How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Are you tired of dealing with greasy pans and lingering kitchen odors when cooking bacon in air fryer? Using an air fryer makes the process healthier and hassle-free. The hot air circulation drains excess fat, leaving you with crispy, delicious bacon. Plus, there’s hardly any grease left behind! Many people rave about how quick and consistent this method is. Why not give it a try?

Ingredients and Tools for Bacon in Air Fryer

Types of bacon: regular, thick-cut, or turkey bacon

When it comes to bacon, you’ve got options. Regular bacon is the classic choice, perfect for those who love thin, crispy strips. Thick-cut bacon is meatier and takes a little longer to cook, but it delivers a satisfying chew. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, turkey bacon is a great pick. It’s lower in fat and still gets crispy in the air fryer. Choose the type that suits your taste buds and dietary needs.

Air fryer: choosing the right model

Not all air fryers are created equal, and some perform better than others when cooking bacon. For example, the T-Fal Infrared Air Fryer has received glowing reviews for its ability to cook bacon evenly and quickly. One reviewer mentioned fitting five strips in the basket and getting perfectly crisp results in just 10 minutes. Look for an air fryer with a spacious basket and adjustable temperature settings. These features make it easier to cook bacon to your preferred level of crispiness.

Optional tools: parchment paper or air fryer liners

Want to make cleanup even easier? Consider using parchment paper or air fryer liners. These tools catch grease and prevent bacon from sticking to the basket. Just make sure they’re safe for air fryer use and won’t block airflow. While they’re not essential, they’re a handy addition if you want to save time scrubbing after cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer for better results

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to achieving perfectly crispy bacon. It ensures the air fryer reaches the right temperature before you start cooking, which helps the bacon cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This small step makes a big difference, especially if you want consistent results every time.

Tip: Preheating is especially important for thick-cut bacon, as it needs a steady heat to cook through without burning the edges.

Arrange bacon in a single layer for even cooking

When placing bacon in the air fryer basket, make sure to arrange it in a single layer. Overlapping slices can lead to uneven cooking, with some parts crispy and others soggy. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in batches instead of overcrowding the basket. This way, every slice gets the attention it deserves.

Note: If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you might need to cut the bacon strips in half to fit them comfortably.

Set temperature and timing based on bacon thickness

The thickness of your bacon determines how long it needs to cook. For thinner slices, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Thick-cut bacon requires a bit more time—around 10-12 minutes at the same temperature. Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, especially if it’s your first time using this method. Adjust the timing based on how crispy you like your bacon.

Quick Guide:

• Thin bacon: 350°F for 5-7 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon: 350°F for 10-12 minutes

Flip bacon halfway for crispy air fryer bacon

Halfway through cooking, flip the bacon slices to ensure both sides crisp up evenly. This step isn’t always necessary, depending on your air fryer model, but it’s a good practice for most designs. Use tongs to flip the bacon carefully, as it will be hot and slightly greasy. Flipping also helps prevent one side from becoming overly browned while the other stays undercooked.

Pro Tip: If your air fryer has a rotating basket or dual heating elements, flipping might not be required. Check your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions.

Remove bacon and drain excess grease

Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any remaining grease. This step keeps your bacon light and crispy, without the extra oil. Don’t forget to empty the drip tray or grease collector in your air fryer to prevent buildup.

Reminder: Let the air fryer cool down before cleaning it to avoid burns or damage.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

Preventing smoking with water or bread in the drip tray

Have you ever noticed smoke coming from your air fryer while cooking bacon? This happens when grease from the bacon heats up and starts to burn. Luckily, there’s a simple fix! You can place a piece of bread in the drip tray to soak up the excess grease.

• Bread acts like a sponge, absorbing the oil and reducing the chance of smoke.
• Another option is adding a small amount of water to the drip tray. This keeps the grease from overheating and smoking.

Both methods are easy and effective, so you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon without worrying about smoke filling your kitchen.

Tip: Don’t overfill the drip tray with water. A few tablespoons are enough to do the trick.

Adjusting cooking time for thick-cut bacon

Thick-cut bacon is a favorite for its hearty texture, but it needs a little extra care in the air fryer. To get that ideal balance of crispiness and chew, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

• Cook thick-cut bacon at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
• Keep an eye on it as it cooks to avoid burning.

It’s also important to avoid overcrowding the basket. Thick slices need space for the hot air to circulate evenly. If your air fryer basket is small, cook fewer slices at a time. This ensures every piece comes out perfectly crispy.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the timing, start with 10 minutes and check the bacon. Add a minute or two if needed.

Cooking turkey bacon for a leaner option

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon is a great choice. It’s lower in fat but still delivers that satisfying crunch when cooked in an air fryer.

Here’s how to make turkey bacon shine:

• Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Flip the slices halfway through for even crispiness.

Turkey bacon tends to cook faster than regular bacon, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. You’ll end up with a leaner option that’s just as delicious.

Note: Turkey bacon doesn’t produce as much grease, so you won’t need to worry about smoke or cleaning up excess oil.

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Bacon Issues

Bacon sticking to the basket

If your bacon keeps sticking to the air fryer basket, don’t worry—it’s a common issue with an easy fix. Here’s how you can prevent it:

• Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before placing the bacon. Avoid overdoing it, as too much oil can create unnecessary grease.
• Use parchment paper or air fryer liners designed for high heat. These not only prevent sticking but also make cleanup a breeze.
• Shake the basket gently during cooking to redistribute the bacon and ensure even browning.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked bacon without the hassle of peeling it off the basket.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking turkey bacon, sticking is less likely since it produces less grease.

Excess smoke during cooking

Seeing smoke while cooking bacon in your air fryer can be alarming, but it’s usually caused by grease overheating. Here’s how to keep the smoke at bay:

• Place a slice of bread in the drip tray to absorb excess fat. The bread prevents the grease from reaching high temperatures that cause smoking.
• Add a few tablespoons of water to the drip tray. This keeps the grease cool and reduces smoke production.
• Cook bacon at a lower temperature for a longer time. Air fryers operate at lower heat than traditional frying, which helps minimize smoke while still delivering crispy results.

These simple adjustments will keep your kitchen smoke-free while you enjoy your air fryer bacon.

Did You Know? The Maillard reaction, which gives bacon its delicious flavor, can also produce smoke when grease gets too hot.

Uneven cooking or soggy bacon

Unevenly cooked or soggy bacon can ruin your breakfast, but it’s easy to avoid with a few tweaks:

• Always arrange bacon in a single layer. Stacking slices leads to uneven cooking.
• Flip the bacon halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides crisp up evenly.
• For extra crispiness, cook the bacon for 5 minutes, drain the fat, and then cook for another 2-3 minutes.

By giving each slice enough space and flipping them, you’ll get perfectly crispy bacon every time.

Quick Tip: No need to add extra oil—bacon cooks in its own fat, which helps it crisp up without becoming soggy.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s healthier, faster, and cleaner than traditional methods.

• Air frying can cut calories by up to 80% and reduce harmful compounds like acrylamide by 90%.
• You’ll have crispy bacon in under 10 minutes, with minimal mess to clean up.

Why wait? Grab your air fryer and enjoy perfectly cooked bacon today!

FAQ

Can I cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.

How do I clean my air fryer after cooking bacon?

Let it cool first. Remove grease from the drip tray, then wash the basket with warm soapy water.

Is air-fried bacon healthier than pan-fried bacon?

Absolutely! Air frying reduces grease and calories. You’ll enjoy crispy bacon with less fat.