Can you put bacon in air fryer?

Can you put bacon in air fryer? It’s a question that we frequently get in the group, and I have to say, if you have not cooked bacon in the air fryer, you are missing out. The result of the air fryer is crispy bacon, which is some of the crispiest bacon you have ever eaten. 

Cooking Bacon In Air Fryer

Ah, bacon—the crispy, savory delight that has captivated breakfast tables for generations. But did you know there’s a revolutionary way to perfect this beloved strip of goodness? Enter the Air Fryer: a game-changer in the world of crispy cooking. This incredible machine promises uniformly cooked bacon, with a fraction of the mess and a boost in flavor. Whether you’ve been a bacon enthusiast for years or are just diving into its crunchy charm, cooking bacon in the Air Fryer will elevate your culinary experience to a new level. Join us as we delve into the sizzling world of Air Fryer bacon.​

Why Cook Bacon In Air Fryer?

Cooking bacon in an Air Fryer offers several enticing advantages over traditional methods:

• Consistent Crispiness: The circulating hot air in the Air Fryer ensures that bacon cooks evenly, achieving that desirable crispy texture throughout every strip.
• Less Mess: Say goodbye to grease splatters all over your stovetop. The Air Fryer contains the grease effectively, making cleanup a breeze.
• Reduced Cooking Time: No need to watch over a skillet or wait for an oven to preheat; the Air Fryer cooks bacon faster, saving you time.
• Healthier Option: As the bacon cooks, excess fat drips away, resulting in a slightly leaner piece of bacon than pan-frying.
• Space for Creativity: The Air Fryer allows for easy experimentation. Want to add some brown sugar or maple syrup glaze? Go ahead! The Air Fryer can handle it.
• Safety: The chances of burns or other kitchen accidents are reduced without an open flame or sizzling pan.

In essence, the Air Fryer simplifies the bacon-cooking process, offers a healthier result, and delivers a deliciously crispy product every time. It’s a win-win for bacon lovers everywhere!

Ingredients Needed for Easy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Embracing the trend of Air Fryer cooking, this Easy Air Fryer Bacon recipe streamlines your breakfast prep with a touch of modern culinary magic. Using just a handful of essential ingredients, you can achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful bacon strips that delight any morning enthusiast.

Below, we’ll list the key ingredients needed to craft this Air Fryer delicacy, each bringing its unique touch to this timeless breakfast staple. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, having these ingredients on hand ensures a delectable outcome that’s sure to impress!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Bacon Strips: Opt for high-quality, thick-cut bacon for best results. The quality of the bacon slices you choose will directly impact the taste and texture of the final product. Some prefer applewood-smoked bacon for a slightly sweet, smoky flavor, while others might choose a more traditional, hickory-smoked variety.
• Black Pepper (optional): Freshly ground black pepper can add a little kick to your bacon. While bacon is inherently flavorful, sprinkling black pepper before air frying can elevate the taste and add a spicy twist.
• Brown Sugar (optional): If you prefer candied or sweetened bacon, a light sprinkle of brown sugar will give your bacon a sweet caramelized finish. Be cautious, as too much can cause the bacon to burn due to the sugar content.
• Maple Syrup (optional): For those who enjoy maple-flavored bacon, lightly brushing the bacon with pure maple syrup before air frying can impart a delightful sweetness that complements the savory nature of the meat.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give the bacon a spicy kick for those who like a little heat. The pepper’s heat contrasts nicely with the fatty richness of the bacon.

Note: While the optional ingredients provide additional flavors, the beauty of bacon lies in its inherent taste. Depending on your preferences, you can go simply with the bacon or jazz it up with additional flavorings.

How To Cook Bacon In Air Fryer

Ditch the traditional stovetop method and say goodbye to grease-splattered counters! Cooking bacon in the air fryer has revolutionized how we enjoy this breakfast staple. Not only does this method offer a cleaner and faster alternative, but it also ensures uniformly crispy bacon every single time. If you want to learn the technique that promises perfectly cooked bacon with minimal fuss and mess, read on and let the air fryer change your bacon-cooking game forever.

Preparation: Start by laying out your bacon strips. If your bacon strips are too long for your air fryer basket, you can fold them slightly or cut them in half.

Preheat the Air Fryer: While some models don’t require preheating, it’s generally a good practice. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Ensure they’re not overlapping, so each strip cooks evenly.

Cooking Time: Cook the bacon at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the thickness of your bacon and your specific air fryer model. For extra crispy bacon, you might want to cook it a little longer.

Check and Flip: Halfway through the cook time, around the 4-5 minute mark, open the air fryer basket and flip each bacon strip using kitchen tongs. This ensures even cooking on both sides.

Monitor for Desired Crispness: Monitor the bacon in the last few minutes. This will prevent overcooking and allow you to reach your preferred level of crispness.

Remove and Drain: Once cooked to your liking, remove the bacon strips from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to drain any excess grease and keeps your bacon crispy.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and crisp. Whether it’s with eggs, toast, or a stack of pancakes, there’s nothing like perfectly cooked bacon to start your day.

Note: Air fryer models can vary, so referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal cooking times and temperatures is good. Remember, the first time you make bacon in the air fryer might be a bit of an experiment, but once you’ve nailed down the perfect time and temperature for your liking, it’ll be a breeze in the future!

Pro Tips For Air Fried Bacon

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• Type of Bacon: Thicker cuts of bacon might need a couple of extra minutes to cook compared to thinner cuts. Always watch the bacon to achieve your preferred level of crispness. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than thin strips of bacon. 
• No Overlapping: It’s tempting to cram as much bacon as possible into the air fryer, but avoid overlapping. This ensures even cooking and prevents the strips from sticking together.
• Shake it Up: Every few minutes, pull out the drawer and gently shake it or use tongs to rearrange the bacon. This promotes even cooking and reduces the chance of certain parts overcooking.
• Drip Tray: Ensure your drip tray is clean before cooking. As the bacon cooks, it releases grease, which will drop into the tray. A clean tray prevents smoking and any potential flare-ups.
• Check Frequently: The last couple of minutes can be crucial in getting the right level of crispness. Especially if it’s your first time with a specific thickness or brand of bacon, check often to avoid overcooking. Air Fryers are all slightly different. Therefore your cooking time will vary by a few minutes. 
• Safety First: Bacon grease is hot! Always be cautious when removing the bacon or the drip tray from the air fryer. Using tongs can help in safely handling hot bacon.
• Storage of Grease: Instead of disposing of the bacon grease, you can store it in a jar and use it for cooking. It adds a great flavor to dishes!
• Optimal Temperature: While 350°F (175°C) is a good starting point, some people swear by cooking bacon at a lower temperature for a longer period, such as 325°F (163°C) for 12-15 minutes. This can result in evenly crispy and flat bacon strips.
• Cooling: Once you remove the bacon from the air fryer, laying them flat on a paper towel helps absorb the extra grease and lets them crisp up a bit more as they cool.
• Variety: Spice things up by adding black pepper, brown sugar, or a light maple syrup glaze to the bacon before cooking. Just be cautious with sugary substances as they can burn quickly.

With these pro tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to achieving bacon perfection with your air fryer!

Why Does My Air Fryer Smoke When Cooking Bacon –Guide To Air Frying Bacon

The occurrence of smoke when cooking bacon in an air fryer is not uncommon and is primarily due to the high-fat content of bacon. Here’s a breakdown of why it happens and how to minimize it:

• Fat Rendering: As bacon cooks, it releases fat. In traditional pans, this fat pools around the bacon, but in an air fryer, the hot air circulates this rendered fat, causing it to vaporize and occasionally produce smoke.
• Drip Pan Overflows: If you’re cooking a lot of bacon or back-to-back batches without emptying the drip tray, the accumulated fat can get hot enough to produce smoke.
• Previous Residue: If food residues or leftover oils are in the air fryer from previous uses, they can burn and produce smoke when used again.
• High-Fat Content: Not all bacon is created equal. Some cuts or brands of bacon might have higher fat content than others. The more fat there is to render out, the higher the possibility of producing smoke.

Tips to Minimize Smoking When Cooking Bacon In Air Fryer

• Clean the Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is clean before cooking. Remove any old food residues or oils to prevent them from burning and producing smoke.
• Use a Bread Trick: Place a slice or two of bread in the bottom of the air fryer (below the basket) to absorb some dripping fat. This can help minimize the amount of fat that gets vaporized. You can also add a little water into the air fryer basket eliminating the smoke point of bacon fat.
• Check the Drip Pan: After cooking a batch or halfway through cooking a large amount, check the drip pan and pour off excess fat to prevent it from overheating and smoking.
• Reduce Temperature: Consider reducing the cooking temperature slightly. While this might increase the cooking time, it can help reduce the heat’s intensity on the rendered fat.
• Good Ventilation: Always ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated when using the air fryer, especially when cooking high-fat foods. This can help clear any smoke faster.

Remember, a little smoke now and then is normal, especially with fatty foods. But by following these tips, you can minimize it and enjoy your bacon without setting off the smoke detector.

FAQ’s Air Fry Bacon

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How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?

Typically, bacon takes about 8-12 minutes in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C), depending on its thickness and how crispy you prefer it. 

Do I need to use oil when cooking bacon in an air fryer?

No, bacon has its fat that will render as it cooks, eliminating the need for additional oil.

Can I stack bacon in the air fryer?

It’s best not to stack bacon as overlapping can prevent even cooking. Lay the strips out in a single layer for optimal results.

Will the bacon smoke or cause my air fryer to smoke?

If the drip tray is clean and you don’t overcrowd the air fryer, it shouldn’t smoke. However, the high-fat content in bacon might cause occasional smoking. Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

How do I clean my air fryer after cooking bacon?

Allow the air fryer to cool, then remove the basket and drip tray. Discard the grease from the tray and wash both parts with warm soapy water. Some air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe as well. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup, or line the basket’s bottom with aluminum foil. 

Is air-fried bacon healthier?

Air frying bacon can be a healthier option because the excess fat drips away into the tray, reducing the fat on the finished bacon.

Can I cook turkey bacon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Turkey bacon might take slightly longer to cook, usually a bit less than regular bacon. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Why is my bacon not crispy?

It might not have been cooked long enough, or the air fryer could have been overcrowded. Lay the bacon out in a single layer and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Can I save the bacon grease?

Absolutely! Bacon grease can be stored in a jar and used for cooking to add flavor to other dishes.

How to store leftover bacon

Let the bacon strips cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container. The bacon will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. 

Is cooking bacon in an air fryer faster than on a stovetop?

While the cooking time might be similar, the air fryer requires less attention and hands-on time than stovetop frying. Plus, there’s no splattering of grease in the air fryer.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Instant Pot Cheesecake
• Air Fryer French Onion Chicken
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer French Fries