Ultimate Air Fryer Bacon

Once you make Crispy Air Fryer Bacon, you may never cook it another way again! So easy to make, easy clean-up, and SO crispy and delicious!

There are few things as universally loved as perfectly cooked bacon. That irresistible aroma, the satisfying crunch, and the way it elevates almost any dish – it’s a culinary treasure. For years, home cooks have debated the ultimate method for achieving bacon perfection: frying pan, oven, or even microwave? But in recent times, a new contender has emerged, revolutionizing the way we prepare this beloved breakfast (or anytime) food: the air fryer.

Forget messy splatters and unevenly cooked strips. The air fryer promises a game-changing experience, delivering consistently crispy bacon with minimal effort and surprisingly easy cleanup. If you’ve been on the fence about trying this method, prepare to be converted. Once you taste air-fried bacon, with its perfectly rendered fat and shatteringly crisp texture, you’ll likely wonder how you ever lived without it.

Bacon is more than just a breakfast side in my kitchen; it’s a versatile ingredient that adds a layer of rich, smoky flavor to countless recipes. The secret to the extra yummy flavor in my Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese recipe? You guessed it: crispy bacon bits. Bacon is what makes my Filipino Bacon Fried Rice incredibly tasty, providing a savory depth that ties all the ingredients together. It’s also what gives my Instant Pot 3-Bean Chili a delicious smoky base, transforming a simple chili into a hearty, flavor-packed meal. Even in small doses, bacon truly makes everything better, adding a unique richness that few other ingredients can replicate.

Why the Air Fryer is the Best Way to Cook Bacon

There are several different ways to cook bacon, each with its proponents and drawbacks. But after over 30 years in the kitchen, experimenting with countless methods, I can confidently say that the air fryer stands out as the superior choice. Let’s compare the most common techniques to understand why:

• Making bacon in the microwave: This method involves placing bacon on top of a paper-towel lined microwave-safe plate and microwaving for a couple of minutes until it reaches your desired crispness. While undeniably fast, microwaving bacon rarely allows for even crisping. You often end up with some chewy spots and some overcooked, brittle areas. Plus, the bacon can sometimes stick to the paper towels, making it difficult to remove. This is now my least favorite way to make bacon, despite its speed, because it sacrifices quality and consistency.
• Cooking bacon in the oven: Baking bacon is a significantly better method than microwaving. You can arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet, often lined with foil for easier cleanup, and bake it at around 400°F (200°C). This method yields perfectly evenly crispy bacon and allows you to cook larger quantities at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The oven method is a solid choice, producing excellent results without constant supervision.
• Making bacon in an air fryer: Initially, I was skeptical, wondering if an air fryer could truly improve upon the oven method. However, even the very first batch of bacon I made in my air fryer made a believer out of me. For me, making bacon in an air fryer is hands down the best way to cook bacon. The circulating hot air crisps the bacon from all sides, resulting in an incredibly even and satisfying crunch. It’s faster than the oven, significantly less messy than stovetop frying, and produces consistently perfect results every single time. The convenience and superior texture make it the reigning champion in my kitchen.

Choosing the Right Bacon for Your Air Fryer

While most bacon varieties work well in an air fryer, understanding the differences can help you achieve your desired outcome. Different types of bacon will require slight adjustments to cooking time and temperature:

• Regular Cut Bacon: This is the most common type and what most recipes, including this one, refer to. Regular slices typically cook perfectly in 8-10 minutes.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: As the name suggests, these slices are thicker and meatier. They take a bit longer to cook, usually around 12-15 minutes, but they yield a wonderfully chewy-crisp texture. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary.
• Thin-Cut Bacon: This bacon cooks much faster and can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a blink. Monitor it closely, reducing the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes.
• Turkey Bacon: For a leaner alternative, turkey bacon can also be air-fried. It often cooks faster and may require a slightly lower temperature to prevent drying out. Expect it to be ready in about 7-9 minutes.

No matter which bacon you choose, the key is to observe it closely, especially during your first few batches, and adjust cooking times to match your air fryer and personal preference.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Every Time

Achieving consistently perfect air fryer bacon is simple, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any air fryer recipe, especially bacon. Cook bacon in a single layer, without overlapping any slices. Overlapping prevents the hot air from circulating properly, leading to unevenly cooked and less crispy bacon. It also allows too much fat to accumulate and cook at once, which can reportedly cause some air fryers to smoke. While I have personally never experienced my air fryer (my favorite air fryer currently) smoking, it’s a known issue with some models when cooking fatty foods in overcrowded baskets. Prioritize a single layer for the best results and to avoid any potential issues.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. While optional, I highly recommend using just enough parchment paper to cover most of the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray. This significantly simplifies cleanup by catching the rendered bacon fat. Make sure you top the parchment paper with a full, even single layer of bacon. The weight of the bacon will help keep the paper from flying around during air frying. You can also use a small metal rack inside the air fryer if your model supports it, allowing the fat to drip underneath while the bacon stays elevated.
• Preheat your air fryer (optional but recommended). While not strictly necessary for bacon, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature can help achieve more consistent crispness right from the start. This ensures the bacon begins cooking immediately in a hot environment.
• Consider draining excess fat. For longer cooking times or larger batches, you may want to pause the air fryer halfway through and carefully drain any accumulated rendered fat from the basket. This prevents the bacon from essentially frying in its own grease, which can make it less crispy. Be cautious when handling hot grease.
• Adjust cooking time for desired crispness. The 10-minute guideline is a great starting point, but every air fryer is slightly different, and personal preference for crispness varies. Keep a close eye on your bacon during the last few minutes. If you prefer it extra crispy, add another minute or two. If you like it slightly chewier, pull it out a minute earlier.

Air Fryer Bacon FAQs

How to Make Bacon in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Making crispy, delicious bacon in an air fryer is SO incredibly easy, it feels almost like magic. Here’s how you achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare your air fryer: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray with a piece of parchment paper. Ensure the paper doesn’t extend up the sides too much, as you want the air to circulate freely. The parchment paper will catch the rendered fat, making cleanup remarkably simple.
2. Arrange the bacon: Place your bacon slices in a single, even layer at the bottom of the air fryer insert basket or on the trays. It is crucial that the bacon does not overlap. If your slices are too long, you can easily cut them in half to fit. The weight of the bacon will help keep the parchment paper down and prevent it from flying around during air frying. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor (this is totally optional!).
3. Air Fry: Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the bacon for 10 minutes.
4. Check for crispness: At the 10-minute mark, open the air fryer and check the bacon. It should be beautifully golden brown and crispy. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. If you prefer it slightly less crispy, remove it a minute or two earlier.
5. Serve: Carefully remove the crispy bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining excess grease. This will help maintain its crispness.

That’s it! So simple, yet this method yields amazingly crispy bacon that is ridiculously DELICIOUS and requires minimal effort for cleanup. You’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way!

What to serve with air fryer bacon

This crispy air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, adding a savory crunch to almost any meal. Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

For a Hearty Breakfast:

• Serve it alongside fluffy Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Pair it with protein-packed Cheesy Mini Frittatas for a well-rounded meal.
• Enjoy it with vibrant Salsa Eggs for a zesty start to your day.
• Add it to a classic American breakfast platter with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pancakes.
• Crumble it over avocado toast for an elevated morning bite.

For a Satisfying Lunch:

• Sprinkle bacon bits over Butternut Squash Ravioli with Crispy Sage to add texture and depth.
• Top this open-faced Caprese Sandwich with Pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chop it into a vibrant Cobb salad for a fulfilling and crunchy addition.
• Use it in a classic BLT sandwich, making the “B” extra special with air-fried crispness.

For a Flavorful Dinner:

• Air fry bacon to go with your Build-Your-Own Burger Bar, providing the ultimate burger topping.
• Complement these savory Asian Beef Burgers with a side of crispy bacon.
• Mix it into this creamy BLT Pasta Salad for a delightful dinner side or light main.
• Crumble it over baked potatoes or twice-baked potatoes for a comforting classic.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or fish to enhance the meal with its smoky notes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re loving the convenience and incredible results of air frying, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook much more than just bacon. Explore these other fantastic air fryer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new family favorites:

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken

  Achieve a perfectly juicy and tender whole chicken with incredibly crispy skin, all thanks to your air fryer.

• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  Say goodbye to deep-frying and hello to perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken wings, made healthier in your air fryer.

• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

  Get ready for bite-sized chicken perfection that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the oil of traditional frying.

PIN IT:

In conclusion, if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of crispy air fryer bacon, now is the time. Its unparalleled crispness, minimal mess, and incredibly simple cooking process make it the go-to method for bacon lovers everywhere. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, adding a savory crunch to your lunch, or elevating a dinner dish, air fryer bacon delivers on all fronts. Give it a try – you might just find your new favorite way to cook bacon!

Once you make Crispy Air Fryer Bacon, you may never cook it another way again! So easy to make, easy clean-up, and SO crispy and delicious!

There are few things as universally loved as perfectly cooked bacon. That irresistible aroma, the satisfying crunch, and the way it elevates almost any dish – it’s a culinary treasure. For years, home cooks have debated the ultimate method for achieving bacon perfection: frying pan, oven, or even microwave? But in recent times, a new contender has emerged, revolutionizing the way we prepare this beloved breakfast (or anytime) food: the air fryer.

Forget messy splatters and unevenly cooked strips. The air fryer promises a game-changing experience, delivering consistently crispy bacon with minimal effort and surprisingly easy cleanup. If you’ve been on the fence about trying this method, prepare to be converted. Once you taste air-fried bacon, with its perfectly rendered fat and shatteringly crisp texture, you’ll likely wonder how you ever lived without it.

Bacon is more than just a breakfast side in my kitchen; it’s a versatile ingredient that adds a layer of rich, smoky flavor to countless recipes. The secret to the extra yummy flavor in my Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese recipe? You guessed it: crispy bacon bits. Bacon is what makes my Filipino Bacon Fried Rice incredibly tasty, providing a savory depth that ties all the ingredients together. It’s also what gives my Instant Pot 3-Bean Chili a delicious smoky base, transforming a simple chili into a hearty, flavor-packed meal. Even in small doses, bacon truly makes everything better, adding a unique richness that few other ingredients can replicate.

Why the Air Fryer is the Best Way to Cook Bacon

There are several different ways to cook bacon, each with its proponents and drawbacks. But after over 30 years in the kitchen, experimenting with countless methods, I can confidently say that the air fryer stands out as the superior choice. Let’s compare the most common techniques to understand why:

• Making bacon in the microwave: This method involves placing bacon on top of a paper-towel lined microwave-safe plate and microwaving for a couple of minutes until it reaches your desired crispness. While undeniably fast, microwaving bacon rarely allows for even crisping. You often end up with some chewy spots and some overcooked, brittle areas. Plus, the bacon can sometimes stick to the paper towels, making it difficult to remove. This is now my least favorite way to make bacon, despite its speed, because it sacrifices quality and consistency.
• Cooking bacon in the oven: Baking bacon is a significantly better method than microwaving. You can arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet, often lined with foil for easier cleanup, and bake it at around 400°F (200°C). This method yields perfectly evenly crispy bacon and allows you to cook larger quantities at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The oven method is a solid choice, producing excellent results without constant supervision.
• Making bacon in an air fryer: Initially, I was skeptical, wondering if an air fryer could truly improve upon the oven method. However, even the very first batch of bacon I made in my air fryer made a believer out of me. For me, making bacon in an air fryer is hands down the best way to cook bacon. The circulating hot air crisps the bacon from all sides, resulting in an incredibly even and satisfying crunch. It’s faster than the oven, significantly less messy than stovetop frying, and produces consistently perfect results every single time. The convenience and superior texture make it the reigning champion in my kitchen.

Choosing the Right Bacon for Your Air Fryer

While most bacon varieties work well in an air fryer, understanding the differences can help you achieve your desired outcome. Different types of bacon will require slight adjustments to cooking time and temperature:

• Regular Cut Bacon: This is the most common type and what most recipes, including this one, refer to. Regular slices typically cook perfectly in 8-10 minutes.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: As the name suggests, these slices are thicker and meatier. They take a bit longer to cook, usually around 12-15 minutes, but they yield a wonderfully chewy-crisp texture. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary.
• Thin-Cut Bacon: This bacon cooks much faster and can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a blink. Monitor it closely, reducing the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes.
• Turkey Bacon: For a leaner alternative, turkey bacon can also be air-fried. It often cooks faster and may require a slightly lower temperature to prevent drying out. Expect it to be ready in about 7-9 minutes.

No matter which bacon you choose, the key is to observe it closely, especially during your first few batches, and adjust cooking times to match your air fryer and personal preference.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Every Time

Achieving consistently perfect air fryer bacon is simple, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any air fryer recipe, especially bacon. Cook bacon in a single layer, without overlapping any slices. Overlapping prevents the hot air from circulating properly, leading to unevenly cooked and less crispy bacon. It also allows too much fat to accumulate and cook at once, which can reportedly cause some air fryers to smoke. While I have personally never experienced my air fryer (my favorite air fryer currently) smoking, it’s a known issue with some models when cooking fatty foods in overcrowded baskets. Prioritize a single layer for the best results and to avoid any potential issues.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. While optional, I highly recommend using just enough parchment paper to cover most of the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray. This significantly simplifies cleanup by catching the rendered bacon fat. Make sure you top the parchment paper with a full, even single layer of bacon. The weight of the bacon will help keep the paper from flying around during air frying. You can also use a small metal rack inside the air fryer if your model supports it, allowing the fat to drip underneath while the bacon stays elevated.
• Preheat your air fryer (optional but recommended). While not strictly necessary for bacon, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature can help achieve more consistent crispness right from the start. This ensures the bacon begins cooking immediately in a hot environment.
• Consider draining excess fat. For longer cooking times or larger batches, you may want to pause the air fryer halfway through and carefully drain any accumulated rendered fat from the basket. This prevents the bacon from essentially frying in its own grease, which can make it less crispy. Be cautious when handling hot grease.
• Adjust cooking time for desired crispness. The 10-minute guideline is a great starting point, but every air fryer is slightly different, and personal preference for crispness varies. Keep a close eye on your bacon during the last few minutes. If you prefer it extra crispy, add another minute or two. If you like it slightly chewier, pull it out a minute earlier.

Air Fryer Bacon FAQs

How to Make Bacon in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Making crispy, delicious bacon in an air fryer is SO incredibly easy, it feels almost like magic. Here’s how you achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare your air fryer: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray with a piece of parchment paper. Ensure the paper doesn’t extend up the sides too much, as you want the air to circulate freely. The parchment paper will catch the rendered fat, making cleanup remarkably simple.
2. Arrange the bacon: Place your bacon slices in a single, even layer at the bottom of the air fryer insert basket or on the trays. It is crucial that the bacon does not overlap. If your slices are too long, you can easily cut them in half to fit. The weight of the bacon will help keep the parchment paper down and prevent it from flying around during air frying. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor (this is totally optional!).
3. Air Fry: Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the bacon for 10 minutes.
4. Check for crispness: At the 10-minute mark, open the air fryer and check the bacon. It should be beautifully golden brown and crispy. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. If you prefer it slightly less crispy, remove it a minute or two earlier.
5. Serve: Carefully remove the crispy bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining excess grease. This will help maintain its crispness.

That’s it! So simple, yet this method yields amazingly crispy bacon that is ridiculously DELICIOUS and requires minimal effort for cleanup. You’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way!

What to serve with air fryer bacon

This crispy air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, adding a savory crunch to almost any meal. Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

For a Hearty Breakfast:

• Serve it alongside fluffy Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Pair it with protein-packed Cheesy Mini Frittatas for a well-rounded meal.
• Enjoy it with vibrant Salsa Eggs for a zesty start to your day.
• Add it to a classic American breakfast platter with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pancakes.
• Crumble it over avocado toast for an elevated morning bite.

For a Satisfying Lunch:

• Sprinkle bacon bits over Butternut Squash Ravioli with Crispy Sage to add texture and depth.
• Top this open-faced Caprese Sandwich with Pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chop it into a vibrant Cobb salad for a fulfilling and crunchy addition.
• Use it in a classic BLT sandwich, making the “B” extra special with air-fried crispness.

For a Flavorful Dinner:

• Air fry bacon to go with your Build-Your-Own Burger Bar, providing the ultimate burger topping.
• Complement these savory Asian Beef Burgers with a side of crispy bacon.
• Mix it into this creamy BLT Pasta Salad for a delightful dinner side or light main.
• Crumble it over baked potatoes or twice-baked potatoes for a comforting classic.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or fish to enhance the meal with its smoky notes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re loving the convenience and incredible results of air frying, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook much more than just bacon. Explore these other fantastic air fryer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new family favorites:

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken

  Achieve a perfectly juicy and tender whole chicken with incredibly crispy skin, all thanks to your air fryer.

• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  Say goodbye to deep-frying and hello to perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken wings, made healthier in your air fryer.

• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

  Get ready for bite-sized chicken perfection that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the oil of traditional frying.

PIN IT:

In conclusion, if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of crispy air fryer bacon, now is the time. Its unparalleled crispness, minimal mess, and incredibly simple cooking process make it the go-to method for bacon lovers everywhere. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, adding a savory crunch to your lunch, or elevating a dinner dish, air fryer bacon delivers on all fronts. Give it a try – you might just find your new favorite way to cook bacon!