Easy Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is easy to make and turns out perfectly every time. This is my new favorite way to cook bacon because it’s less mess and no fuss!
We all love bacon, right? But cooking it can be a little bit of a mission. Cooking bacon in a pan or skillet delivers perfect bacon but the clean up can be annoying. I always use the oven method as the clean-up is so much easier but preheating the entire oven just for a few strips of bacon isn’t exactly economical. That’s where the air fryer comes in and saves the day. Quick, easy with minimal mess! I love that the bacon grease collects at the bottom of the air fryer basket ensuring clean up will be effortless.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You literally only need bacon. I love using streaky bacon but you can use thick cut bacon, back bacon (Canadian bacon) or turkey bacon for this recipe. You don’t need any oil to cook bacon, however if you’re using chicken bacon (macon) or turkey bacon that is very lean, you can give it a quick spritz of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
How to cook bacon in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
- Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer then air fry bacon for 6 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking until the bacon is crispy on the edges with the fat rendered out. You might need to cook the bacon in batches if your air fryer basket is on the smaller side. Thick-cut bacon will require longer cooking time. For super crisp bacon, allow 8-10 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels to absorb any excess fat then serve.
Can I make this ahead?
Bacon is always best when it is freshly cooked and hot but any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer.
FAQ
Depending on how crisp you like your bacon, I would recommend anything between 6 and 10 minutes total cooking time.
Air fryer allows air to circulate around the food so technically there isn’t a need to flip the bacon over but I always do to ensure even browning.
No, I don’t find this to be a necessary step. The bacon isn’t in the air fryer for long enough for the rendered fat to create smoke and water will create steam, preventing the bacon from crisping up.
You could line the outer basket with foil if you prefer easier clean up but I don’t find it necessary as the bacon grease easily slides out. Don’t line the grid with foil as this will prevent the air from circulating around the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Use this air fryer bacon in whichever way you would normally use bacon. Whether you want to make the perfect BLT Sandwich, use it in salads or serve it alongside breakfast, this easy bacon recipe works for it all.
Bacon Recipes
Ingredients
- ½ lb/250g streaky bacon approximately 10 strips
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
- Add the bacon to the air fryer basket in a single layer then air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking, until the bacon is done to your preference.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow to drain on paper towels before serving.