Did you know that air fryer bacon is a thing? I will show you exactly how to cook bacon in the air fryer.
And y’all! It is the most perfect, most delicious bacon I have ever had. Seriously!
I am not even that big of a bacon eater, but this is sooooo good. After you try this method for cooking bacon, you may never do it any other way. It’s a total game-changer, people. 🙌🏻
Why? It is so much easier and less messy than stovetop, microwave or baking in the oven. It is simple, mostly hands off, plus the grease effortlessly falls off into the lower reservoir.
And you can wash the pair fryer parts in the dish washer if you want to.💁🏼♀️ Double check your model for that dishwasher bit. But my Avalon Bay Air Fryer (Amazon affiliate link) is dish washer approved.✅ I got that one because it has consistently great reviews, plus it wasn’t too pricey. I have been pleased!
But back to cooking bacon in the air fryer!
How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
I was able to do a twelve ounce package from Trader Joe’s in two batches.
It is a twelve ounce package, and it had eleven slices, FYI. Just arrange them in the basket. A few folds are okay, but try not to overcrowd the pan.
And then ten minutes on 400 degrees will do the trick. I did take a peek half way through to see if anything needed to be re-spaced. Tongs are helpful for this. True to form, bacon shrinks down quite a bit when cooking.
Check it after ten minutes, and see if you want it any more done. I like mine pretty well-done, so I went an extra minute and a half. It was perfect y’all!👌🏻
I use the tongs to place the cooked pieces on paper towels, where I blot and drain off any remaining grease.
Crunchy outside, chewy inside, dark around the edges…just perfect!!!😍👌🏻
Heads up: I did empty out the grease prior to cooking my second batch. Just for the record, I may never make bacon any other way again.
And if you are a big bacon eater, I think cooking bacon alone would justify an air fryer purchase.😎👌🏻 Just sayin’! 🤷🏼♀️😉
By the way, this has inspired me to explore more cooking with my air fryer. So stay tuned for more of those recipes. Also, if you love your air fryer, leave me a comment with your favorite things to make in it. OR, a wish list of foods you wish you knew how to make in the air fryer.
How to prevent air fryer from smoking
Update: after a few people have experienced smoke issues with this recipe, I wanted to share a few tips that will help prevent this smoking issue.
- Perhaps the easiest solution is to add a little water to the lower pan
- Alternatively, you can add a piece of bread to the lower pan to soak up the grease
- One reader mentioned he adds rock salt (not regular salt), like you use to make ice cream. The pieces are big enough that they won’t blow around from the air blowing in your air fryer, and they will soak up the grease.
- Use parchment paper to line your fryer basket. There are a few types of parchment paper that are made specifically for the air fryer. (Amazon affiliate) They are made specifically for air frying and have little holes in them to allow for air circulation. Check your specific model for the correct dimensions, as these can vary in size. There are several sizes of parchment paper available.
Recipes with Bacon
Here are some other recipes you may enjoy where I use bacon.
- Chicken BLT salad with avocado
- Classic club sandwich
- Cobb salad
- Irish potato leek soup
- Chicken corn chowder
Here are a few of my favorite breakfast recipes that pair well with bacon as a side.👌🏻
- Egg muffins
- Banana bread
- Breakfast veggie scramble
- Breakfast casserole
- Whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins
- Instant Pot hardboiled eggs
- Blueberry oat muffins
- Strawberry muffins
- Irish corned beef hash
- Double chocolate mocha muffins
- Pumpkin spice bread
- Tomato basil frittata
Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
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Air Fryer Bacon
I will show you exactly how to cook bacon in the air fryer. You may never make it any other way again because it is seriously the best!
Ingredients
- 11 slices bacon (I am using Trader Joe's, and it is a thick cut)
Instructions
-
Divide the bacon in half, and place the first half in the air fryer.
-
Set the temperature at 400 degrees, and set the timer to 10 minutes (possibly less time for thinner bacon).
-
Check it halfway through to see if anything needs to be rearranged (tongs are helpful!).
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Cook remainder of the time. Check for desired doneness. I like mine extra crispy so I did about 1.5 minutes extra for a total of 11.5 minutes, and mine was perfect. 👌🏻
Recipe Notes
If you are doing more than one batch, be sure and empty the grease from the lower basket before cooking the second batch.
I liked thicker bacon for this recipe. If you are using thinner cuts, watch closely because you may need less time.
Kristi says
OMG!!! You are not kidding!!! You will never cook bacon any other way again!!! This was truly amazing!
I put 3 slices of bread in the bottom of my fryer and cooked both thick and thin bacon and it was more than perfect! Just like you said, crispy edges and tender center. The bread soaked up the grease and I have hardly any grease in the bottom of my fryer. Thank you so much!! This is awesome!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay, Kristi! Glad you enjoyed it.💖
Helen says
I purchased a air fryer, and my husband wanted to try bacon. I read your comment about placing bread under the dryer tray. I placed the bread under it , not only did it absorb the grease it also toasted the bread nicely for a wonderful bacon cheese sandwich….( I know not the healthiest ) was delish!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
That is kind of genius!😂👌🏻
pnwaubiepride says
Oh heavens, Marjorie, this is absolutely the best way to cook bacon. I used thick cut bacon and we had blt sandwiches with one of our last garden tomatoes. Thanks for the instructions!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Wooo hoooo! I am so glad y’all enjoyed it.💖🙌🏻 And war eagle to you!😉
Sheree Collins says
Can you use frozen bacon
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I have not tried that, but I would probably recommend going ahead and thawing it first for best results.
Kelly Johnson says
YES. It takes longer to cook (obviously) but once it starts to thaw…just take a fork and separate the strips. Keep cooking until done. It turns out just as good as thawed bacon. 🙂
Donna Weich says
Just wondering if there is the usual bacon smell in your kitchen after using your air fryer?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yep, the usual bacon smell lingers. Although we do not hate it…LOL.😂👌🏻
Vera Odam says
How can there be no greasy mess on the inside top of air fryer. I would imagine it is harder to clean off than stove top. There woud be grease splatter ALL ove the inside. I don’t want to find out the hard way. Please?
Vera Odam says
Disregard. I see its a different air fryer. Wrong website.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Vera! I have not had an issue with mine, and it is fine to wipe the inside with a cloth (after fully cooled, of course). You might find this helpful: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-an-air-fryer-264881
Linda Barkey says
I only do sausage links in my air fryer now. Perfectly browned and cooked through in minutes. No constant attention and turning. Also a good reason to buy an air Fryer!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Good to know, Linda! I am glad you enjoyed the bacon recipe too.
Chuck says
This probably the best cooking method ever
Nikki says
Amazing!!! So easy and virtually no mess!!! Best bacon ever!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
So glad to hear it Nikki!!
Jack says
Nailed it, Govenor!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Glad you enjoyed it, Jack!