Crispy Air Fryer Bacon: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfect Bacon Every Time
Get ready to discover your new favorite way to cook bacon! Making Air Fryer Bacon is an absolute game-changer. Each strip emerges perfectly crispy and deliciously crunchy, cooked to perfection in around ten minutes. The best part? You achieve this culinary marvel without the usual greasy mess associated with pan-frying. Say goodbye to splattered stovetops and unevenly cooked slices; the air fryer delivers consistent, delectable results every single time, making it the ideal method for busy mornings or whenever a bacon craving strikes.
Beyond being a fantastic standalone breakfast item, air-fried bacon is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for other delicious recipes that incorporate these savory strips, you might also enjoy our Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp or the hearty Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken. For those with a sweet and savory palate, especially if you have extra maple syrup or brown sugar on hand, you simply must try this irresistible Air Fryer Candied Bacon. And to complete your breakfast, don’t forget these fluffy Air Fryer Pancakes.
Table of Contents
- WHY AIR FRYER BACON IS A GAME CHANGER
- INGREDIENTS:
- DIRECTIONS:
- EXPERT TIPS:
- STORAGE:
- FAQs:
- MORE AIR FRYER BACON RECIPES:
- Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
- Notes:
WHY AIR FRYER BACON IS A GAME CHANGER
This crispy air fryer bacon recipe truly revolutionizes how you prepare one of breakfast’s most beloved staples. Forget the days of monitoring the stovetop, dealing with inevitable grease splatters, or waiting for your oven to preheat and slowly cook. With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon in just 10-12 minutes, consistently delivering an ideal crispiness with minimal mess and incredibly easy cleanup.
The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures that heat is evenly distributed around each bacon strip, resulting in unparalleled crispness every single time. This method guarantees bacon that is spot on in texture – crunchy on the outside, yet still flavorful and tender where it counts. It’s the perfect accompaniment for eggs, a fantastic addition to your favorite lunch and dinner recipes, or ideal for those evenings when you crave a comforting breakfast meal.
For a unique and fun bacon experience, or if you need convenient, grab-and-go bacon, be sure to try our twisted bacon recipe. You can even cook frozen bacon in the air fryer, making it a truly adaptable appliance for any situation. This air-fried bacon transforms regular-cut bacon into delightful bacon sticks that are perfect for garnishing cocktails or serving as a crowd-pleasing party snack. And if you’re looking for another quick and easy breakfast side, these Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits bake up golden and fluffy in minutes, straight from the freezer to your table.
INGREDIENTS:
- One Package of Bacon – (Choose your preference: thin-cut, regular-cut, or thick-cut bacon. The thickness will slightly adjust cooking times, as noted in the tips section.)
- Optional: A piece of bread or a small amount of water to help manage smoke and grease.
DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Preheating is crucial for ensuring the bacon starts cooking immediately and achieves optimal crispiness. It also helps in preventing the bacon from sticking to the basket.
STEP 2: Arrange Bacon in a Single Layer
Carefully place the bacon slices into the air fryer basket. For the best results and even cooking, try to arrange them in a single layer. A slight overlap is generally acceptable, especially with thinner bacon, but avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket. If you’re cooking a larger amount, work in batches.
STEP 3: Begin Air Frying
Close the air fryer basket door and cook the bacon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) for an initial 10 minutes. For those concerned about smoke (especially with fattier bacon), consider adding a slice of bread or a tablespoon of water to the very bottom of the air fryer drawer, underneath the basket, to absorb excess grease and prevent smoking.
STEP 4: Check for Desired Crispiness
After the initial 10 minutes, open the basket and check the bacon. Its crispiness can vary based on your air fryer model, bacon thickness, and personal preference. If you prefer your bacon even crispier, add another minute or two of cook time, checking frequently until it reaches your desired texture. Thicker slices may require an additional 2-5 minutes.
STEP 5: Remove and Blot Excess Grease
Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the bacon from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Blotting the bacon helps to soak up any excess grease, making it even crispier and less oily before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
NOTE: I personally use a Cosori Air Fryer, and these times and temperatures work perfectly for that model. Please remember that all air fryers cook differently due to varying wattages and designs. It’s always a good practice to consult the manual that came with your specific brand and be prepared to adjust cooking times slightly, especially when trying a new recipe. A good starting point is essential, but trust your judgment for the perfect finish!
To enhance your air frying experience, explore our curated list of favorite Air Fryer Accessories. They can make cooking even easier and more versatile!
If you’re a fan of bold flavors or spicy additions, don’t miss these fantastic recipes: our Air Fryer Texas Twinkie recipe, Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls, or these zesty Air Fryer Pickle Poppers. They are perfect for using up extra bacon or satisfying a craving for something savory with a kick.
EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER BACON:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for crispy bacon. Overlapping a little is okay, but stacking bacon will result in steamed, rather than crispy, strips. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Preheat for Consistency: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the bacon starts cooking at the correct temperature, leading to more even cooking and crispier results.
- Manage Smoke Proactively: Bacon fat has a low smoke point. To prevent excessive smoke, add a small piece of bread or about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer (underneath the basket). This will catch drippings and reduce smoke. If cooking multiple batches, empty the grease periodically.
- Adjust for Bacon Thickness: Thin-cut bacon generally takes 8-10 minutes. Regular-cut bacon usually needs 10-12 minutes. For thick-cut bacon, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 14-16 minutes, checking frequently.
- Flip Halfway (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary due to the air fryer’s convection, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process can promote even browning and crispiness, especially if your air fryer has a smaller heating element.
- Make Bacon Bits: Easily transform your air-fried bacon into small, savory bacon bits. Simply chop the crispy slices once cooled slightly. These are perfect for topping baked potatoes, salads, soups, or elevating your classic bacon lettuce, tomato (BLT) sandwich.
- Save the Bacon Fat: Don’t discard that flavorful rendered bacon fat! Once cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s excellent for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, or adding depth of flavor to many dishes.
- Flavor Variations: Beyond classic bacon, try seasoning it! A sprinkle of black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or even a light brush of maple syrup (for a slightly candied effect) before cooking can add delightful twists.
STORAGE:
Proper storage ensures your bacon stays fresh and safe to eat. For leftover uncooked bacon, keep it in its original airtight packaging or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for 1-3 months for longer preservation. If freezing, consider separating slices with parchment paper for easier portioning later.
Cooked bacon should be allowed to cool completely before being stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for about four to five days. You can easily reheat cooked bacon in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back its crispiness.
FAQs:
Bacon fat has a relatively low smoke point, and cooking at high temperatures can sometimes cause smoke in the air fryer. To significantly reduce or prevent smoke, add about ½ cup of water to the bottom drawer of your air fryer, underneath the main basket, before you start cooking. Alternatively, you can place a slice of bread at the bottom of the drawer to absorb the grease. If you’re cooking multiple batches, remember to drain any accumulated grease from the bottom of the drawer between batches to keep smoke to a minimum.
The cook time for bacon in an air fryer largely depends on its thickness and your preferred level of crispiness.
For Thinly Sliced/Regular Bacon: I find that 10-12 minutes at 400°F (205°C) yields perfectly crispy bacon. This is usually sufficient for most standard-cut bacon varieties.
For Thick-Cut Bacon: Thicker slices require a bit more time. For thick-sliced bacon, I typically add an extra few minutes, air frying it for approximately 14-16 minutes at the same temperature. Always check for your desired crispiness and adjust accordingly. Flipping halfway through can also help with thicker cuts.
Yes, you can use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers or aluminum foil to line the air fryer basket when cooking bacon. This can help with cleanup by catching some of the grease. However, ensure the parchment paper or foil does not block the air circulation or touch the heating element, as this can impede cooking and potentially be a fire hazard. Always leave enough space for air to circulate freely. Do not preheat the air fryer with just parchment paper, as it can fly up and hit the heating element.
Cleaning after bacon is essential due to grease build-up. First, allow the air fryer and its components to cool completely. Carefully pour out any remaining grease from the bottom drawer. Most air fryer baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe, but always check your model’s instructions. For handwashing, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn grease, a paste of baking soda and water can work wonders. Ensure all parts are thoroughly dry before reassembling.
MORE AIR FRYER BACON RECIPES:
Once you’ve mastered the art of simple air fryer bacon, you’ll want to explore even more possibilities! Here are some other fantastic air fryer recipes that put bacon to delicious use:
Appetizers
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Breakfast
Air Fryer Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Dinner
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
You will absolutely adore how flawlessly crispy your air fryer makes bacon! It truly is the most convenient and delicious way to prepare our favorite breakfast staple, offering consistent perfection without the fuss.
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Air Fryer Bacon
Rate
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon, thinly sliced
Instructions
-
Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205°C).
-
Place the bacon slices in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. (A slight overlap is fine, but avoid overcrowding for best crispiness.)
-
Close the basket door and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, check the bacon for your desired crispiness. If you prefer it crispier, add another minute or two of cook time, checking frequently.
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Remove the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and blot to soak up any excess grease before serving immediately.
Notes
Notes from the Kitchen:
For Air Frying Thinly Sliced Bacon: I cook perfectly crispy bacon in the Air Fryer at 10-12 minutes.
(Closer to 10 minutes if I am only making a few pieces, closer to 12 minutes if I am filling up the basket.)
For Air Frying Thick Sliced Bacon: For thick-cut bacon, I add a few minutes and cook between 14-16 minutes.
To Help Prevent Smoking: You can also add a piece of bread to the bottom of the basket to catch the bacon drippings, which will also reduce the smoke. If making bacon in batches, you can also easily drain the excess grease from the basket during the cooking process. Alternatively, a small amount of water (about ½ cup) in the bottom drawer can help manage smoke.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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