Crispy Bacon, Copper Air Fryer Style

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to achieve crispy bacon. The compact and powerful convection cooking of an air fryer means that, unlike baking bacon in an oven, you can cook bacon hands-free and without the need to flip it. This means less grease and a quicker clean-up.

To make bacon in a copper air fryer, first cut the bacon slices in half and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to between 350–400°F and cook for 5–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispiness.

Optimal temperature and timing

The optimal temperature and timing for cooking bacon in a copper air fryer will depend on the type of bacon you are cooking, the desired crispiness, and the style of your air fryer.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes for softer bacon, and 8 to 9 minutes for crispy bacon. If you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to cook for an extra minute.

For thick-cut bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. Again, if you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

If you are cooking streaky bacon, set the air fryer to 200˚C and cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. For back bacon, cook at the same temperature for 4-8 minutes.

If you are cooking in batches, be aware that the second batch will usually cook more quickly as the air fryer will already be heated up.

It is recommended that you check on the bacon halfway through cooking, to ensure that it is cooking evenly and to rearrange the slices if necessary.

How to layer the bacon

When layering the bacon in your copper air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure optimal cooking and the best possible results.

Firstly, it's important to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can hinder browning and crispiness. A little overlap is okay, and you can also cut the bacon strips in half to help them fit more comfortably in a single layer.

If you're cooking a large quantity of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. You can keep the cooked bacon warm in the oven while you cook the remaining batches.

When placing the bacon in the air fryer, use tongs to arrange the strips without overlapping. It's fine if the edges touch slightly, but try to avoid having the bacon strips stacked on top of each other.

The thickness of your bacon will also impact the layering process. Thicker slices may require a bit more room in the air fryer, so you might need to cook them in smaller batches. On the other hand, thinner slices can be layered more closely together without overcrowding the air fryer.

Finally, if you're using a copper air fryer, be aware that some models may have specific guidelines or recommendations for layering bacon. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular air fryer model to ensure the best results.

Preventing smoke

When cooking bacon in an air fryer, it's important to take steps to prevent smoking. Here are some tips to help you avoid this issue:

Temperature Control:

• The smoke point of bacon fat is typically around 325°F (162°C) to 400°F (204°C). Cooking at a temperature above the smoke point will cause the bacon grease to oxidize and smoke. Therefore, it's best to cook bacon in your air fryer at a temperature below 325°F (162°C). 320°F (160°C) is a good temperature to aim for.
• If you're using a recipe that requires a higher temperature, you can try reducing the temperature and increasing the cooking time slightly to avoid smoking.

Clean Your Air Fryer:

• Before cooking bacon, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any leftover grease or residue. Wipe down the inside of the air fryer, especially the heating element, with a damp cloth to remove any excess grease that could cause smoking.
• After cooking, clean the drip tray or lower pan by draining any excess grease and wiping it clean with a paper towel.

Absorb Excess Grease:

• To help absorb excess grease and prevent smoking, try placing one of the following in the lower pan or drip tray of your air fryer:
• A slice of bread
• A cup of water
• Rock salt (not regular salt)

Other Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Layering too many slices of bacon can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and possible smoking.
• Cut bacon strips in half widthwise to help them fit more comfortably in the basket and cook more quickly.
• If you're cooking multiple batches of bacon, be sure to drain any grease and wipe down the basket between batches to prevent the buildup of grease and smoking.

Cleaning the air fryer

Cleaning your air fryer is simple and important to do regularly to keep it in top shape. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your air fryer:

Clean the Air Fryer Right After Using:

Turn off the machine and unplug it. It's best to clean the air fryer immediately after use, as this will prevent any grease or food residue from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.

Remove Removable Parts:

Take out the inner basket and pan. Some air fryers may have additional removable parts, such as trays or liners. Check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Wash with Soapy Water:

Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the basket, pan, and any other removable parts. Be gentle to avoid scratching any non-stick coating. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to reach into crevices.

Soak if Needed:

If there are stubborn messes or burnt-on residue, you can soak the basket and pan in the soapy water for a while. This will help loosen any stuck-on food or grease.

Dry and Reassemble:

After washing and rinsing the removable parts, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure no water droplets are left behind, as this can cause rusting or affect the non-stick coating. Once dry, reassemble the air fryer.

Wipe Down the Bottom Chamber:

Use a damp paper towel or clean dish towel to wipe out the inside of the machine, especially the bottom chamber. Crumbs, oil, and meat drippings can fall to the bottom, so it's important to keep this area clean.

Clean the Heating Element:

Allow the air fryer to cool completely, then wipe down the heating element. You may need to tip or invert the machine for easier access. Be careful not to bend or damage the heating element during cleaning.

Clean the Exterior:

Once the air fryer has cooled down, wipe down the outside of the machine with a damp cloth or paper towel. This will remove any grease splatters or fingerprints.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners:

Do not use abrasive sponges, steel wool, or sharp utensils to clean your air fryer. These can scratch the non-stick coating and damage the surface. Mild dish soap and warm water are usually sufficient for effective cleaning.

Regular Cleaning:

To maintain your air fryer, aim to clean it after every use or every few uses. This will prevent a buildup of grease and debris, ensuring optimal performance and extending the life of your appliance.

Recipes to use air-fried bacon in

Now that you've cooked your bacon in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to do with it. Here are some ideas for recipes that use air-fried bacon:

BLT Sandwich

This is a classic choice for a reason. The air fryer might make the crispiest bacon of all time, and you can use that to your advantage by putting it in a BLT sandwich. You can also add some variety by trying a BLT wrap instead of a sandwich.

Cobb Salad

Try crumbling your air-fried bacon and tossing it into a Cobb Salad. The crispiness of the bacon will add a nice texture to the salad, and the flavour will go well with the other ingredients.

Devilled Eggs

Devilled eggs are a classic dish that can be made even better with the addition of bacon. Try using your air-fried bacon to make devilled eggs with bacon, or just crumble it on top.

Omelette

Bacon and eggs are a classic combination, so why not put your air-fried bacon in an omelette? You could also try adding some other ingredients, like cheese or vegetables, to make an even heartier dish.

Chicken BLT Salad with Avocado

This is another variation on the BLT that incorporates chicken and avocado. It's a great way to get your protein and healthy fats, and the air-fried bacon will add a nice crispy element.

Classic Club Sandwich

A club sandwich is always a good choice, and adding air-fried bacon will only make it better. You can also experiment with different types of bread and toppings to find your perfect club sandwich.

Irish Potato Leek Soup

If you're looking for something a little heartier, try making an Irish potato leek soup with air-fried bacon. The bacon will add a nice smoky flavour to the soup, and it will go well with the potatoes and leeks.

Chicken Corn Chowder

This is another soup option that incorporates air-fried bacon. The bacon will add a nice depth of flavour to the chowder, and it will go well with the chicken and corn.

Frequently asked questions