Crispy Air Fried Bacon

Revolutionize Your Breakfast with Air Fryer Bacon

Admittedly, I approached the idea of cooking bacon in an air fryer with a healthy dose of skepticism. My air fryer has always been a culinary hero for many dishes, but bacon felt like uncharted territory. Perhaps it was my ingrained habit of always relying on the simple, hands-off method of baking bacon that made me hesitant.

However, driven by a desire to explore new techniques and share the best with my readers, I embarked on the air frying bacon journey. And what a delightful surprise it was! Air frying bacon consistently produces perfectly crisp, irresistibly flavorful strips every single time. It’s not just easy; it’s remarkably quick, fitting seamlessly into even the busiest mornings. The most significant revelation? Cleanup is virtually nonexistent, thanks to the air fryer’s contained environment that dramatically minimizes grease splatter. No more scrubbing a messy stove, and certainly no more grease stains on your clothes!

It’s clear now that air frying bacon is an absolute game-changer. My initial doubts have been completely dispelled; my trusty air fryer continues to impress and hasn’t let me down yet! If you’re as enthusiastic about your air fryer as I am, be sure to explore all my other fantastic air fryer recipes.

Why Air Fryer Bacon is Your New Go-To Method

Cooking bacon in an air fryer isn’t just a trend; it’s a superior method that offers numerous advantages, making it an indispensable part of your kitchen routine.

Unbelievably Fast and Convenient

The speed at which you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon in an air fryer is truly a marvel. Unlike traditional stovetop or oven methods that often require lengthy preheating, an air fryer gets straight to work. Bacon begins to cook almost immediately, transforming from raw to wonderfully crisp in mere minutes. This incredible efficiency makes bacon more accessible than ever, allowing you to enjoy it on a whim without the commitment of pulling out heavy skillets or sheet pans. It’s perfect for adding a quick, savory touch to any meal.

Ideal for Small Batches and Quick Additions

While an air fryer might not accommodate an entire package of bacon at once, its compact size makes it perfect for smaller quantities. Most standard air fryers can comfortably cook 4-6 slices, which is just right for an individual serving, a couple’s breakfast, or when you need bacon as a garnish for a salad (like a classic wedge salad) or as an ingredient in another recipe. For those with larger families or bigger appetites, modern kitchens now offer spacious air fryers, and many new ranges and toaster ovens come equipped with built-in air frying capabilities, allowing you to easily scale up your batches.

A Smartly Healthier Way to Enjoy Bacon

One of the most compelling benefits of air frying bacon is its contribution to a slightly healthier outcome. As the bacon cooks on an elevated grate or rack, the rendered fat efficiently drips away into the collection tray below. This process results in leaner, less greasy bacon compared to pan-frying, where bacon often cooks in its own pooled fat. While bacon will never be classified as a health food, optimizing its preparation by removing excess fat is a simple yet effective way to make it a more guilt-free indulgence.

Versatility for Every Bacon Type

Our rigorous testing has confirmed that the air fryer method is exceptionally versatile, accommodating all your favorite types of bacon. We’ve successfully air fried regular-cut, center-cut, robust thick-cut bacon, and even lean turkey bacon. Each variety emerged perfectly cooked and deliciously crisp, proving the air fryer’s adaptability. Prepare for your home to be filled with the irresistible aroma of your favorite breakfast diner!

Still Don’t Own an Air Fryer? Here’s Why You Should!

If you haven’t yet welcomed an air fryer into your kitchen, you’re missing out on one of the most transformative cooking appliances available today. For me, it’s become an indispensable tool I wouldn’t want to be without. Air fryers simplify meal preparation, making it faster, easier, and much cleaner. From perfectly crispy fries to tender chicken and, of course, flawless bacon, almost everything cooked in an air fryer turns out exceptionally well. It’s an investment that truly elevates your culinary experience.

Explore Air Fryers on Amazon

Mastering Air Fryer Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly crisp bacon in your air fryer is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for delicious results every time.

Step 1: Prepare and Arrange the Bacon

Begin by placing your bacon strips in a single layer on the grate or rack of your air fryer basket. It’s crucial to avoid excessive overlapping, as this can hinder even cooking and crisping. While a slight overlap is acceptable and will resolve itself as the bacon shrinks during cooking, strive for as much separation as possible. If necessary, you can always make minor adjustments once the bacon starts to contract.

Step 2: Initial Air Fry (5-6 Minutes)

Once your bacon is arranged, slide the basket into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350ºF (175ºC). For most regular or center-cut bacon, an initial cooking time of 5-6 minutes is ideal. Thicker-cut bacon may require an extra minute or two during this phase.

Step 3: Flip for Even Crispness

After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Using a pair of tongs, gently flip each bacon strip over. While this step is optional, it significantly contributes to more evenly cooked and uniformly crisp bacon. It also provides an excellent opportunity to check that the strips haven’t folded or twisted due to the strong airflow within the air fryer, ensuring every piece crisps perfectly.

Step 4: Continue Air Frying to Desired Crispiness (5-7 Minutes)

Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final stage is crucial for achieving your preferred level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon during these last few minutes, as cooking times can vary based on your specific air fryer model, the bacon’s thickness, and your personal preference. Some prefer their bacon slightly chewy, while others crave an extra-crispy crunch. Ultimately, you are the best judge of when your bacon is perfectly done.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bacon reaches your desired crispness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. You can transfer it directly to a plate or, if you prefer to absorb any minimal surface grease, briefly place it on a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll notice significantly less grease on air-fried bacon compared to other methods, making it ready to serve almost instantly. Enjoy your perfectly crisp air fryer bacon!

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

To ensure your air fryer bacon comes out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Maintain a Single Layer: This is paramount for achieving uniform crispness. Overlapping bacon strips will stick together and cook unevenly. While a slight overlap is okay as bacon shrinks, avoid crowding the basket. If you need to cook more, work in batches.
• Always Flip the Bacon: Turning the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process is a simple yet effective technique for ensuring even cooking and maximum crispness on both sides. Small kitchen tongs are ideal for this task. It also allows you to quickly adjust any strips that may have folded or twisted due to the air circulation.
• Manage Grease Between Batches: Bacon naturally renders a lot of fat. If you’re cooking multiple batches, it’s essential to carefully remove the accumulated excess grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket between each batch. This prevents potential smoking and ensures consistent cooking results.
• Effortless Cleanup: One of the greatest advantages of air frying bacon is the contained mess. The air fryer traps splatters, keeping your kitchen cleaner. After cooking, let the air fryer cool slightly, then use a few paper towels to wipe out any excess grease from the basket and tray before washing. With the bulk of the grease removed, a quick wash with hot soapy water (or a run through the dishwasher, if your components are dishwasher-safe) is all it takes to get your air fryer sparkling clean.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Air Fryer Bacon

Crispy air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

For Breakfast & Brunch:

• Classic Pairings: Serve a few strips alongside your favorite eggs in a basket or as a savory addition to a hearty breakfast sandwich.
• Sweet & Savory: Crumble crispy bacon over fluffy peanut butter pancakes or rich brown sugar pancakes for an exciting flavor contrast. It’s also magnificent with homemade brioche French toast.

For Lunch & Dinner:

• Soup Garnish: Quickly make a batch to crumble over robust soups like Zuppa Toscana or creamy butternut squash soup (our Panera copycat squash soup is a must-try!).
• Salad Enhancer: Add a delightful crunch and salty kick to fresh greens, a grilled vegetable salad, or our popular Healthy Broccoli Salad.
• Recipe Ingredient: Incorporate cooked bacon into savory dishes such as stuffed butternut squash for added depth and flavor.

For Sandwiches:

• Quick BLT: Air fryer bacon makes preparing a classic BLT for lunch incredibly easy and fast.
• Burger & Chicken Topping: Enhance your burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches with a couple of perfectly crisp bacon strips.

For Snacks:

• Simple Snack: Crispy bacon is a delightful stand-alone snack.
• Unexpected Treat: For an adventurous palate, try crumbled bacon over vanilla bean ice cream for an irresistible sweet and salty combination!

Explore More Bacon Cooking Methods

While the air fryer has become a favorite, there are other excellent ways to cook bacon depending on your needs and preferences:

• Oven-Baked Perfection: When cooking a larger quantity of bacon (an entire package, for instance), my go-to method is always oven-baked bacon. It’s incredibly easy, provides consistent results, and leaves you with beautifully cooked strips with minimal fuss.
• Irresistible Candied Bacon: If you haven’t yet indulged in “pig candy,” you’re in for a treat! Our recipe for candied bacon is exceptionally popular as a unique breakfast item or a standout appetizer. It also adds a gourmet touch to salads and grain bowls.

Effortless Make-Ahead Ideas

Having a batch of pre-cooked bacon on hand is a true time-saver for busy households. It’s perfect for instantly elevating salads or as a delicious garnish for various soups. We particularly love sprinkling it over rich butternut squash soup, especially our beloved Panera copycat recipe! Cooked bacon also makes a fantastic addition to any sandwich, from a simple grilled cheese to a gourmet burger.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Crispy Bacon

Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days, retaining much of its flavor. For longer preservation, bacon freezes beautifully for up to a month in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat your bacon in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350ºF (175ºC) until it regains its desired crispness. This method ensures it tastes freshly cooked, avoiding the sogginess that can occur with microwave reheating.

Recipe

Perfectly Crisp Air Fryer Bacon

5 from 4 votes

By

Rachel Gurk

Prep Time:

2 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

12 minutes
mins

Total Time:

14 minutes
mins

Servings:
2

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Looking for perfectly crisp bacon with incredibly easy cleanup? Air fryer bacon is your answer! It’s delightfully fast, simple to make, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients 

• 4
  slices
  bacon
  (use regular, center-cut, or thick-cut bacon, see notes for cook times)

Instructions 

• Carefully arrange the bacon strips in a single layer within your air fryer basket. Ensure they do not significantly overlap to allow for even cooking.
• Set your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC). For regular or center-cut bacon, air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time (around 5-6 minutes) for optimal crispness. Towards the end of the cooking process, monitor the bacon closely and remove it once your desired level of crispiness is achieved.
• If you prefer to absorb any remaining surface grease, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels before serving.

Recipe Notes

• For Even Crispness: Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking is highly recommended. This ensures that both sides cook uniformly and become wonderfully crisp. The air fryer’s powerful air circulation can sometimes cause thinner bacon strips to fold; flipping also allows you to straighten them out for better results.
• Multiple Batches: If you plan to cook more than one batch of bacon, it’s crucial to pour out the rendered grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket between each batch. This step helps to prevent excessive smoke and maintains optimal cooking performance.
• Turkey Bacon Cooking Time: When air frying turkey bacon, the suggested cooking time remains similar to pork bacon, typically 10 to 12 minutes at 350ºF (175ºC), with a flip halfway through.
• Thick-Cut Bacon Adjustments: For thicker-cut bacon, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly. Aim for approximately 11 to 13 minutes at 350ºF (175ºC), still flipping halfway, and always adjust based on your desired crispiness.

Video Tutorial

Nutrition Information

Serving:
2
slices

,

Calories:
183
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
1
g

,

Protein:
6
g

,

Fat:
17
g

,

Saturated Fat:
6
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
8
g

,

Trans Fat:
1
g

,

Cholesterol:
29
mg

,

Sodium:
291
mg

,

Potassium:
87
mg

,

Vitamin A:
16
IU

,

Calcium:
2
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

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