How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to achieve perfectly crispy, delicious bacon with minimal mess. Whether you like it extra crispy or slightly chewy, the air fryer helps cook bacon evenly while reducing excess grease. Here’s how to do it!

Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?

• Less Mess: The air fryer contains splattering grease, making cleanup a breeze.
• Even Cooking: Hot air circulation ensures every strip cooks evenly.
• Faster Cooking: No need to preheat a pan or oven—just set and cook.
• Healthier Option: The bacon fat drips away from the bacon, reducing grease intake.

Ingredients

• 4-6 strips of bacon (or as many as fit in your air fryer basket)

Tools Needed

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for best results. Preheating helps the bacon cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

• Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Slightly overlap the edges if necessary, as bacon shrinks during cooking.
• Avoid stacking bacon to ensure even crispiness.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

• Regular-cut bacon: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Thick-cut bacon: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Check for your desired crispiness and adjust time if needed.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

• Use tongs to remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
• Let it cool for a minute before serving.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

• Adjust temperature: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, cook at 375°F (190°C) for a few extra minutes.
• Reduce smoke: If your air fryer produces smoke, add a little water to the bottom of the basket to catch drippings.
• Batch Cooking: If cooking multiple batches, remove grease buildup between batches to prevent smoking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside eggs, toast, or pancakes for a classic breakfast.
• Chop into crumbles for salads, baked potatoes, or pasta dishes.
• Use in sandwiches, burgers, or as a crispy snack on its own.

Air fryer bacon is quick, easy, and mess-free, making it a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Whether you prefer crispy or chewy bacon, the air fryer delivers perfect results every time. Give it a try and enjoy bacon with less hassle!