Air Fryer Bacon – Crispy Perfection

Air fryer bacon brings a game-changing twist to a beloved breakfast staple. This method transforms how you cook bacon, offering a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient alternative to traditional pan-frying.

I love bacon, and I know I’m not alone in my love for this salty, delicious food. One of the things I don’t like about cooking it is the mess, especially when I pan-fry it on the stove top.

And I know what you’re going to say. You still have to clean up the air fryer after you cook bacon. Very true. BUT the mess is all contained.

Since I have both the tray-type oven and basket air fryer, I wanted to see if there was a difference in both the cooking time and results. I’m happy to report that they both cooked bacon exactly the same for me.

The most significant difference is I can cook more pieces of bacon in the tray type air fryer than in the basket type.

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Why does bacon sometimes smoke in the air fryer?

Cooking bacon in the air fryer is a convenient and mess-free method, but it can sometimes produce smoke. Understanding why this happens can help you prevent it in the future:

1. Fat Content: Bacon is naturally high in fat, and as it cooks, the fat drips down into the air fryer’s basket or tray. When this hot fat comes into contact with the high heat of the air fryer, it can create smoke. This is especially true if you’re cooking very fatty bacon.
2. Bacon Placement: Overcrowding the air fryer basket with bacon slices can lead to smoke. When the bacon slices overlap or are too close, they can trap the hot fat, causing it to smoke. Make sure to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer where they lay flat without overlapping. This also allows the hot air to circulate and prevents fat from accumulating.
3. Temperature and Cooking Time: Cooking bacon at too high a temperature or for too long can also lead to smoking. The fat may start to burn, creating smoke. It’s essential to follow the recommended temperature and cooking times and adjust them based on your air fryer’s performance. I always air-fry bacon at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 – 10 minutes for regular bacon and 10 – 12 minutes for thick-cut bacon.
4. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your bacon while it’s cooking. If you notice excessive smoking, you can stop the air fryer briefly, remove the excess fat, and continue cooking.
5. Cleanliness: A dirty or greasy air fryer can also produce smoke. Leftover residue from previous cooking sessions can contribute to smoking. Make sure your air fryer is clean and free of any debris before cooking bacon.

By following these tips and understanding why bacon smoking in the air fryer can be avoided, you can enjoy hassle-free, smoke-free bacon cooking in your air fryer.

Helpful tips

• Adjust cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your bacon and personal preferences, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Experiment to find your perfect level of crispiness.
• No need to preheat: Some air fryer models do not require preheating. Check your manufacturer’s instructions to see if this applies to your air fryer.
• Batches of bacon: Depending on how many bacon strips you want to cook and the size of your air fryer, you’ll most likely have to cook them in batches. I keep what I’ve already cooked warm in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit as I’m cooking additional batches.
• Flip, if needed: Depending on how the bacon is cooking, you will decide if you want to flip the bacon mid-cooking. But I don’t flip my bacon slices because both sides crisp nicely.
• Save bacon grease: Don’t discard that delicious bacon grease! Drain it from the basket and store it in a jar for later use in cooking other dishes, like fried eggs.
• Clean up is a breeze: Air frying bacon is mess-free compared to stove top cooking. Simply remove the basket and tray, wash them, and you’re done.

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How to make air fryer bacon

Pre-step

Get out your air fryer and paper towels to blot the grease off the cooked bacon.

step one

Gather the ingredient – bacon, as much as you desire. My package had 11 slices in it.

Step Two

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step Three

Lay the bacon slices in a single layer without any slices either touching the other or barely touching.

Note: I can place five whole slices side by side for the air fryer with trays. For the basket type, I have to cut each piece in half so it only allows three slices to be cooked at once.

Tray type.

Basket type.

Step Four

After the air fryer beeps that it has come to temperature, turn the temperature down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set your timer to 10 minutes.

Step five

At 8 minutes, go into the kitchen to see how the bacon cooks. I find that it needs a few more minutes to get to the right crispness. If it still isn’t as crispy as you like, add one to two minutes to the cooking time.

After 10 minutes, remove the bacon with a pair of tongs to a paper towel-lined plate and blot the grease off the top of the meat with another paper towel.

Repeat the steps for as many batches as you like.

Serve immediately. It’s great for an egg breakfast, in sandwiches like BLTs, on chicken, or as a tasty enhancement to salads, casseroles, and other dishes.

Storing Leftover Bacon

If you happen to have leftover bacon (although it’s quite rare!), it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool it down: Allow the cooked bacon to cool to room temperature on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack. This step helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
2. Wrap it up: Once the bacon has cooled, wrap individual slices or a small stack of slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the wrapping is tight to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the bacon to become stale.
3. Use an airtight container: Another option is to place the wrapped bacon in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
4. Label and date: To keep track of when the bacon was cooked, label the container or bag with the date. Bacon can be stored for a short period, so it’s important to know when it should be used.
5. Refrigerate or Freeze: Store the wrapped bacon in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you don’t plan to use it within that time frame, consider freezing it. Bacon can be frozen for up to 1-2 months without a significant loss of quality.
6. Thawing: When you’re ready to use the leftover bacon, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use it directly from the freezer in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles.
7. Reheat with Care: Reheat the leftover bacon in the microwave, oven, or stove top, but be cautious not to overheat it, as it can become too crispy or dry.

Remember that cooked bacon won’t retain the same crispiness as when freshly cooked, but it can still be a flavorful addition to various dishes or a quick snack.

I hope you enjoyed this air fryer bacon recipe.

Other recipes using bacon

• Bacon jam
• Corn dip
• Bacon wrapped scallops
• Bacon broccoli quiche

And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Now you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort using your air fryer. Say goodbye to splattering grease and hello to a mess-free, hassle-free bacon experience! 🥓🌟