Air Fryer Cooking: How Long For Bacon?

Author: Jenny J Brown
December 29, 2023

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to enjoy a delicious breakfast side dish. Not only does it free up time by eliminating the need to stand over the stove, but it also helps keep your kitchen clean since there is no mess associated with using an air fryer. Whether preparing a single strip of bacon or an entire pound, knowing exactly how long to cook bacon in an air fryer can make all the difference.

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Who doesn’t love the sizzle and smell of bacon cooking in the morning? With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked bacon without the mess and hassle of traditional stovetop cooking methods. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the bacon, resulting in deliciously crispy strips that are evenly cooked and free from excess grease.

Lay the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature, and let the appliance work its magic. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a batch of perfectly crispy bacon that is the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast or brunch.

Not only does the air fryer produce perfectly crispy bacon, but it also allows for easy clean-up with its non-stick basket and drip tray. Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and hello to hassle-free, perfectly crispy air fryer bacon.

How Long to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer

The amount of time it takes to cook bacon in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it. Generally, thin-cut bacon will take about 5 minutes, while thick-cut bacon may take up to 8 minutes. Spread the bacon out in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking.

For extra crispy bacon, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 4-5 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 425°F and cook for 1-2 minutes.

If you’re cooking a large batch of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches. Place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to keep it warm while the rest is cooking.

Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, please remove it from the air fryer and let it cool on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease. Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon!

Cook Bacon In Air Fryer
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Which Air Fryer is Best?

When it comes to choosing the best air fryer, there are several factors to consider. One popular option is the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, lauded for its large capacity and ability to cook a wide variety of foods. Another top choice is the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL, known for its versatility and the ability to air fry, roast, and dehydrate.

People also love the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL for its sleek design, easy-to-use interface, and wide temperature range. Additionally, the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven has gained a strong following due to its spacious interior and ability to toast, bake, and reheat in addition to air frying.

Ultimately, the best air fryer for you will depend on your specific cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. It’s important to research and read customer reviews to find the perfect air fryer that fits your lifestyle.

Tips

Preheat the air fryer before adding the bacon to ensure even cooking. Spread the bacon in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Cook thin-cut bacon for 5 minutes and thick-cut bacon for 8 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 4-5 minutes, then increase the temperature to 425°F and cook for 1-2 minutes.

If cooking a large batch of bacon, cook it in batches and keep the cooked bacon warm on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooked, let the bacon cool on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Enjoying your perfectly cooked bacon is just the beginning! You can use it to make all sorts of delicious dishes, from classic BLTs to breakfast tacos. Or you can get creative and try something new, like bacon-wrapped dates or bacon-stuffed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips

Once cooked, the bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels and microwave for 1-2 minutes.

How Long To Cook Bacon In Air Fryer
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Use Cooked Bacon for

Once you’ve mastered how to cook bacon in an air fryer, the possibilities are endless. Try using cooked bacon as a topping for salads, sandwiches, and burgers. You can also add it to breakfast dishes like omelets or quiches. Top your favorite ice cream with crumbled bacon bits for a sweet and savory treat.

Why would you love this?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious breakfast side dish without the mess and hassle of using a stovetop. Not only does it free up time, but it also ensures that your bacon is cooked evenly and to your desired crispiness. Plus, with the proper technique, you can use cooked bacon for all sorts of dishes, from classic BLTs to breakfast tacos.

Why is my Air Fryer Bacon Smoking?

  If your air fryer bacon is smoking, there could be a few possible reasons for this. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that your air fryer is clean and free of any excess grease or food particles that could be causing the smoking. Additionally, the type of bacon you are using could also be a factor.

Thicker cuts of bacon or bacon with a higher fat content are more likely to produce smoke when cooked in an air fryer. Another reason for smoking could be the temperature and cooking time. If the temperature is too high, or if the bacon is cooking for too long, it may start to smoke.

Finally, it’s important to ensure that your air fryer is positioned in a well-ventilated area to allow the smoke to dissipate. By addressing these potential issues, you can reduce the likelihood of your air fryer bacon smoking and enjoy perfectly cooked, crispy bacon without any unwanted smoke. 

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can I cook bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook bacon in an air fryer. It’s a quick and convenient way to prepare crispy bacon without the mess of traditional frying.

How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?

Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the bacon, but generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes at 350°F for crispy, perfectly cooked bacon in an air fryer.

What are some tips for making air fryer bacon extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy bacon in an air fryer, you can try patting the bacon strips dry with a paper towel before cooking, and flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

Can I cook bacon in an air fryer without creating a mess?

Yes, using an air fryer to cook bacon significantly reduces the mess typically associated with stovetop frying. The excess bacon grease is collected in the bottom of the air fryer, making cleanup easier.

Is there a specific bacon recipe for the air fryer?

There are many air fryer bacon recipes available that provide specific instructions for cooking bacon in the air fryer. These recipes often include variations for achieving different levels of crispiness.

What type of bacon works best in an air fryer?

Thinner bacon slices generally work best in an air fryer as they cook more evenly and become crispier compared to thicker slices.

Can I use an air fryer to cook other types of bacon, such as turkey bacon?

Yes, an air fryer can be used to cook different types of bacon, including turkey bacon, with similar cooking times and temperature settings as regular bacon.

Conclusion

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious bacon without the mess and hassle of traditional oven cooking. Air fryers require little to no oil and cook your food faster with less fat than traditional methods.

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