Air Fryer Frozen Bacon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking. You can cook bacon straight from frozen in an air fryer, skipping the need to defrost it first. This method is flexible and convenient, and the cleanup is a breeze!

How to separate frozen bacon slices

There are several ways to separate frozen bacon slices. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Using an Air Fryer:

• Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F/177°C for 5 minutes.
• After 3 minutes, flip the bacon to the other side.
• When the 5 minutes are up, separate the bacon slices in half.

Other Methods:

• If you froze the bacon slices separately, simply cook them as you normally would, allowing a little extra cooking time.
• If you froze the bacon in a block, you can separate the slices by heating the block on low. Place the block in a frying pan on low heat and turn it frequently to ensure even cooking. You can also defrost it in the microwave on a plate lined with paper towels.
• Another way to freeze bacon slices individually is to roll each slice into a rosette and arrange them in a zip-top bag, making sure they don't touch. Once frozen, you can jumble them up.

How to defrost bacon in an air fryer

Defrosting bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Bacon

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (177°C and 200°C).

Next, place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket. You can cook a whole pack of bacon at once or separate the slices into individual pieces, depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer.

Step 2: Initial Defrost

Cook the bacon for 4-8 minutes at the chosen temperature. This step will defrost the bacon, making it easier to separate the slices.

Step 3: Separate Bacon Slices

Once the initial defrost is complete, use tongs to carefully separate the bacon slices. Try to arrange them in a single layer, with minimal overlap, to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Continue Defrosting and Cooking

Continue cooking the bacon for an additional 4-14 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness. It is important to keep an eye on the bacon during this step to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

And that's it! You now have perfectly defrosted and cooked bacon ready to be served and enjoyed.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to cook frozen bacon in an air fryer for a total of 12-20 minutes, depending on the desired crispness and the air fryer model.
• To avoid smoke, add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• For thicker bacon slices, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Always ensure your air fryer is properly closed during cooking to maintain the desired temperature.
• For easier separation, some recipes suggest flipping the bacon halfway through the initial defrost step.
• Leftover cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to cook frozen bacon in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Bacon

First, check that your air fryer is clean and ready to use. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cut your frozen bacon in half so that it fits. You can also cut the bacon into your desired portion sizes.

Step 2: Defrost the Bacon

Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (or 177°C and 200°C). Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through.

Step 3: Separate the Bacon

Once the bacon is defrosted, use tongs to carefully separate the slices and lay them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's okay if they overlap slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

Set the air fryer temperature to between 360°F and 400°F (or 180°C and 200°C) and cook for 8 to 14 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Check on the bacon frequently and flip the slices every few minutes to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer basket becomes overloaded, cook the bacon in batches.

Step 5: Serve the Bacon

Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen bacon.
• To prevent smoking, add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket or place a slice of bread underneath to soak up excess grease.
• Thick-cut bacon may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
• Leftover cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking. But what about the cleanup? Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your air fryer after cooking bacon:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer and Allow it to Cool

Before you start cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and switched off. Allow it to cool down completely before attempting to handle any parts or clean the interior. This is important for your safety.

Step 2: Remove Large Pieces of Food Debris

Once the air fryer is cool, open the basket and remove any large pieces of food debris, such as bacon bits or crumbs. Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to gently wipe away any loose bits of food. Be careful not to scratch the coating on the basket.

Step 3: Choose a Cleaning Method

There are several methods you can use to clean your air fryer, and some common household products can make excellent cleaning agents. Here are some options:

• Dish Soap and Water: Fill the air fryer basket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then gently scrub the basket with a soft-bristled brush or the soft side of a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
• Baking Soda and Lemon Paste: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon, then add a teaspoon of hot water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the basket and scrub gently with a toothbrush or sponge. Rinse and dry. This method will leave a pleasant lemon scent.
• Vinegar and Lemon Juice Steam: This method is excellent for loosening grease and removing odours. Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar with the juice of half a lemon in an oven-safe dish. Place the dish in the air fryer, set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it run for five minutes. Then, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the steam to work. Remove the dish, then wipe down the basket with a damp cloth.
• Dawn Powerwash, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide: For a powerful cleaning combo, mix two tablespoons each of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with a few sprays of Dawn Powerwash. Apply the paste to the basket and gently scrub with a toothbrush for about two minutes. Rinse with water, then wipe down with a damp sponge.

Step 4: Dry the Air Fryer Basket

After rinsing the basket, ensure you dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will prevent water spots and keep your air fryer looking like new.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

Don't forget to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer, including the control panel and any buttons or knobs. Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution, being careful not to get the controls too wet.

Step 6: Dispose of the Grease

Finally, dispose of the bacon grease responsibly. You can pour it into an old jar or container and throw it away once it solidifies. Alternatively, you can use paper towels or napkins to soak up the grease and then throw them in the trash.

By following these steps, you'll be able to keep your air fryer clean and ready for your next bacon-cooking session!

What to serve with air fryer bacon

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

Breakfast Options:

• Eggs: Air fryer bacon goes well with eggs, whether scrambled, fried, or in an omelet.
• Toast: For a classic breakfast combo, serve your bacon with some toasted bread and a spread of your choice.
• Breakfast Veggie Scramble: If you're looking for a more filling option, a veggie scramble with bacon on the side hits the spot.
• Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns are a great side dish to go with your bacon. Try a hash brown casserole or tater tot casserole for something more indulgent.
• French Toast: For a sweet and savoury combination, serve your bacon with some air fryer French toast sticks.

Lunch/Dinner Options:

• BLT Sandwich: This is a classic choice and for good reason! Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes on toasted bread is always a winning combination.
• Chicken Wrap: Add some bacon to a chicken wrap for an extra burst of flavour.
• Salad: Crumble some bacon over your favourite salad, like a pasta Caesar salad or a chicken BLT salad.
• Burgers: Air fryer bacon makes a great topping for burgers, adding a crunchy and salty contrast to the juicy patty.
• Air Fryer Sides: If you're looking for more air fryer options, try bacon-wrapped potatoes, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or bacon-wrapped shrimp.

With these ideas, you can create delicious meals to go with your air fryer bacon!

Frequently asked questions