Air Fryer Bacon is a super easy way to make everyone’s favorite breakfast side. Less mess, quicker than traditional methods, and perfectly crispy every time! Once you master this easy method, it’ll be the only way you ever cook bacon.
Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is my new favorite way to cook bacon. It comes out extra crispy every time and you don’t have to deal with the prolonged cook time of the oven or the greasy mess that happens on the stove top. There’s basically zero prep time – you just arrange the bacon slices and fry them up! With the air fryer, it’s so quick and there’s no danger of grease splatters! You can make a whole pound or do a couple slices for a fast BLT. Need bacon as a topping for a recipe but don’t have the space or time to watch the stove? Air fry it. Want a quick addition to breakfast as you get ready for your day? Air fry that bacon! Set it and forget it. Just remember to clean out any bacon fat between batches and clean your basket sooner rather than later once you’re finished with it. Once you start using this trick to cook your bacon, you’ll never go back to the old ways!
Now that you’ve got it, let’s put that bacon to good use! Try using it to top this baked Bacon Mac and Cheese dish or add strips to my Bacon Ranch Chicken Sliders!
Do I have to preheat the air fryer like I would an oven?
Generally, no (or at least not for quite as long). Some air fryers may require preheating but for bacon (and most air fryers) there’s no need to preheat at all. Just set it to 400°F and set your timer! Of course, you may want to check your particular model for any special instructions your air fryer might require.
How Long Does it Take to Air Fry Bacon in the Air Fryer?
For this recipe we cook our bacon at 400 degrees. If your bacon is thinner it will take about 5 minutes for chewy bacon or 6-7 for crispy. If you are using thick cut bacon it will take 6-7 minutes for chewy and 8-10 for crispy.
How To Make Air Fryer Bacon
- Arrange the bacon. Lay 4-5 slices of your bacon in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your basket you may be able to fit more or less in a batch. Make sure the pieces don’t overlap at all.
- Cook. Set your air fryer to 400°F. If you prefer chewier bacon, cook for about 6 minutes. If you like crispy bacon, cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove fat. As you cook the bacon, between each batch pour out any fat that pools in the bottom of the basket. I like to pour it into a bowl to discard later or you can pour it into a container to cook future dishes with.
- Serve. Keep warm on a plate with a paper towel over top until all the bacon has been cooked. Serve as a side with breakfast or use to top your favorite sandwiches, crumble to use as a topping, or just east as a snack! Enjoy.
Storing Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is best while it’s still hot and fresh but it can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftovers are great to crumble and put on salads, pasta, grits, etc. I love always having it on hand for so many different recipes! My family loves having it in the fridge so they can always sneak a little piece when the craving strikes.
Ingredients Notes for Air Fryer Bacon
- Bacon – You can use any kind of bacon you prefer. If using a thicker cut, you may need to adjust the cook time. Same goes for very thin slices. You can also use turkey bacon instead of traditional pork without having to change the cooking process!
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Bacon thick or thin cut
Instructions
- Lay 4-5 slices of bacon in the air fryer basket, not overlapping.
- Cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes for chewy bacon and 8-10 minutes for crispy bacon.
- Between batches, pour the fat that pools in the bottom of the basket into a bowl to cool then discard.
