Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon that results in perfectly crispy and delicious strips every time. Using an air fryer allows the bacon to cook evenly and without the mess of traditional stovetop or oven cooking methods. To make air fryer bacon, simply place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired level of crispiness, flipping the bacon halfway through cooking. Air fryer bacon is a great breakfast or brunch option and can also be used as a topping for salads, burgers, or sandwiches. It is a healthier alternative to traditional fried bacon as excess fat drips off during cooking, resulting in a lower calorie and lower fat option.
PREP: 5 mins
COOK: 5 mins
TOTAL: 10 mins
SERVINGS: 2 servings (multiply as desired!)
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon thick or thin, cut in half crosswise
- Black pepper optional
Instructions
- Wipe out your air fryer to avoid bacon smoking. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. If you’d like to keep the bacon warm between batches, preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
- Slide out your air fryer basket. With tongs, arrange the halved bacon slices in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap (a little bit of touching at the edges is OK). If desired, sprinkle with black pepper. Depending upon the size of your basket and the number of strips you’d like to cook at once, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.
- Cook the bacon for 5 minutes (for thinner bacon) or up to 9 minutes (for thicker bacon), until it reaches your desired crispness. The bacon will curl as it crisps. Check the bacon’s progress frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly blot. If desired, transfer the bacon to a baking sheet and keep in the oven.
- For further batches: Repeat with remaining bacon (no need to wipe out the air fryer in between unless it begins to smoke, in which case carefully pour out the grease and wipe it with a paper towel). Enjoy!
Notes
- If the bacon begins to smoke, this is likely old grease that was left in your air fryer (as long as your air fryer is set to less than 360 degrees F, it should not smoke). Once your air fryer is cool, wipe it out with a damp cloth to prevent further smoking. I have also read you can place a slice of bread in the air fryer basket when making bacon to absorb excess grease and prevent smoke.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate bacon strips in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Recrisp bacon in the air fryer at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze bacon strips in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag. Reheat from frozen as desired.
Tips:
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best results.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent it from sticking together.
- Check on the bacon halfway through cooking and rearrange it if necessary.
- Use a paper towel to blot excess grease from the bacon before serving.
FAQ:
How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?
It typically takes 8-12 minutes to cook bacon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of crispiness.
Can I cook bacon from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer, but it will take longer to cook.
Can I season the bacon before cooking?
Yes, you can season the bacon with spices such as black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika before cooking.
Storage:
- Let the bacon cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat the bacon, warm it up in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- To freeze the bacon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
