Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a game-changer. Say goodbye to the mess of grease splatters on the stovetop and the hassle of cleaning up afterward. With this method, your bacon always perfectly crispy and without smoking up the whole house. It’s quick, easy, and delivers consistently delicious results.
1. Best Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices of bacon (thick-cut or regular, depending on your preference)
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results.
Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the Bacon:
- For regular-cut bacon, cook for 7-9 minutes.
- For thick-cut bacon, cook for 9-12 minutes.
Check for Doneness: Open the air fryer around the halfway mark to flip the slices for even crispiness. Adjust the time slightly based on your preference for crisp or chewy bacon.
Drain Excess Grease: Once the bacon is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
This method ensures your bacon is golden, crispy, and full of flavor without the hassle of hovering over the stove.
2. Tips for Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer
Start with a Clean Air Fryer: Grease buildup from previous uses can cause smoking. Always wipe down the basket and tray before cooking.
Use the Right Temperature: Cooking at 375°F strikes the perfect balance. Lower temperatures can leave bacon soggy, while higher ones risk burning and smoking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Air circulation is key to even cooking. Overlapping slices will result in unevenly cooked bacon.
Catch the Grease: Place a small amount of water in the bottom tray of your air fryer. This prevents grease from smoking while cooking.
Keep an Eye on It: Air fryers cook quickly, so check your bacon a minute or two before the suggested time. This helps you avoid overcooking.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy bacon every time without worrying about a smoky kitchen.
3. What To Do With Bacon Grease?
Bacon grease can be used in place of oil/butter in a variety of dishes to add a rich flavor. It is completely safe to cook with bacon grease owing to its high smoke feature. You can use it to fry veggies, prepare eggs, or braise meat. It tastes delicious in pasta salad and creamed corn!
If you want store bacon grease. Place a fine-mesh sieve on top of a glass jar. Line the sieve with a cheesecloth/ paper towel. Then, pour the bacon grease (left on the baking sheet after removing the baked bacon strips) through the lined sieve. Collect the grease from the jar, store it on the kitchen top, and use it as desired.
4. What To Do With Air Fried Bacon
Breakfast Classic: Serve it alongside eggs, toast, and hash browns for a traditional morning meal.
Bacon-Wrapped Delights: Use it to wrap asparagus, shrimp, or even chicken breasts for a savory twist.
Salad Upgrade: Crumble the bacon over your favorite salad for added crunch and flavor.
Burger Topping: Add crispy bacon to burgers or sandwiches for a smoky, savory kick.
Bacon Bits: Chop it into small pieces and sprinkle it on baked potatoes, soups, or mac and cheese.
Snack Time: Enjoy it on its own as a simple, crispy snack.
No matter how you use it, air-fried bacon elevates any dish with its perfect texture and irresistible taste.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a foolproof way to enjoy one of breakfast’s greatest indulgences. With minimal effort and maximum results, this method will quickly become your go-to for smoky, crispy bacon—without the smoke. Give it a try and discover a better way to enjoy this beloved classic!
