Air Fryer Thick-Cut Bacon: The Ultimate Guide

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, mess-free, and easy way to get perfect, crispy bacon. It's also safer than pan-frying, as there's no splatter to clean up. The air fryer method is less messy than stovetop or oven baking, and there's no need to preheat the oven. You can make a BLT sandwich in half the time!

Here's how to do it: set your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook the bacon for 8-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. For softer bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7-10 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes. You don't need to flip the bacon, but you can if you like. Thick-cut, uncured bacon is best, but you can use any kind—just adjust the cooking time.

How to get the right crispness

Now that you know the basics of making thick-cut bacon in an air fryer, it's time to focus on achieving that perfect crispness. Here are some detailed tips and tricks to ensure your bacon comes out just right:

Temperature Control:

• The ideal temperature for cooking thick-cut bacon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. At 350°F, you can cook the bacon for 8-12 minutes for crispy results.
• If you prefer softer bacon, reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for 9-10 minutes.
• Be cautious when cooking at temperatures higher than 400°F, as this can lead to smoking and even exploding bacon!

Cooking Time:

• The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispness. For crispy thick-cut bacon, aim for a total cooking time of 10-14 minutes at 350°F.
• For a lighter crisp, reduce the time to 8-10 minutes. Keep in mind that thinner bacon will cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly.
• Always keep an eye on your bacon and cook it to your preferred doneness.

Placement and Spacing:

• When placing the bacon in the air fryer, ensure it is in a single layer with minimal overlap. Overcrowding the basket will prevent proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Space out the bacon slices evenly to allow for good airflow around each piece. This will help you achieve that uniform crispness.

Flipping and Rearranging:

• It is recommended to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides are exposed to the hot, circulating air and cook evenly.
• Use tongs to check on the bacon halfway through and rearrange the slices if needed. This will help prevent any uneven cooking or curling.

Absorbing Excess Grease:

• To prevent smoking and maintain optimal cooking conditions, it is crucial to manage the grease that accumulates in the drip pan.
• Before and after cooking, clean out the drip tray to remove any excess grease. Additionally, stick to the recommended temperature to avoid reaching the smoke point of bacon fat.
• To absorb excess grease, you can add a slice of bread to the drip tray, or line the tray with foil or parchment paper.

Reheating and Storing:

• If you have leftover bacon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For reheating, pop the bacon back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Now you're well on your way to becoming a thick-cut bacon pro with your air fryer! Remember to keep an eye on your bacon during the cooking process and adjust the timing and temperature to suit your preferences. Enjoy your crispy, mouthwatering bacon!

How to layer the bacon in the air fryer

To layer bacon in your air fryer, start by placing the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important to not overcrowd the basket, so the bacon has space to crisp up. You can cut the strips in half if needed to fit more in. Try to avoid having the strips overlap, but a little overlap is okay. A few folds are fine, but remember to allow room for airflow around each piece.

If you are cooking a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches. If so, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil between batches to prevent the air fryer from smoking.

How to prevent the air fryer from smoking

Thick-cut bacon cooked in an air fryer is a delicious, mess-free treat. However, cooking bacon can cause your air fryer to smoke. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Clean your air fryer regularly

It may seem obvious, but the simplest solution to a smoky fryer is to keep it clean. Leftover grease or fatty foods can cause the air fryer to smoke. Clean the removable components after each use, especially after cooking greasy foods. This will prevent a build-up of grease that can cause smoking.

Use water

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of your air fryer can help to prevent smoking. The water will turn to steam, preventing the grease from burning and smoking. This method is best for basket-style air fryers. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can create a steaming effect and make your food soggy.

Use bread

Placing a slice of bread at the bottom of your air fryer is another way to prevent smoking. The bread will absorb the dripping grease, preventing it from burning and smoking. This method works for a variety of air fryer designs, including those with baskets and shelves. Test the bread in your fryer before turning it on to ensure it fits properly.

Use parchment paper

Lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper can make clean-up easier and help to prevent smoking. Use parchment paper with holes to allow for air circulation. Check your air fryer model for the correct dimensions.

Use the right oil

Different types of oils have different smoke points. The air fryer operates at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so choose an oil with a smoke point above this temperature. Avocado oil, peanut oil, extra light olive oil, rice bran oil, and safflower oil are all safe choices.

How to reheat the bacon

Reheating bacon in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that helps restore its crispiness without the need for additional oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the bacon regain its crispy texture. This is an important step to ensure your bacon is heated through evenly.

Prepare the Bacon:

Place the leftover bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the bacon strips to ensure they cook evenly. You can add as many slices as the basket can comfortably hold.

Reheat the Bacon:

Slide the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and reheat the bacon for about 2-3 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. For thicker bacon slices, you may need to increase the temperature to 400°F.

Check for Desired Texture:

Keep a close eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking. After 2 minutes, open the air fryer and use tongs to check the bacon's crispiness. If it needs more time, continue reheating for another minute or so.

Remove and Serve:

Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove the air fryer basket from the machine. Transfer the reheated bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your reheated bacon is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a side for breakfast, add it to sandwiches or salads, or savour it on its own as a tasty snack.

Reheating bacon in an air fryer is a simple and mess-free way to enjoy crispy and delicious bacon. It's a convenient option when you want to quickly reheat a small batch of bacon without the hassle of stovetop cooking.

How to store the bacon

Now that you've cooked your thick-cut bacon in the air fryer, it's time to talk about storage. If you have any leftover bacon, you'll want to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your bacon:

• Refrigerator Storage: Place the leftover bacon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator. It should keep fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you're using an airtight container, you can simply reheat the bacon in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes when you're ready to eat it again.
• Freezer Storage: While you can freeze leftover bacon, it's not recommended due to the quick cooking time of air-fried bacon. However, if you still want to freeze it, consider using parchment paper. Lay out the bacon strips on parchment paper, leaving some space between each slice. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and gently press to remove air bubbles. Roll up the parchment-sealed bacon and cut it into individual slices. Store these slices in a freezer bag and label it with the date. Bacon can be frozen for up to two months.
• Original Packaging: Although it's not the best method, you can store leftover bacon in its original packaging. However, this may cause the bacon to dry out and become stiff within a few days.
• Other Storage Options: There are also other storage options you can experiment with, such as using a glass container, plastic food container, zip-top bag, or aluminium foil. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they can effectively store bacon for a few days.

Frequently asked questions