Make Perfect Bacon In Your Air Fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make your breakfast favourite. Requiring minimal clean-up, air-fried bacon is ready in under 15 minutes and can be easily customised to your desired crispiness.

How to cut bacon for an air fryer

To cut bacon for an air fryer, you'll first want to decide how many slices of bacon you want to cook. This will depend on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the bacon. For example, a 3.6qt air fryer can fit around 5-6 slices of thick-cut bacon. If your slices are too long, you can cut them in half to make them fit.

Once you've cut your bacon to size, place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if the slices are touching, but avoid overlapping or layering them. You can also add a piece of bread to the drip tray to absorb excess fat and prevent smoking.

Now you're ready to cook your bacon! Depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of doneness, the cooking time will vary. For regular cut bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes at 350˚F for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for crispy bacon. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-12 minutes at 350˚F for softer bacon, and 10-12 minutes for crispy bacon. Be sure to check on your bacon periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Air fryer temperature for cooking bacon

The optimal temperature for cooking bacon in an air fryer is between 350˚F and 390˚F.

The reason for cooking at this temperature is to avoid the bacon from burning or smoking. The smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so cooking at 350˚F or less will ensure the bacon doesn't smoke.

Some recipes suggest adding a slice of bread or a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to help prevent smoking, but cooking at a lower temperature is usually sufficient.

Cooking at a higher temperature may cause the bacon grease to smoke, so it's best to stick to a lower temperature and cook for a little longer if you want crispier bacon.

Regular Cut Bacon

For softer bacon, cook at 350˚F for 7 minutes. For crispy bacon, increase the cooking time to 8-9 minutes.

Thick-Cut Bacon

Thicker bacon will need a little longer to cook. For softer bacon, cook at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes. For crispy bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes.

Other Tips

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer for bacon.
• There's no need to add oil to the bacon or the tray of the air fryer as the bacon will release grease as it cooks.
• Lay the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's ok if the bacon slices touch, but they shouldn't overlap or layer on top of each other.
• Check the bacon regularly to ensure it doesn't burn and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe clean with a paper towel before adding more bacon.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

How to prevent bacon from smoking in an air fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess of a stovetop or oven. However, one common issue people experience is the air fryer smoking due to the bacon grease. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Keep the Temperature Below the Smoke Point of Bacon Fat

The smoke point of bacon fat is around 325°F (162°C). Cooking at a lower temperature, such as 320°F (160°C) or 350°F (176°C), will help prevent the air fryer from smoking.

Clean the Drip Tray

Before and after cooking, be sure to clean out the drip tray or pan to avoid a build-up of grease. Some people also recommend placing a slice of bread or a little water in the drip tray to absorb excess grease.

Wipe Down the Air Fryer

If your air fryer starts to smoke, it could be due to a build-up of grease inside the appliance. Once the air fryer is cooled, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside, especially the heating element, to remove any excess grease.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

When arranging the bacon in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave space between the slices to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. You may need to cook the bacon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Drain Grease Between Batches

If you are cooking multiple batches of bacon, be sure to drain the grease from the basket and wipe it clean before starting a new batch. This will help prevent the grease from oxidizing and smoking.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon from your air fryer without the unwanted smoke.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking bacon

Cleaning an air fryer after cooking bacon is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Excess Grease

Firstly, remove the air fryer basket and pour out the excess grease that has collected at the bottom. This grease can be disposed of in several ways. One option is to pour it into a container and let it harden before throwing it away. Alternatively, you can use paper towels or napkins to soak up the grease and then throw them away. If you plan to cook with bacon grease, you can also store it in a jar or container for later use.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Air Fryer

Once you have removed the excess grease, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, including the heating element and any other surfaces that may have grease spatter. It is important to ensure that the air fryer has cooled down before wiping it down to avoid any burns.

Step 3: Wash the Air Fryer Basket

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water, and wash the air fryer basket with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. You can also place the basket in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe. Be sure to scrub away any remaining grease or food particles. Rinse the basket thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel before placing it back in the air fryer.

Tips for a Cleaner Air Fryer

To reduce the amount of smoke and grease buildup, it is recommended to cook bacon at a lower temperature, such as 350°F. Additionally, placing a slice of bread or adding a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer can help absorb the grease and reduce smoke.

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 get you started:

Breakfast Options

Air fryer bacon is a great breakfast option and can be served with eggs, whether scrambled, fried or boiled. You could also serve it with pancakes, French toast, or buttermilk waffles for a sweet and savoury combination. If you're looking for something more substantial, why not try a breakfast casserole or a classic BLT sandwich? For a healthier option, you could serve the bacon with a vegetable scramble or an egg white omelette.

Salads and Sides

Bacon is a tasty addition to many salads, such as a spinach salad, a chicken BLT salad with avocado, or a pasta Caesar salad. It can also be used as a crispy topping for dishes like Brussels sprouts or potato soup. If you're making a baked potato, some crumbled bacon on top will add a salty kick.

Main Courses

Air fryer bacon can be used as an ingredient in a range of main courses, such as a crustless quiche, homemade mac and cheese, or chicken corn chowder. It can also be used as a wrapping, such as in air fryer bacon-wrapped dates, or as a topping for dishes like air fryer chicken tenders.

Snacks and Appetisers

Bacon can be used in a range of snacks and appetisers, such as devilled eggs, air fryer pepperoni chips, or hot bean and bacon dip with air fryer tortilla chips. It can also be used in recipes like air fryer prosciutto and mozzarella grilled cheese or air fryer ham and cheese crescent rolls.

Desserts

While it may seem unusual, bacon can even be used in desserts! Why not try something like a chocolate bacon cake or maple bacon doughnuts?

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect dish to serve with your air fryer bacon. Enjoy experimenting and happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions