Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a surprisingly efficient method, especially when you want just a few slices without the mess of a stovetop or the energy waste of heating an oven. This technique delivers perfectly cooked bacon in about 12 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for quick breakfasts or adding crispy bacon bits to salads, BLTs, or other dishes.
Why Air Fry Bacon?
Traditional bacon cooking methods often involve grease splatters, constant monitoring, and laborious cleanup. An air fryer solves these issues by circulating hot air around the bacon, rendering fat effectively while keeping splattering to a minimum. The result is crispy bacon with less mess and hands-on effort.
What You’ll Need
The process is simple:
– Bacon: Any cut works, but thicker slices will require longer cooking times.
– Air Fryer: Most models will work, but one with adjustable temperature settings is ideal.
– Foil (optional): Lining the air fryer basket with foil simplifies cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Line the basket with foil for easy cleanup. You can also cook directly on the tray if preferred, but foil is recommended.
- Arrange Bacon: Place bacon slices in the air fryer basket, overlapping slightly if necessary. They will shrink as they cook. An 8-slice capacity is typical for standard models.
- Set Temperature & Time: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes. Adjust time based on bacon thickness and desired crispness: 12-15 minutes for thicker cuts.
- Flip & Continue Cooking: Flip the bacon halfway through to ensure even cooking. This is especially important when using foil, as it restricts airflow from below.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the cooked bacon with tongs and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess grease.
Storage & Tips
- Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and bacon thickness. Experiment to find the perfect setting.
- Save the rendered bacon grease for cooking other dishes.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer offers a convenient, mess-free alternative to traditional methods. With minimal effort, you can enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked bacon every time.
