Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast sides out there, and air fryers have changed the game for cooking. Not only do air fryers save you time and hassle, but they also give you crispier, crunchier bacon with improved flavor too. It can be tricky to figure out how to cook bacon in an air fryer.
But don’t worry. Cooking bacon in an air fryer couldn’t be easier – no matter what type of bacon you prefer. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make perfectly cooked bacon in your air fryer every time so that you can enjoy tasty and crunchy bacon with your morning meal.
Why Should You Be Cooking Your Bacon in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are all the rage these days, and for a good reason. They’re compact, easy to use, and produce delicious, crispy food with minimal oil. And when it comes to cooking bacon, the air fryer is a total game changer.
First of all, it’s fast. No more standing over the stove, flipping bacon slices one by one. You can cook a batch of bacon with an air fryer in just a few minutes. Simply lay the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and timer, and let the air fryer work its magic.
Another advantage of cooking bacon in an air fryer is that it’s much less messy. No more splattered stovetops or greasy pans to clean up. The air fryer basket catches all the fat, so you can easily dispose of it after cooking.
But perhaps the best part about cooking bacon in an air fryer is the end result: perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon every time. No more burnt edges or undercooked middle slices. The hot air in the air fryer ensures that every inch of your bacon is perfectly cooked.
From Chewy to Crispy: How to Control the Perfect Bacon Texture
So, now that you know the benefits of cooking bacon in an air fryer, you might be wondering: what’s the best temperature to use? And how long should I cook it for?
The answer depends on your desired level of crispiness. For chewy, tender bacon, cook it at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for a longer period of time (around 15-20 minutes). For crispy, crackling bacon, cook it at a higher temperature (around 400°F) for a shorter period of time (around 8-12 minutes).
It’s also important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon slices. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner slices will cook more quickly. To ensure that your bacon is cooked to perfection, we recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the bacon should be at least 145°F.
The Fast and Oh-So-Delicious Way to Cook Bacon
Step-1
Ensure that you cover the bacon with an air fryer base, ensure that the layers do not overlap and that the bacon is arranged in a single layer so that there will not be any air bubbles around. As a result, the size of your air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at one time in the air fryer.
Step-2
Striped bacon rashers should be cooked in the air fryer for 6-10 minutes, with just-cooked bacon taking 6 minutes and crispier bacon taking 9-10 minutes. Back bacon rashers should be cooked for 4-8 minutes, depending on your preference. You can usually cook faster by cooking in batches since your air fryer is already warmed up when the second batch is cooked.
Step-3
Before serving, take apart the bacon using tongs and drain it on kitchen paper for a few minutes until it is completely drained. After that, it’s ready to make your hunger go away in no time.
The Timing
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to get perfectly crispy and delicious bacon without the mess of a skillet. It depends on how well your bacon is done, how thick your bacon is, the style of your air fryer and how long it takes to cook this recipe.
Regular-cut bacon should be cooked at 350ËšF for 7 minutes if you prefer softer bacon or 8 to 9 minutes for crispier bacon. The thick-cut bacon should be cooked at 350 F for 9-10 minutes if you prefer a softer texture or 10-12 minutes for a crispier texture. We must note that we do not preheat the air fryer before cooking the bacon.
Once your desired doneness has been achieved, remove the cooked bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Enjoy your perfectly cooked crispy or soft air-fried bacon with eggs and toast for a delicious breakfast.
You can also use it as an ingredient in other recipes such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more. With an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon without the hassles of using a skillet.
What if My Bacon Starts Smoking?
When using an air fryer for cooking bacon, it is important to be aware of the smoke point of bacon fat. It is safe to cook bacon fat at temperatures lower than 400 degrees F because bacon fat has a smoke point of 400 degrees F.
However, there is an additional quirk that must be taken into consideration when cooking bacon in an air fryer. At temperatures higher than 360 degrees F, bacon splatters in an air fryer, and the grease can splatter onto the heating element, which will cause smoke. Your air fryer may be burning grease or residue if it starts smoking.
To avoid having your air fryer smoking while cooking bacon, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct temperature setting and clean out any old grease or residue from the air fryer before use.
Additionally, if you notice any smoke coming from your air fryer while cooking bacon, immediately turn off the machine and allow it to cool down before attempting to clean it and start it again. These precautions will help ensure that your bacon comes out perfectly cooked without any unwanted smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Can you put raw bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw bacon in an air fryer. The process is simple, and the results are delicious. To cook bacon in an air fryer, preheat the machine to 400°F (204°C). Place a single layer of bacon strips in the basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be sure to check your bacon often, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.
2. How do you keep bacon from sticking to an air fryer?
To prevent the bacon from sticking to an air fryer, it is important to use a non-stick spray or oil before cooking. Additionally, preheat the machine for 3-4 minutes and place the bacon strips in a single layer in the basket. This will help ensure that your bacon comes out perfectly cooked without sticking to the basket.
3. How do you clean an air fryer after cooking bacon?
After cooking bacon in the air fryer, it is important to clean the machine thoroughly. To clean an air fryer after cooking bacon, start by unplugging the machine and allowing it to cool down. Then, remove any grease or residue from the basket and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Finally, dry the air fryer with a clean cloth before using it again.
4. Can you cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer. To do so, preheat the machine to 400°F (204°C) and place a single layer of bacon strips in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be sure to check your bacon often, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.
5. Is it safe to cook bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, cooking bacon in an air fryer is safe if you adhere to the machine’s temperature setting and clean out any old grease or residue from the air fryer before use. Additionally, if you notice any smoke coming from your air fryer while cooking bacon, immediately turn off the machine and allow it to cool down before attempting to clean it and start it again.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a safe and delicious way to make this classic breakfast favorite. To get the best results, it is important to use the correct temperature setting and clean out any old grease or residue before use. Additionally, if you notice any smoke coming from your air fryer while cooking bacon, immediately turn off the machine and allow it to cool down before attempting.
Meet Natalie P. Williams, the editor-in-chief of fryerly.com. With a background in journalism and a passion for healthy eating, Natalie has built the blog into a trusted source for air fryer cooking tips, tricks, and recipes.
