Air Fryer Bacon - Using an air fryer makes the most perfect, crispy bacon. And it's SO easy!!
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BACON, BACON, BACON, BACON, IT'S BACON!! Oh my gosh, have you ever seen those old commercials for Beggin' Strips? They crack me up. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just search for "It's Beggin' Time" on YouTube sometime.
And yes, today we're making bacon in the air fryer. If you've never used your air fryer to make bacon, you're missing out. I always thought that baking bacon in the oven was the best thing ever.
But I was wrong.
Using an air fryer to make bacon is so convenient, especially when you're making eggs or pancakes on the griddle, have bread in the toaster and are trying to set the table for breakfast all at the same time.
Prepping the Air Fryer
The first thing I like to do is put a bit of water in the bottom of my air fryer. Sometimes air frying foods like bacon can produce more "smoke" than you're used to seeing come out of your air fryer.
The water can help minimize that.
You're going to want to cook the bacon in a couple batches. Try not to overlap the pieces too much. The goal is to lay them out even and flat in your air fryer basket.
I also use thick bacon rather than regular. I just think the slices are easier to handle and don't tear as easily either.
Batten Down the Bacon
Each fryer is a little different, but there's a possibility the bacon is going to move around a bit during the air frying process.
If you see that happening (make sure you peek in and check on the bacon after five minutes or so to see how it's coming along), you could always flip an air fryer rack upside down and place it on top of the bacon to hold it down. I've done that before, too.
Bacon should only take about 5-8 minutes to cook depending on how crispy you like it.
Our family likes our bacon "in between" - so, a little crispy and a little chewy. The results we've gotten with the air fryer have never been disappointing!
Beyond breakfast, I often use the air fryer to make bacon when I'm making pasta salads, lettuce salads and even burgers. It allows me to focus on the main course while the air fryer just does its job.
I mean, look at that bacon perfection. Go ahead, take a big bite! Let me know in the comments how your bacon turns out!
IN SEARCH OF MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES?
- Easy Air Fryer Burgers
- 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken
- Easy Baked Potatoes
- Pork Chops
- Brussels Sprouts
- Pot Roast
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- Thick cut bacon (as much as you'd like to make)
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of the air fryer ¼ of the way full with water.
- Place a single layer of bacon in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat air fryer to 400º Fahrenheit and cook for 5-8 minutes.
- Check the bacon periodically while cooking to achieve the amount of crispness you prefer.
Notes
- Water for Smoke Reduction: Adding water to the bottom of the air fryer helps reduce smoke and prevents the bacon fat from splattering and burning, resulting in a cleaner cooking process. Ensure the water level is just enough to cover the bottom of the air fryer basket without touching the bacon.
- Single Layer for Even Cooking: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Overlapping bacon slices can prevent proper air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked bacon. If needed, cook the bacon in batches to maintain a single layer.
- Customized Crispiness: Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks and check its crispness periodically, especially toward the end of the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and personal preference for crispiness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired level of crispness, whether you prefer your bacon slightly chewy or extra crispy.
Haley
Air fryer bacon is so good.
Joachim Rietmann
Rather cold where you are. Here on the southern tip of Africa (South Africa) it is really comfortable beach weather. I bet you would like to be here now.
I'm enjoying your blog- recently purchased an Air Fr. Now I know how to use this app for lovely cripy bacon! Thanks a lot. Keep it up.
Sara
It's been SO cold, but it's warming up. I would love to feel the warmth of South Africa right about now! I'm so glad you're finding some recipes you like on the blog. Stay tuned. . .I have more air fryer fun coming! Take care!
Lana Gunia
Hot recipe for beckon. Next time I will try this!!