Air Fryer Bacon is one of the easiest air fryer recipes to make. And, you get delicious bacon with minimal cleanup. This means makin' bacon just got a whole lot easier!
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I have cooked bacon many different ways in the past. From stove top, to oven baking, and air frying.
As of late, my favorite cooking method has been air fried bacon. It takes less time to cook and is the best bacon! And, I can cook just a few strips for myself in a matter of minutes.
❤️ Why you'll love it
Crispy bacon: the air fryer method will be your new favorite way to cook perfectly browned crispy bacon that melts in your mouth!
Easy cleanup: because you are cooking the bacon in a contained space, you have less mess to clean up.
Short cook time: hot air circulating around the bacon slices gives you the crispiest bacon in a fraction of the cook time.
🥘 Ingredients
Bacon: instructions for this air fryer recipe is specific to thick-cut bacon. When using different types of bacon, depending on the thickness of the bacon, cooking time will vary.
🔪 Instructions
- Place bacon strips in the air fryer tray in a single layer.
- Place tray of bacon on the bottom rack of the air fryer.
- Cook in air fryer at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Pull out tray and using tongs, turn bacon pieces over.
- Return bacon to the air fryer and continue cooking at 400 degrees for 2 minutes, until bacon is golden brown.
- Remove strips of bacon from the air fryer and place on paper towel lined plate to allow extra grease to absorb.
🥄 Equipment
Air fryer: there are basically two types of air fryers that I have used to make bacon. The basket air fryer and the tray air fryer. My personal preference is the tray air fryer because the tray can be placed in the bottom of the air fryer with another tray just above it preventing the air from blowing the bacon slices around on the tray.
Tongs: used to flip the bacon and remove it from the air fryer.
Paper towels: used to soak up any excess grease on the bacon strips.
🥫Storage
Refrigerate: store leftover bacon in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
Freeze: store cooked bacon in an airtight ziploc baggie up to 3 months.
Reheat: to reheat cooked bacon
📖 Bacon Cook Time
Depending on the type of bacon you are air frying, cooking times will vary. Below is a guide for each type of cut cooked at 400 degrees f on the bottom rack.
- Thick cut bacon: 10 minutes, flip and cook 2 minutes longer.
- Regular cut bacon (considered thin bacon): cook 5 minutes, flip and cook 1 minute longer.
- Turkey bacon: cook 5 minutes, flip and cook 1 minute longer.
- For softer less crispy bacon, cook 2 minutes less.
💭 Tips
Below are some times I've found to be helpful along the way as I have cooking bacon in the air fryer.
- Line the bottom tray of the air fryer (or air fryer basket) with foil to catch the bacon grease. If disposing of the fat, just fold it up in the foil and place in the trasy. If storing, transfer to an airtight glass jar.
- Place another air fryer tray on the next level above the rack with bacon. This will help keep the bacon in place as it cooks and the circulating air will not blow the bacon around.
- Use the air fryer near the stovetop so you can run the exhaust fan while cooking the bacon. This will prevent smoke from setting off any alarms when opening the air fryer.
- Once solidified, the grease can be dumped in the trash or stored in the fridge. Bacon grease is great for frying eggs, making home fries, or any food you would like to add the smoky bacon flavor to.
🙋 FAQ's
It will depend on the air fryer you own. Check your user manual to see what preheat recommendations are. I own a pampered chef air fryer and it does not require preheating.
I have seen many people cook at temperatures ranging from 350 to 365 degrees f. In my Pampered Chef tray air fryer I cook it at 400 degrees f on the bottom rack only.
Transfer the grease from the air fryer tray or basket to a glass jar (if storing for later use) or dispose of the grease (once cooled) into the trash. To clean the air fryer, remove the trays and wash in hot soapy water. Then wipe the inside of the cooled air fryer with a soapy sponge, and wipe dry with a wet cloth.
Be sure to set the air fryer as close to the stove vent and run the vent while cooking the bacon. The vent should help draw any smoke from the air fryer out of the room. If making more than one batch of bacon, empty the bacon grease from the basket or tray between each batch.
📚 Related Recipes
Mom's Buttermilk Donuts are the best donuts!
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are so fluffy and delicious.
Making pork chops in the air fryer is super easy and they are juicy and tender!
Make your next side dish in the air fryer with these Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are pure comfort food the whole family will love.
If you love air fryer recipes, check out 57 Easy Air Fryer Recipes - Appetizers to Dessert.
🍽 Serve with..
Serve bacon with a side of eggs and toast. It also goes great with pancakes or french toast, on sandwiches and even in sweet desserts (like these Maple Bacon Breakfast Rolls!)
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When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Bacon
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon
Instructions
- Place bacon strips in the air fryer tray in a single layer.
- Place tray of bacon on the bottom rack of the air fryer. Cook in air fryer at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Pull out tray and using tongs, turn bacon pieces over.
- Return bacon to the air fryer and continue cooking at 400 degrees for 1 minute, until bacon is golden brown.
- Remove strips of bacon from the air fryer and place on paper towel lined plate to allow extra grease to absorb.
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