The Ultimate Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Bacon is a culinary revelation, transforming an everyday breakfast staple into an effortlessly crisp, perfectly cooked treat with minimal fuss. Forget the stovetop splatter and oven-baked unevenness; this method delivers consistently delicious results every time. Whether you’re craving crispy strips for your morning plate, a savory addition to sandwiches, or a versatile ingredient for countless recipes, air fryer bacon makes it quicker, cleaner, and even a touch healthier.

For many, the enticing aroma of sizzling bacon is the ultimate wake-up call. I confess, I’m not always a morning person, but the promise of perfectly crispy bacon has a magical way of getting me out of bed. If you, like me, believe bacon should be shatteringly crisp yet tender, then air fryer bacon is about to become your new favorite way to prepare this breakfast classic. It’s a game-changer for crispy bacon lovers, offering a foolproof path to that irresistible crunch without the usual mess and monitoring.

Contents

The Air Fryer Bacon Revolution: Crispy Perfection in Minutes

Imagine enjoying perfectly cooked bacon without the constant attention of a hot skillet or the lengthy preheating of an oven. The air fryer makes this dream a reality. This ingenious kitchen appliance circulates hot air around the bacon, cooking it evenly from all sides and rendering fat away, resulting in crispy strips in a fraction of the time. You no longer have to stand over the stove, flipping each slice, or deal with splattered grease all over your countertop. Air-fried bacon is a true one-stop solution, delivering mouthwatering results in often under ten minutes.

This method is as simple as making toast, yet yields a gourmet-quality result. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you want to elevate a simple meal with that unmistakable bacon flavor. If you’ve enjoyed other air fryer delights, from toasted ravioli to crispy Brussels sprouts, prepare to add bacon to your list of favorite air-fried foods. The convenience and superior texture will make you wonder how you ever cooked bacon any other way.

Beyond the Hype: Why Air-Fried Bacon Stands Out

When air fryers first emerged on the market a decade ago, they were met with immense excitement, and for good reason. These versatile appliances have since become a kitchen staple, inspiring countless creative recipes. Among the myriad uses, making bacon in the air fryer is arguably one of the most brilliant applications. Not only are your crispy bacon strips ready in mere minutes, but this method also offers a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying or even oven-baking. As the hot air circulates, much of the excess fat drips away into the basket, rather than being reabsorbed by the bacon, leading to a less greasy and lighter final product.

Beyond the health benefits, the air fryer guarantees an unparalleled texture. Each strip cooks to an ideal crispness, with a beautiful golden-brown hue and a satisfying crunch that’s hard to achieve with other methods. It’s truly a testament to the air fryer’s ability to consistently deliver outstanding results with minimal effort.

Bacon: The Ultimate Flavor Enhancer in Any Dish

Who doesn’t adore bacon? Its smoky, savory, and salty notes have a magical way of making almost any dish better. From hearty breakfast plates to elegant dinner recipes, bacon is a beloved ingredient around the globe. On my website, you’ll find an abundance of bacon recipes, ranging from refreshing salads to comforting mac and cheese, and even gourmet burgers. Bacon simply elevates every meal it touches.

Take, for instance, those delectable bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts pictured above – a dish so enticing, I could easily devour the entire plate myself! Wrapping food in bacon is always a special treat, infusing incredible flavor and texture. Don’t miss out on other fantastic bacon-wrapped creations like pork ribs, succulent chicken, and savory brats. The possibilities are endless when bacon is involved!

Why You’ll Adore Crispy Air-Fried Bacon

While bacon often takes center stage at breakfast, let’s be honest: its appeal extends far beyond the morning meal. Imagine a classic BLT for a satisfying lunch, or scattering crispy bacon bits over a refreshing wedge salad for dinner. I personally incorporate bacon into countless dishes, even unexpected ones like meatloaf!

Bacon undeniably makes everything better, and you can truly never have too much, can you? The convenience of air-frying means you can prepare a batch of these crispy bacon pieces ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and you’ll have instant flavor boosters ready to enhance your favorite recipes throughout the week. The beauty of bacon is its inherent deliciousness; it requires no special prep or seasonings. Its natural saltiness and rich, fatty flavor are all it needs to shine.

Simply arrange the raw bacon in your air fryer basket, and in mere minutes, you’ll be rewarded with the crispiest, most flavorful bacon. Plus, this air fryer method is remarkably less messy than pan-frying, simplifying cleanup significantly. Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and hello to effortless, delicious bacon!

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

Making delicious bacon in your air fryer requires just two simple ingredients. For the full, printable recipe with precise measurements and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Bacon: The undisputed star of our show! Choose your preferred thickness and cut for optimal results.
Water: A small splash of water in the air fryer basket helps minimize smoke and can contribute to a more tender texture while still achieving crispiness.

How to Make This Easy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Achieving perfectly crispy bacon in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time.

STEP ONE: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, add a small splash of water to the very bottom of the air fryer basket or drip pan. This helps to reduce smoke as the bacon fat renders.

STEP TWO: Once preheated, carefully arrange your bacon slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between slices for proper air circulation; avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crisp results. If cooking a larger quantity, work in batches.

STEP THREE: Air fry for approximately eight to ten minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and bacon thickness, so keep an eye on it, especially during your first batch. Once perfectly crispy, carefully remove the bacon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

STORING LEFTOVER BACON:

Refrigerator Storage: Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, cooked bacon can be frozen. Place cooled bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for two to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds (start with 30 and add more time if needed), being careful not to overcook it and make it tough. You can also briefly reheat it in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes for a crispier result.

Love It? Pin It!

If you’re as excited about this CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON RECIPE as we are, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it next time you’re craving perfect bacon!

FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon

How long should I cook bacon in the air fryer? The ideal cooking time depends largely on the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispiness. For a chewier, softer bacon, cook regular-cut slices at 350°F (175°C) for about seven minutes. For perfectly crispy, regular-cut bacon, follow this recipe’s recommendation of eight to ten minutes. Thicker-cut bacon will require an additional two to three minutes (e.g., 9 minutes for soft and chewy, 11 minutes for crispy). Thin bacon will cook much faster, so monitor it closely and reduce cook time accordingly to prevent overcooking. Be mindful not to overcook, as excessively done bacon can develop a bitter taste.
Do I need to flip raw bacon in an air fryer? No, one of the greatest advantages of using an air fryer for bacon is that there’s typically no need to flip it halfway through! The circulating hot air within the air fryer basket ensures that the bacon cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a uniformly crisp and perfectly cooked strip without any manual intervention. This truly makes air-frying bacon a hands-off experience.
Is it healthier to air fry bacon? Yes, air-frying bacon can be significantly healthier compared to cooking it on a stovetop or in the oven. The design of the air fryer allows a substantial amount of rendered fat to drip away into the collection basket below the perforated cooking basket. This means the bacon doesn’t sit and soak in its own grease, as often happens in a frying pan or on a baking sheet. Furthermore, this recipe requires no additional oil, relying solely on the bacon’s natural fats for cooking. For an even lighter result, you can always pat the cooked bacon dry with a paper towel to remove any residual surface oil.
Do you need to add oil to bacon in the air fryer? No, there is absolutely no need to use oil when cooking bacon in the air fryer. Bacon is inherently rich in fat, which renders out as it cooks, providing all the necessary lubrication to prevent sticking and achieve a crisp texture. While some might consider a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking, a small splash of water in the bottom of the air fryer basket is usually sufficient for this purpose, and it also helps to minimize smoke production during cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

Bacon Alternatives: While classic pork bacon is irresistible, there are indeed alternatives if you’re looking for different flavor profiles or dietary options. For a healthier choice with less excess fat, consider using plant-based bacon alternatives or turkey bacon. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly for these options. This recipe also works wonderfully with prosciutto, which is a thinner, saltier cured meat with a similar texture to bacon when crisped. Its delicate nature might require a slightly shorter cooking time.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Bacon

Line Your Basket for Easy Cleanup: To make cleanup even simpler and contain rendered bacon grease, you can line the bottom of your air fryer basket with a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Ensure the liner is secure and doesn’t impede air circulation or touch the heating element. You can also buy specially designed air fryer liners.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer: If you choose not to use liners, cleaning your air fryer is still straightforward. Once the appliance has completely cooled, remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water. For stubborn grease, a non-abrasive sponge and a little elbow grease usually do the trick.
Flavor Enhancements: While bacon is delicious on its own, you can easily “doctor up” your bacon slices to match your flavor preferences. Before air frying, lightly brush the bacon with maple syrup or honey for a sweet and savory kick. A sprinkle of brown sugar will caramelize beautifully. For a tangy twist, a touch of balsamic vinegar before cooking can create a unique glazed bacon. A dash of black pepper adds a pleasant warmth.

Click here for my Air Fryer Printable Cheat Sheet!

More Amazing Air Fryer Recipes to Love

Once you fall in love with your air fryer, you’ll want to explore all the possibilities! Here are some other fantastic air fryer recipes to try:

Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls
Apple Pie Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Wonton Chips
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

This crispy, warm, salty treat is incredibly versatile – perfect as a side for breakfast, crumbled into salads, layered in a BLT, or simply enjoyed on its own. Air fryer bacon is undeniably the best bacon you’ll ever make, and it’s so easy, you’ll never want to cook it any other way!

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Freshly cooked air fryer bacon in the air fryer basket

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Print Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Bacon made quickly, easily and more healthy. Crisp, and perfectly cooked for breakfast and sandwiches.

Prep Time:
1 min

Cook Time:
8-10 mins

Total Time:
9-11 mins

Course: Air Fryer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried bacon, Air Fryer Bacon, air fryer breakfast, air frying bacon, bacon in air fryer, bacon in less time, bacon in minutes, bacon recipe, crispy bacon in air fryer, crispy bacon strips, easy bacon recipe, quick bacon cooking

Servings: 4

Calories: 135 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

4 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs
Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT

Ingredients

8 – 10 slices bacon
Water (a splash for the bottom of the air fryer)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and add a splash of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to reduce smoke.
Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer bacon!

Nutrition