Air Fryer Crispy Bacon: The Perfect Method

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make crispy bacon. It is less messy than cooking bacon on a stovetop and faster than baking it in an oven. The grease collects underneath the basket in a drawer, making it easy to discard.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your bacon in the air fryer will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it to be.

For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, or 12-14 minutes if you prefer thicker bacon. If you want your bacon to be softer, air fry for 7-8 minutes. For crispy bacon, cook for 8-9 minutes.

If you are using an air fryer that has a toaster oven, this method may not work for you. It can create a mess, so you may want to use your regular oven on convection mode instead.

If you are using thin-cut bacon, check after 5-6 minutes as it will cook faster. For thin-cut bacon, a temperature of 350°F for 5-9 minutes should be sufficient. For thicker bacon, increase the time to 10-12 minutes.

The optimal temperature for air fryer bacon is 350°F, as this is below the smoke point of bacon grease, which is 400°F. Cooking at a higher temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke.

You can also experiment with different temperatures. One source suggests preheating your air fryer to 390°F and cooking the bacon for 8 minutes, then flipping it and cooking for a further 7 minutes. Another suggests a temperature of 360°F, which was their preferred temperature.

It is important to keep in mind that different air fryers can cook differently, so you should check on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to prevent smoking

To prevent smoking when making crispy bacon in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take:

Firstly, it is important to note that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so setting your air fryer to 350˚F or lower will avoid any smoke.

Secondly, the drip tray or drip pan should be cleaned before and after cooking to avoid a build-up of grease that could cause smoking. If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.

You can also add a slice of bread to the drip tray to absorb excess grease and prevent smoking. Another option is to add a cup of water to the lower pan.

Additionally, ensure you are not overcrowding the basket, as this prevents the air from flowing around each piece of bacon and can lead to uneven cooking.

Finally, if your air fryer begins to smoke, it is likely due to old grease that was left in the fryer. Once the air fryer is cool, wipe it out with a damp cloth to prevent further smoking.

How to store and reheat

If you have leftover bacon, you can store it in the fridge or freezer for later. To do this, let the bacon cool down completely, then blot off any excess grease using paper towels. Place the cooled bacon on a sheet of aluminium foil large enough to cover its entire length. Fold the foil over the bacon, sealing the edges and keeping it flat to prevent the slices from sticking together. Finally, place the wrapped bacon in a zip-top bag and lay it flat in the fridge.

Stored this way, your bacon will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked bacon for 1-2 months.

When you're ready to reheat your bacon, there are several methods you can use: the stovetop, oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Stovetop

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Add the bacon slices in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until heated through and crisp.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Place the bacon strips on the wire rack and bake for about 5-8 minutes, or until crisp.

Microwave

Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, which will absorb excess grease. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. For 2-3 slices of bacon, this will take around 30-60 seconds.

Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them. Cook for 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it's done.

What to serve with air fryer bacon

Now that you've cooked your crispy air fryer bacon, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delicious and satisfying:

Breakfast Options:

• Pancakes: Fluffy, homemade pancakes with a side of crispy bacon is a classic breakfast combination.
• Cheese Grits: For something savoury, a bowl of creamy cheese grits pairs well with the bacon.
• Fried Egg: A simple fried egg and a slice of toast is a quick and easy breakfast option to accompany your bacon.
• Breakfast Pizza: If you're feeling adventurous, try making a breakfast pizza and crumble your air fryer bacon on top.
• Egg Muffins: Another creative option is to make egg muffins and sprinkle your bacon on top or mix it in.

Lunch/Dinner Options:

• BLT Sandwich: This is a classic choice and a great way to enjoy your crispy bacon.
• Burgers: Add a slice of bacon to your burger for an extra layer of flavour and texture.
• Tacos: Give your tacos a smoky twist by crumbling some bacon inside.
• Salads: Bacon adds a nice crunch to your salad. Try it with a Chicken BLT salad with avocado or a Pasta Caesar salad.
• Wraps: Bacon also tastes great in a wrap, especially with chicken.

Side Dishes:

• Deviled Eggs: Bring your deviled eggs to the next level by adding some crumbled bacon on top.
• Twice-Baked Potatoes: These potatoes are a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs well with bacon.

With these ideas, you can create a range of meals to enjoy your air fryer bacon in new and exciting ways!

How to prevent bacon from flying around

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Flying bacon can be a real problem, but with a few simple techniques, you can keep your bacon strips flat and under control. Here are some tips to prevent bacon from flying around in the air fryer:

Cut Bacon Strips in Half

Shorten your bacon strips by cutting them in half. This reduces the chance of curling due to uneven shrinkage.

Evenly Space the Bacon

Place the bacon strips singly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows heat to distribute evenly along the edges and throughout the bacon.

Use a Lower Temperature

Cooking bacon at a lower temperature setting helps prevent curling. A slower cooking process at a lower heat allows the meat to cook more evenly, reducing the likelihood of curling.

Bacon Press or Heavy Object

Use a bacon press or a heat-resistant bowl to hold the bacon flat in the air fryer. Place the press or bowl directly on the bacon strips to weigh them down and prevent curling.

Flip the Bacon

Flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and helps minimise the curling effect.

Bread Slices Underneath

Place a metal rack on top of the air fryer basket and put bread slices underneath the bacon. The bread helps bear the weight of the bacon and prevents curling during cooking.

Control the Grease

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a perforated grease-absorbing layer to collect excess grease. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking, reducing the chance of bacon flying around.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly flat, crispy bacon without the mess and hassle of flying bacon strips.

Frequently asked questions