a silicone mat or parchment paper to catch the grease, and wipe down the air fryer in between batches

How to Make Bacon Bits in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

The only ingredient you need is bacon! It's recommended to use thinner bacon for better texture, but you can also use thick-cut bacon.

Preparation

Cut the bacon into thin strips about 1 inch thick. Remember that they will shrink during cooking, so cut them about twice as big as you want the final bacon bits to be. Make sure they're not too small, or they'll fall through the holes in the air fryer basket.

Cooking

Place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket. You don't need to arrange them in a single layer, but don't overcrowd the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and cook for 20-25 minutes, tossing the bacon pieces around every 5 minutes for even cooking. They're done when the fat has rendered and the bacon is golden brown.

Tips to Prevent Smoking:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer.
• Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to catch the grease.
• Wipe down the air fryer in between batches.
• Add a cup of water to the lower pan.
• Place a slice of bread on the drip tray to absorb excess fat.
• If cooking multiple batches, empty the bacon grease from the lower portion of the air fryer basket before cooking the next batch.

Serving suggestions: air fryer bacon bits are great as a salad topping, in dips, or on baked potatoes

Air fryer bacon bits are a versatile topping that can be used to add a salty, crispy texture to a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meals:

Salads

Add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour to your salads by sprinkling a generous amount of air fryer bacon bits on top. They pair well with tossed salads, pasta salads, and even potato salads. The bacon bits will provide a nice contrast to the freshness of the vegetables and greens.

Dips

Bacon bits are a great addition to dips, especially when paired with cheese. Try making a warm bacon cheese dip by mixing softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, green onions, and bacon bits. Microwave the mixture in a bowl for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and combined. Serve warm with crackers or bread for a delicious, indulgent snack. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend.

Baked Potatoes

Take your baked potatoes to the next level by using air fryer bacon bits as a topping. Cut open a baked potato and load it up with butter, sour cream, chives, and a generous helping of bacon bits. The salty, crispy bacon bits will complement the soft, fluffy potato and add a burst of flavour to every bite. You can also try using bacon bits in other potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes or potato skins.

Other Ideas

Air fryer bacon bits can also be used in a variety of other dishes. Sprinkle them on top of your morning eggs, add them to garlic butter green beans, or use them as a garnish for soup. They can also be added to dishes like cauliflower mash, chicken alfredo, or fried deviled eggs for an extra punch of flavour. Get creative and experiment with adding bacon bits to your favourite recipes!

Frequently asked questions