Perfectly crispy bacon, every single time. Cooking bacon in the air fryer is simple, foolproof, and super convenient. It’s easy to get the exact level of crispiness you prefer, whether that’s slightly crispy, extra crispy, or somewhere in between.
Air fryer bacon is brilliant!
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is the best way to get crisp, delicious bacon without all the mess. No more standing over a hot stove, dodging splatters of grease, and constantly checking to make sure it doesn’t burn. So easy, so convenient, and soooooo crispy!
What bacon to use
I usually use streaky-bacon, also known as side-cut bacon, but you can also use back bacon, center-cut bacon or even turkey bacon. If using thick-cut bacon, note the cooking times will be a minute or two longer.
How to cook bacon in the air fryer
1
Preheat.
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F/180°C. You want it to be HOT when you add the bacon so it starts to cook straight away.
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat mode, just set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.
2
Pop the bacon in the air fryer.
Arrange the bacon slices in the basket in a single layer, and try to make sure it is lying flat. This will help to ensure it cooks evenly. You may need to use the layer accessory or cook your bacon in batches.
Note: if food tends to stick to your air fryer, you can give the basket a quick spritz with oil before you add the bacon.
3
Air fry bacon!
Air fry the bacon at 360°F/180°C for around 10 minutes.
Keep an eye on the bacon during cooking, and cook it till it is just right for you. Everyone likes their bacon cooked differently. I like extra crispy bacon, so I just put it on to cook for the whole time and forget about it. If it’s the first time you have tried frying bacon in your air fryer then check it often to ensure that you don’t overcook it.
Drain the air fryer if needed. Cooking bacon in an air fryer can sometimes lead to white smoke coming from the air fryer due to the amount of fat that drains from the bacon, which can end up circulating in the air fryer.
No need to stress! Just stop the air fryer (noting how much cooking time you have left), drain the bacon fat out of the bottom pan, and set the air fryer going again for the remaining cooking time. (Then pat yourself on the back for removing all that fat from your bacon before you eat it!)
Leftovers
If you have any leftover bacon (is that a thing??), store it in an air-tight container in the fridge, and use within 3 days.
You can reheat the bacon in the air fryer, but get ready for the most insanely crispy bacon of your life. Just place it in the basket and air fry at 360°F/ 180°C for 3-5 minutes until hot and sizzling.
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F/180°C.
- Place bacon in air fryer basket in a single layer [Note 1].
- Air fry bacon at 360°F/ 180°C for 10 minutes.
- If crisper bacon is required, cook for additional 1-2 minutes as needed.
- If you are making more than one batch be sure to drain the bacon grease between batches as the air fryer can start to produce smoke if the oil starts to build up.
Notes
- If your air fryer is prone to food sticking give it a quick brush or spritz with oil first.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
