Mastering Bacon In A Crux Air Fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to make crispy bacon. It is faster than cooking bacon in the oven and is perfect for small batches. The air fryer makes the bacon crispy without a crazy amount of grease and no time is wasted standing over a hot skillet. The best part about the air fryer is that the grease collects underneath the basket in the drawer, so there are no grease splatters.

How to get the right crispness

The key to getting the right crispness when making bacon in a Crux Air Fryer is to ensure that the bacon is cooked evenly. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crispness:

Temperature and Timing:

• For regular bacon, set the air fryer to 350˚F for 7-9 minutes for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon.
• For thick-cut bacon, set the air fryer to 350˚F for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon.
• You can also set the air fryer to dual heat at around 390˚F for 7 minutes, and then air fry for an additional 1-4 minutes if you want it crispier.
• Avoid cooking at a temperature higher than the smoke point of bacon fat, which is around 374˚F to 400˚F.

Preparing the Bacon:

• Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cut the strips in half if needed to fit more, as a little overlap is fine.
• You can also cut the bacon crosswise to fit more pieces, especially if your air fryer basket is rectangular or square.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

During Cooking:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer for bacon, and there's no need to flip the bacon halfway through.
• Check the bacon halfway through the cooking process and rearrange the slices with tongs if needed.
• If the bacon is not as crispy as you like, let it cook for a few extra minutes.

After Cooking:

• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
• The bacon will crisp up more as it cools from hot to warm.

Preventing Smoking:

• To prevent the air fryer from smoking, clean the drip tray before and after cooking to remove any excess grease.
• You can also add a cup of water to the lower pan or a slice of bread to the drip tray or under the basket to absorb the grease.

Now you're ready to make perfectly crisp bacon in your Crux Air Fryer!

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing your air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes.

First, decide how much bacon you want to cook. Depending on the size and configuration of your air fryer basket, you may need to cut your bacon crosswise to fit more pieces in. For example, if you have a small air fryer, you can cut the bacon strips in half.

Next, place the bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if the bacon overlaps slightly, as it will shrink during cooking. However, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the air from circulating and browning the bacon.

If you want to be extra cautious and prevent the air fryer from smoking, you can add a little water to the air fryer drip tray or place a slice of bread in the drip tray or under the basket to absorb excess grease.

Now that your air fryer is prepared, you're ready to start cooking your bacon!

How to arrange the bacon

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

Firstly, it is important to place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cut the bacon strips in half or crosswise to fit more pieces, depending on the size and shape of your air fryer. A little overlap is generally acceptable, as the bacon will shrink during cooking, but try not to overcrowd the basket. Folds in the bacon are okay, but make sure there is adequate airflow around each piece.

For thicker bacon, you may need to cook it for a longer period, so consider placing the thicker pieces together in the basket to avoid having to rearrange the bacon halfway through cooking. If you are cooking thinner bacon, keep a close eye on it, as it will likely need less time.

If you are cooking a large batch of bacon, you may need to cook it in several batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. To speed up the process, cut the bacon into smaller pieces to increase the surface area, allowing the hot air to circulate more effectively.

Finally, remember to use tongs to handle the bacon and rearrange it if necessary. This will help you avoid burning yourself on the hot grease and ensure that you don't accidentally drop a piece of bacon!

How to prevent the air fryer from smoking

To prevent your air fryer from smoking, you should regularly clean it, especially after cooking greasy foods. Leftover grease or oil residue can cause the air fryer to smoke when heated up again.

If you are cooking fatty foods, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer or basket. The water will turn to steam and prevent the grease from smoking.

Alternatively, you can place a slice of bread at the bottom of the fryer to soak up any dripping grease. However, this method may not work for all air fryer designs, so it is important to test it first.

You can also use parchment paper to line your air fryer basket. There are types of parchment paper specifically made for air fryers, with holes to allow for air circulation.

Additionally, it is important to note that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so it is recommended to air fry at a lower temperature, such as 350˚F, to avoid any smokiness.

What to do with the cooked bacon

So, you've cooked your bacon in the air fryer, and now you're wondering what to do with it. Well, the good news is that bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

• Bacon, Egg, and Cheese (BEC) Sandwich: This classic combination is a great way to start your day. But don't feel limited to just enjoying it on a sandwich. Why not try a bacon weave breakfast taco or a breakfast bomb?
• Omelette: Add some air-fried bacon to an egg white omelette for a satisfying and tasty breakfast.
• Avocado Toast: Take your avocado toast to the next level by adding some crispy bacon slices.
• Pancakes: Try something different and add some bacon to your pancake batter. Or, if you're feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some bacon grease over your stack of pancakes.

Salads & Appetisers

• Cobb Salad: Bacon is a classic ingredient in a Cobb salad. Try it with avocado, grilled chicken, and a blue cheese dressing.
• BLT Pasta Salad: Combine cooked bacon with red onion, garlic, grape tomatoes, arugula, basil, and penne pasta for a flavourful salad.
• Devilled Eggs: Top your devilled eggs with crumbled bacon for an extra savoury kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: This simple appetiser is sure to impress your guests. Stuff pitted dates with blue cheese and wrap them in bacon. Secure with toothpicks and broil until crispy.
• Bacon Popcorn: Drizzle hot popcorn with bacon drippings, then toss with crumbled bacon, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.

Mains

• Bacon Fried Rice: Cook some chopped bacon in a skillet, then add scallions and cooked rice. Stir-fry until hot, then add beaten eggs, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Take your meatloaf to the next level by wrapping it in bacon before baking.
• Bacon Burgers: Pulse some chopped bacon in a food processor and form into thin patties. Cook in a skillet for a juicy, bacon-filled burger.
• Bacon Quiche: Cook some diced bacon in a skillet, then add sliced leeks and cook until softened. Spread the mixture in a pre-baked tart or pie crust and pour over an egg and cream mixture. Bake until set.
• Bacon Pizza: Top a round of pizza dough with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced onion, and crumbled bacon. Bake until the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy.

Desserts

• Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Candied maple bacon takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level. The perfect brunch treat!
• Bacon Chocolate Roses: Why not add some bacon to your dessert? Try making bacon chocolate roses for a unique and savoury dessert option.
• Bacon Cannoli: Bring some savoury flavours to your cannoli by adding crumbled bacon to the filling.
• Bacon Weave S'mores: Get creative with your s'mores and use bacon weaves instead of graham crackers.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be added to almost any dish for a boost of flavour and texture. So, get creative and enjoy experimenting with your air-fried bacon!

Frequently asked questions