Air Fryer Bacon Recipe: Air frying is known for significantly reducing the fat content in many traditionally fried foods—and bacon is no exception. When cooked in an air fryer, the excess fat drips away from the bacon strips and collects at the bottom of the basket. This means you still get that satisfying crunch and savory flavor without all the grease.
Traditional pan-frying forces bacon to sit in its rendered fat, reabsorbing oils as it cooks. With an air fryer, you’re essentially using hot circulating air to crisp the bacon, similar to a convection oven but in a more compact and efficient setup. This method cuts down on calories and saturated fat, making your breakfast or bacon-topped meal just a bit healthier.
Less Mess, More Convenience
Let’s be honest—cleaning up after cooking bacon on a stovetop is a nightmare. Grease splatters, paper towels everywhere, and the lingering smell of fried fat for hours. With an air fryer, cleanup is as simple as removing the basket and giving it a quick rinse or wash. Some air fryer baskets are even dishwasher-safe.
Additionally, there’s no need to babysit the bacon like you would on the stove. No more flipping every few minutes or worrying about uneven cooking. Just set it, check it once or twice, and let the air fryer do the hard work.
Ingredients Needed
Best Type of Bacon for Air Frying
Not all bacon is created equal—especially when it comes to air frying. While you can technically use any kind, here are your best options:
- Regular-cut bacon: The most common and usually the fastest to cook in an air fryer.
- Thick-cut bacon: Takes longer but comes out meaty and rich. Best if you like chewy bacon.
- Turkey bacon: A leaner alternative that air fries beautifully with fewer calories.
Stick with high-quality brands for the best results. Avoid bacon with too much added sugar or maple flavoring unless you’re okay with a slightly sticky air fryer basket.
Optional Seasonings or Additions
If you want to level up your bacon game, try sprinkling on any of these before cooking:
- Black pepper or chili flakes for a little heat
- Brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo
- Paprika or garlic powder for a smoky depth
Pro tip: Always season lightly—air frying intensifies flavor, and you don’t want to overpower the bacon’s natural goodness.
Equipment You’ll Need
Choosing the Right Air Fryer
Most air fryers will handle bacon like a champ, but here are a few considerations:
- Basket-style air fryers: Best for crisping multiple strips at once.
- Oven-style air fryers: Great for large batches or thick-cut bacon, with better circulation and space.
- Dual-basket air fryers: Ideal if you’re cooking bacon and eggs or two batches at different doneness levels.
Choose an air fryer with a non-stick or easy-to-clean basket. Wattage and basket size will influence how many strips you can cook per batch.
Additional Tools for Best Results
To make your bacon even better, keep these tools handy:
- Tongs: For flipping the bacon halfway through.
- Paper towels: To drain excess grease after cooking.
- Bacon rack or tray insert: Optional, but helps elevate the bacon and reduce grease contact.
Preparing Bacon for the Air Fryer
Properly Slicing or Arranging Bacon
You don’t need to slice your bacon unless you’re customizing portions or making bacon bits. Instead, focus on arranging it properly:
- Lay strips flat in a single layer
- Do not overlap (or they’ll stick and cook unevenly)
- For small air fryers, you may need to cut strips in half
Avoid crowding the basket. If necessary, cook in batches for consistent crispiness.
Tips to Avoid Smoke or Splatter
While air frying is cleaner, bacon can still create smoke. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer (not the basket) to reduce grease smoke
- Line the bottom with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner
- Don’t use aluminum foil unless your air fryer manual says it’s safe
These little tricks can make a big difference in how your kitchen smells post-bacon session.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
While some air fryers preheat automatically, it’s a good idea to manually preheat it for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This helps start crisping the bacon as soon as it hits the basket.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon Slices
Carefully place the bacon in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t stack or fold the pieces unless your goal is extra-thick, chewy bacon.
Step 3: Cook at the Right Temperature
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for cooking bacon to crispy perfection without burning it. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature slightly to 325°F.
Step 4: Check and Flip for Even Cooking
Halfway through (around 5 minutes), open the basket and flip the bacon. This ensures even crispiness on both sides. Adjust based on your personal crispiness preference.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done (typically 8–10 minutes total for regular bacon), place the strips on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let them rest for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time and Temperature Guide
For Regular, Thick-Cut, and Turkey Bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer varies slightly depending on the type and thickness of the bacon. Here’s a quick guide to help you get it just right:
| Type of Bacon | Temperature | Cook Time | Texture Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular-cut | 350°F (175°C) | 8–10 mins | Crisp with slightly chewy |
| Thick-cut | 350°F (175°C) | 10–12 mins | Crispy edges, chewy center |
| Turkey bacon | 350°F (175°C) | 7–9 mins | Crisp, leaner |
Keep in mind that all air fryers vary slightly in power and heat distribution. For the first time, check the bacon around the 6-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook. From there, you’ll know the sweet spot for your specific model.
Tip: If you prefer ultra-crispy bacon, you can add 1–2 minutes more, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for Crispy Bacon Every Time
Want bacon that snaps with every bite? Here are some pro-level tips:
- Preheat your air fryer before placing bacon inside. A hot basket means quicker cooking and crispier results.
- Use a rack if you have one. It elevates the bacon and allows heat to circulate fully around the strips.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Too many slices will trap moisture and lead to soggy bacon.
- After cooking, place the bacon on a cooling rack over a paper towel. This helps it stay crispy as it drains.
- Dry-rub seasoning like smoked paprika or garlic salt can add extra punch and crunch without added moisture.
One uncommon but effective trick? Chill the bacon slices for 10–15 minutes before air frying. The firmer texture helps them cook more evenly and retain their shape.
How to Store and Reheat Air-Fried Bacon
If you’ve got leftovers (rare, but it happens!), storing and reheating them the right way ensures they stay delicious.
Storing Leftover Bacon
- Refrigerator: Let bacon cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Place cooked bacon between layers of parchment paper in a sealed bag. It can last up to 1 month frozen.
Reheating Bacon
- Air fryer: Set to 350°F and cook for 2–3 minutes for a freshly cooked texture.
- Microwave: Wrap in paper towels and heat in 30-second bursts. Be careful—it can get rubbery.
- Oven: Great for large batches. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid reheating bacon too many times as it tends to dry out quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though air fryer bacon is fairly simple, there are a few rookie mistakes that can ruin the experience:
- Overlapping slices: This leads to uneven cooking and rubbery bacon.
- Not draining fat mid-cook: Too much grease buildup can lead to smoke and soggy bacon. Carefully drain it if your air fryer has a tray.
- Skipping preheat: Cold air fryer = slow cook = uneven texture.
- Using flavored bacon with sugar: These types caramelize quickly and can burn fast in the air fryer.
- Ignoring cleanup: Grease build-up in the basket and tray can become a fire hazard and affect flavor over time.
Avoiding these missteps will ensure your bacon turns out crispy and perfect, every time.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Bacon
Yes, bacon is often associated with indulgence—but cooking it in an air fryer adds a healthier twist:
- Less grease absorption: Excess fat drips away from the bacon as it cooks, resulting in a lower fat content per slice.
- Fewer calories: Compared to pan-fried bacon, air-fried strips are slightly leaner.
- Controlled portioning: Air fryer baskets usually limit how much you can cook at once, encouraging mindful eating.
- Cleaner cooking: You’re not inhaling greasy fumes or consuming reabsorbed oils from a skillet.
While it’s still bacon—so don’t expect it to turn into a superfood—it’s a better way to enjoy your guilty pleasure.
Delicious Ways to Use Bacon
Bacon isn’t just a breakfast sidekick—it’s a culinary chameleon that adds flavor, texture, and smoky goodness to countless dishes. Once you’ve mastered air fryer bacon, here are some creative ways to use it:
1. Add to Salads
Crispy crumbled bacon adds a salty crunch to any salad. Think:
- Classic Cobb with avocado and eggs
- Caesar salad with bacon bits instead of croutons
- Kale and quinoa salad with a maple bacon vinaigrette
2. Elevate Sandwiches & Wraps
Give your lunch a serious upgrade:
- BLT with thick-cut, air-fried bacon
- Turkey club with double bacon layers
- Breakfast wraps with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese
3. Use as a Garnish
A strip of bacon makes any dish better:
- Crumbled on baked potatoes
- On top of creamy soups like potato leek or chowder
- As a cocktail garnish (hello, Bloody Mary!)
4. Bacon-Wrapped Goodness
Use bacon to wrap:
- Asparagus spears
- Jalapeño poppers
- Chicken breasts or shrimp for a smoky crust
5. Mix Into Dishes
Chop or crumble air-fried bacon and mix it into:
- Mac and cheese
- Deviled eggs
- Savory muffins or cornbread
The possibilities are endless. Cook a big batch in the air fryer, store the extras, and sprinkle bacon magic throughout your week!
Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Cooking Bacon
Let’s be real: bacon grease can get messy if not cleaned up quickly. Thankfully, cleaning your air fryer post-bacon session is simple with these steps:
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Unplug and Cool Down: Wait until your air fryer has cooled completely to avoid burns.
- Remove and Soak Components: Take out the basket and tray. Soak them in hot soapy water for 10–15 minutes to loosen grease.
- Wipe the Interior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside walls of the air fryer. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Use a Soft Brush for Stubborn Grease: A toothbrush works wonders for corners and mesh grates. For stuck-on grease, sprinkle a bit of baking soda with warm water and scrub gently.
- Dry Completely: Before reassembling, make sure every piece is dry to prevent mildew or rust.
Bonus Tip: Prevent the Mess
- Use silicone air fryer liners or parchment sheets with holes to catch drips.
- Add a bit of water to the bottom tray to minimize splatter during cooking.
Regular maintenance ensures your air fryer lasts longer and keeps your bacon—and everything else—tasting great.
FAQs about Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Q1: Can you cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, but it’s best to partially thaw it for even cooking. Separate slices if possible, and add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q2: Why is my air fryer bacon smoking?
Excess grease hitting the heating element causes smoke. Try adding a tablespoon of water to the drawer or clean out the tray before cooking.
Q3: How do I make chewy bacon instead of crispy?
Cook at a slightly lower temperature (around 325°F) for a bit less time. Skip flipping halfway to retain more moisture.
Q4: Can I stack bacon in the air fryer?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Stacked bacon won’t cook evenly and will stick together. For best results, cook in a single layer.
Q5: Is turkey bacon better in the air fryer?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon air-fries well and has less fat, though it may be slightly less crispy than pork bacon.
Conclusion
Air fryer bacon is the ultimate kitchen hack—delicious, quick, and way less messy than the stovetop. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon every time, whether you’re prepping for breakfast, building the perfect sandwich, or just craving a salty snack.
From selecting the right cut to cleaning up afterward, this guide covers everything you need to become an air fryer bacon pro. Once you try it, there’s no going back to greasy pans and paper towel overloads.
So preheat that air fryer, grab your favorite pack of bacon, and get ready to change your bacon game forever.
