Can You Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer? Quick, Easy, and Crispy Bacon Tips

When it comes to cooking bacon, you’re probably used to the sizzle of a skillet or the slow crisping in the oven. But have you ever wondered if your trusty air fryer could handle the job? The answer is a resounding yes! Cooking bacon in an air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly quick and mess-free.

Using an air fryer for bacon gives you perfectly crispy strips without the hassle of grease splatters or constant flipping. Plus, it’s a healthier option since the excess fat drips away during cooking. Whether you’re prepping breakfast or adding bacon to your favorite dish, this method saves time and delivers delicious results.

Can You Cook Bacon In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer, and it’s incredibly simple. This method requires minimal effort and produces crispy, evenly cooked bacon. Follow these steps to cook bacon in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare The Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating ensures the bacon cooks evenly from the start. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Arrange The Bacon

Lay your bacon strips flat in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap the slices, as this can cause uneven cooking. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. You can use thin-cut, regular, or thick-cut bacon depending on your preference.

Step 3: Set The Cook Time

Cook the bacon for 8–10 minutes. If you’re using thick-cut bacon, you may need to increase the cooking time to 12–15 minutes. Check on the bacon about halfway through and adjust as needed to reach your desired level of crispiness.

Step 4: Remove Excess Grease

Once the bacon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs. Place the strips on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Step 5: Clean The Air Fryer

After cooking, allow the air fryer to cool. Remove the basket and tray, and clean away the grease. This step ensures your air fryer stays in good condition and is ready for your next use.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is fast, convenient, and delivers consistent results. Enjoy your perfectly crisped bacon as part of your breakfast spread or as a topping for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

To prepare crispy and flavorful bacon in an air fryer, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Below is what you’ll require for the recipe.

Bacon strips (regular-cut or thick-cut, depending on your preference)
Optional seasoning (if desired, see seasoning ideas below)

Types Of Bacon To Use

The type of bacon you choose impacts the flavor and texture of the final dish. Consider the following options:

Regular-Cut Bacon: This bacon cooks quickly and crisps evenly in the air fryer. It’s ideal for those who prefer a thinner, crunchy texture.
Thick-Cut Bacon: If you enjoy a meatier bite, thick-cut bacon is perfect. Be sure to adjust the cooking time to 10–12 minutes for thicker slices.
Flavored Bacon: Variations like maple or pepper-crusted bacon are excellent for adding a pre-seasoned flavor to your dish.

Optional Seasoning Ideas

Elevate your bacon’s flavor by trying these seasonings before cooking:

Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and caramelization.
Black Pepper: Enhances the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky spice.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a bit of heat for a spicy kick.
Garlic Powder: Brings a savory note to complement the bacon’s richness.

Sprinkle your chosen seasoning lightly on both sides of the bacon strips before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Tools And Equipment

To cook bacon in an air fryer, having the right tools and equipment is vital for achieving crispy, delicious results. Below, you’ll find the essentials needed for a seamless cooking process.

Choosing The Right Air Fryer

Select an air fryer with a spacious basket or tray to ensure your bacon strips fit without overlapping. A model with adjustable temperature controls and a preheat function is ideal for precise cooking. If you’re cooking for a large group, consider an air fryer with a larger capacity, such as one that holds at least 5 quarts. Ensure your air fryer has a non-stick coating to make cleaning easier after cooking.

Tongs: Use heat-resistant tongs to safely arrange and flip bacon if needed.
Paper Towels: Have paper towels ready to blot grease from the bacon after cooking.
Cooking Spray: Use a light layer of non-stick cooking spray if your air fryer basket isn’t well coated.
Baking Sheet And Foil: Place foil-lined sheets under your air fryer to catch any potential drips if your appliance allows it.
Meat Thermometer (Optional): For precision, a thermometer ensures your bacon is cooked at a safe internal temperature.

Directions

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is simple and ensures consistently crispy results. Follow these steps for the best outcome.

Prep

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps bacon cook evenly.
Prepare the Bacon: Lay out your bacon strips on a clean plate or surface. Pat them dry with paper towels if needed to remove any excess moisture.
Optional Seasoning: If desired, sprinkle seasonings like black pepper, smoked paprika, or brown sugar evenly over the strips.

Cooking

Arrange Bacon Strips: Place the bacon strips flat in the air fryer basket. Ensure they do not overlap, as overlapping prevents even cooking and crisping. For thin-cut bacon, leave space between the strips for better airflow.
Cook the Bacon: Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes for regular-cut bacon. Check at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking. Adjust the time to 10–12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
Monitor While Cooking: Open the air fryer basket halfway through to check on the bacon’s progress. For more even cooking, use tongs to flip the strips if necessary.

Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, use heat-resistant tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Blot gently to remove excess grease.
Serve or Store: Serve the bacon immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. If storing, let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.
Clean Your Air Fryer: Allow the air fryer to cool, then carefully remove and wash the basket and tray. Wipe the interior to eliminate grease buildup for future use.

Tips For Success

Cooking bacon in an air fryer can be simple, but small adjustments can make all the difference. Follow these tips to ensure your bacon turns out perfectly crisp without any mess or complications.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Do Not Overcrowd The Basket: Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding prevents even cooking and can leave some pieces undercooked.
Check The Cooking Time By Thickness: Regular-cut bacon typically cooks in 8–10 minutes, while thick-cut may need 12–15 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Avoid Excess Seasonings: While seasoning can enhance flavor, adding too much sugar or spices may burn during cooking due to the concentrated heat in the air fryer. Stick to light, even layering.
Use The Proper Temperature: Cooking at 375°F is ideal. A lower temperature may result in soggy bacon, while higher temperatures can cause burning.

Drain The Grease: If cooking multiple batches of bacon or thick-cut pieces, pause between batches and carefully drain any accumulated grease from the drip tray or basket.
Add Water To The Basket Drawer: Pour a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons) into the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent grease from heating up and smoking.
Use Foil Or Parchment Paper: Line the basket with foil or pre-perforated parchment paper to catch excess grease, reducing the chance of it burning and producing smoke.
Clean The Air Fryer Regularly: After cooking, thoroughly clean the basket and drip tray to remove grease residue that could cause smoking during the next use.

By avoiding these common pitfalls and taking steps to minimize smoking, your air fryer bacon results will improve with every batch.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon cooked in an air fryer is versatile, making it the perfect addition to countless dishes. Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast or a savory appetizer, there are endless ways to enjoy crispy, delicious bacon.

Pairing Ideas For A Complete Meal

Air-fried bacon pairs wonderfully with both classic and creative dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Traditional Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs and crispy hash browns for a classic diner-style breakfast.
Salads: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over a Caesar or mixed green salad to add smoky, salty flavor and crunch.
Burgers And Sandwiches: Add bacon slices to burgers or a BLT sandwich for a satisfying texture and taste.
Pasta Dishes: Incorporate chopped bacon into creamy dishes such as carbonara or mac and cheese for extra indulgence.
Appetizers: Use bacon to wrap around dates, shrimp, or asparagus for bite-sized appetizers perfect for gatherings.
Soups: Garnish creamy soups like potato or tomato bisque with crumbled bacon for added depth.

These pairing ideas allow you to use your air-fried bacon in endless delicious combinations.

Storing And Reheating Leftover Bacon

To keep leftover bacon fresh, store it properly:

Refrigerator: Wrap bacon in paper towels to absorb excess grease and place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, lay individual slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

When reheating leftover bacon, follow these methods to retain its crispy texture:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crisp.
Microwave: Place bacon on a paper towel in a single layer and heat for 20–30 seconds.
Oven: Warm bacon at 350°F for 5–7 minutes on a lined baking sheet.

By storing and reheating correctly, you can enjoy delicious bacon anytime without compromising flavor or texture.

Conclusion

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves a quick, hassle-free method with consistently crispy results. With the right tools, a bit of preparation, and a few helpful tips, you can elevate your bacon-cooking experience while keeping cleanup minimal. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, enhancing a dish, or simply indulging in a savory treat, the air fryer ensures your bacon is cooked to perfection every time. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious convenience this method brings to your kitchen.