No more standing, flipping, and checking – skip the stovetop, and make Air Fryer Bacon instead! This easy method gives you all the crispy goodness you love, without the hassle.
I’m a crockpot fan, an Instant Pot gal, and a grilling enthusiast, but lately, I’m starting to think my air fryer might just be my true love! My latest air fryer discovery is this simple method for cooking bacon. It’s not difficult to cook bacon on the stove or in the oven – both work just fine – but it’s so great to set it and forget it when you’re making breakfast, you know? I am just especially thrilled with the quick, foolproof, and mouthwateringly crispy and savory results of air fried bacon!
How Long Does It Take To Air Fry Bacon?
To air fry thick-cut bacon, it should take 8 to 10 minutes at 400˚F. However, if you’re using thinner bacon, it won’t take as long. Also, since different air fryers cook at slightly different speeds and temperatures, you may need to adjust the time by a minute or two per side. Just keep an eye on it at first, until you get the hang of your Air Fryer’s temperatures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you only need one ingredient – bacon! I like to use thick-cut bacon, but you can go with any style, cure, or flavor that you like. Don’t worry about cooking spray for this – bacon doesn’t need any.
How To Make Air Fryer Bacon!
Okay, let’s get down to business. How exactly do you cook bacon in the air fryer, as opposed to a regular skillet cooking method? It’s surprisingly similar, just easier and faster, AND splatter-less! Here’s the skinny:
- Prep. To begin, preheat your Air Fryer to 400˚F. Peel the bacon strips apart and arrange them in the air fryer basket. You can only cook a single layer of bacon at a time, so you may need to cook in batches if you are making a lot or if you have a very small air fryer.
- Fry! Cook the bacon strips for 4 minutes. Then flip the strips (a pair of tongs is helpful for this) and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy but not burned or dry.
- Drain and Serve. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain slightly, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips And Tricks
- No Smoke: If you are concerned that the bacon grease may smoke in your air fryer, try slipping a slice of bread into the bottom of the air fryer to catch it.
- No Cooking Spray: Unlike most other ingredients, bacon doesn’t need any oil or cooking spray to air-fry. Just line it up and cook it!
- Batch Cooking: If you are making more than a few servings, you’ll need to cook the bacon in batches. Empty the excess grease (careful, it’s very hot!) in between batches.
- Use Tongs: To get the bacon out of the air fryer, or to flip it with ease, it’s helpful to reach in with a pair of non stick tongs.
Serving Suggestions
Air fried bacon is a natural side for breakfast and brunch dishes, but you can also serve it for lunch or dinner. Try these Baked Eggs in Tomato Cups or my delicious Western Omelette if you’d like something extra festive. This Creamy Broccoli Salad is made with crunchy broccoli, but crumble in some bacon for texture and flavor. Make a sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato on your favorite bread. Try a little Honey Mustard Sauce drizzled over it for a more exciting meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- To store, cool the cooked bacon down and then place the strips in a plastic food storage bag, or an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftover bacon in the air fryer, oven, or in a skillet over low heat.
- To freeze, place cooled cooked bacon in a freezer bag, mark with the date, and freeze for up to 6 months. For best results, press out as much air as you can before you seal the bag.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 slices thick cut bacon
Instructions
- Arrange bacon inside the air fryer basket in one single layer.
- Set the Air Fryer to 400˚F.
- Cook for 4 minutes; flip the bacon and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until crispy.
- Remove bacon from the basket and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
