Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Crispy, Mess-Free Air Fryer Bacon Recipe For Breakfast Bliss

Crispy, golden bacon transforms any ordinary morning into a delightful culinary experience when you master this air fryer bacon recipe.

The method guarantees perfectly cooked strips without the messy stovetop splatter.

bacon lovers will adore how quickly this technique delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Each slice emerges deliciously crisp and evenly cooked, with minimal effort required.

The air fryer works its magic, rendering fat and creating that irresistible crunch we all crave.

No more standing over a hot pan or dealing with grease burns.

You’ll be amazed at how simple and foolproof this technique can be.

Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with these mouthwatering, perfectly cooked bacon strips that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing Air Fryer Bacon for Meals

  • – Refrigerate Store leftover bacon in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • – Freeze Pack cooled bacon in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen bacon stays fresh for 1-2 months.
  • – Reheat Warm refrigerated bacon in air fryer at 350F for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Microwave works too, but may reduce crispness.
  • – Prevent Soggy Wrap cooled bacon in paper towels before storing to absorb extra moisture and maintain crispy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?

No, always thaw bacon completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

  • How much bacon can I cook at once?

Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between bacon slices for crispy results. Typically 4-6 slices work best depending on air fryer size.

  • Do I need to flip bacon while cooking?

Yes, gently flip bacon halfway through cooking time to ensure even crispness on both sides. Use tongs for best results.

  • What if my bacon is still not crispy enough?

If you prefer extra crispy bacon, add 1-2 minutes to cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as air fryers cook quickly.

Air Fryer Bacon Crispy Enjoyment

  • Quickly Cook Bacon: Air fryer method delivers crispy, perfectly cooked bacon with minimal effort and maximum flavor in just minutes.
  • Zero Mess Solution: Eliminates splattering grease and complicated stovetop cooking, making cleanup a breeze with simple paper towel draining.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Flexible cooking times allow you to achieve your ideal bacon texture, from slightly chewy to extra crispy, suiting every preference.
  • Versatile Kitchen Hack: Perfect for busy mornings, weekend breakfasts, meal prep, and adding delicious protein to salads, sandwiches, and countless dishes.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

Main Ingredient:
  • Bacon: A savory, fatty meat strip that provides the primary flavor and crispy texture for this air fryer recipe.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Paper Towels: Helps absorb excess grease from the cooked bacon, ensuring a less oily final result.
Kitchen Tools:
  • Air Fryer: An efficient appliance that circulates hot air to cook bacon quickly and evenly with minimal added oil.

Cooking Bacon in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Warm Up The Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 350°F.

Let it heat up for about 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for perfect bacon cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Bacon Pieces

Take your bacon strips and gently place them in the air fryer basket.

If the bacon strips are too long, feel free to cut them in half.

You can also fold the ends slightly up the sides of the basket to help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook To Crispy Perfection

Air fry different types of bacon with these timing guidelines:
  • Regular bacon: 8-10 minutes
  • Half slices: 7-9 minutes
  • Thick-cut bacon: 9-12 minutes

Keep an eye on the bacon and cook until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness.

Cooking times might vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model.

Step 4: Remove And Drain

Carefully remove the bacon from the air fryer basket using tongs.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

The paper towels will help absorb any extra grease, giving you deliciously crisp bacon.

Step 5: Clean Up

Allow the air fryer basket to cool down before cleaning.

Wipe away any bacon grease for easy maintenance.

Pro Tips for Bacon in the Air Fryer

  • Keep bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Pause air fryer halfway through cooking to rearrange bacon and prevent sticking or uneven browning.
  • Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch grease and make cleanup easier.
  • Thick-cut bacon requires slightly longer cooking time, so watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Collect the drippings in a heat-safe container for adding flavor to future cooking projects.

Ways to Change Up Air Fryer Bacon

  • Oven-Baked Bacon: Preheat oven to 400F, line baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange bacon slices, bake 15-20 minutes until crispy.
  • Turkey Bacon Variation: Cook turkey bacon in air fryer at 350F for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispness.
  • Herb-Infused Bacon: Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, or black pepper on bacon before air frying for extra flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Choose reduced-sodium bacon or pat bacon with paper towel to remove excess salt before cooking.

Serving Air Fryer Bacon at Breakfast

  • Breakfast Bliss: Serve crispy bacon alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and golden toast for a classic morning feast.
  • Salad Sensation: Crumble cooled bacon over fresh green salads to add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that elevates your greens.
  • Sandwich Upgrade: Layer these perfectly cooked bacon strips into club sandwiches, burgers, or wrap them in lettuce for a protein-packed lunch treat.
  • Appetizer Twist: Wrap bacon around small cheese-stuffed jalapeños or dates for elegant party bites that will impress your guests.
Print
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Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon elevates breakfast with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Sizzling strips of perfectly cooked bacon emerge golden and irresistible, making you crave another bite before the first one ends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 45 slices bacon

Cooking Equipment:

  • 1 air fryer

Note: No additional ingredients needed beyond bacon for this recipe.


Instructions

  1. Prepare the air fryer by setting the temperature to 350°F and allowing it to warm up for 3 minutes.
  2. Carefully lay bacon strips in the air fryer basket, trimming or folding pieces as needed to fit without overcrowding.
  3. Cook regular bacon for 8-10 minutes, adjusting time for half slices (7-9 minutes) or thick-cut bacon (9-12 minutes).
  4. Monitor the cooking process, ensuring bacon reaches desired level of crispness without burning.
  5. Once cooked, transfer bacon to a layer of paper towels to absorb excess grease and allow slight cooling.
  6. Gently pat the top of the bacon with additional paper towels to remove any remaining oil before serving.

Notes

  • For minimal splatter, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil before cooking bacon.
  • Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results; bacon slices should not overlap.
  • For leaner bacon, choose center-cut varieties which have less fat and produce less grease during cooking.
  • Clean the air fryer immediately after cooking to prevent grease buildup and maintain optimal performance.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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