There’s something magical about the way bacon crisps up in an air fryer. As the strips cook, they curl and sizzle, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. The beauty of the air fryer is that it gives you that perfect balance of crispy edges and a tender, juicy center without the mess of splattering grease. Plus, you don’t have to babysit it like you would in a pan—just pop the bacon in, set the timer, and go about your business until that golden perfection is achieved.
What I love most about air fryer bacon is how evenly it cooks. No more flipping halfway through or dealing with undercooked spots. It’s all crispy, all the way through, without the need to stand over a hot stove. You’ll notice that a lot of the fat renders off, leaving you with lighter, less greasy bacon, but still all the flavor you crave. I’ve even started making bacon ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for later use—whether I’m adding it to salads, tossing it on a burger, or just snacking straight from the fridge, it’s always ready to go. The air fryer has definitely earned its place in my kitchen for this reason alone!
Key Ingredients in Air Fryer Bacon
Making bacon in the air fryer is as simple as it gets—no complicated seasonings or extra ingredients needed. The magic really happens when you focus on just the basics, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Let’s break down what you’ll need to get that crispy, savory bacon goodness.
- Bacon
The star of the show! Choose your favorite cut of bacon—whether it’s thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon. Each type offers a different level of crispiness and flavor, but no matter which you pick, bacon is what brings that irresistible taste to the table. The fat in the bacon renders as it cooks, giving it that perfect texture and rich, smoky flavor we all crave.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon
- Place the air fryer basket on a flat surface and ensure it is clean and dry. A clean basket will help the bacon cook evenly without any leftover grease or debris.
- Lay out 8 slices of bacon inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key to getting crispy bacon throughout—each slice should have space to cook without overlapping.
- Make sure the bacon slices do not overlap or touch. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each slice, ensuring even cooking and that perfectly crispy texture.
- If necessary, cut the bacon in half to fit it properly in the basket. Some air fryer baskets are smaller, so cutting your bacon can help it fit better, ensuring it all cooks evenly.
- Insert the basket into the air fryer and close the lid. Now you’re ready for the magic to happen!
- Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for crisping up the bacon while keeping the inside tender.
- Cook the bacon for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred crispiness level. For softer bacon, aim for the 8-minute mark; for extra crispy, go closer to 10 minutes.
- Check the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure it is cooking evenly. Air fryers can sometimes have hot spots, so it’s a good idea to check and adjust if needed.
- If needed, rearrange the slices for more even cooking. Flip or move the bacon around gently to make sure every slice gets crispy perfection.
- Once the bacon is done to your liking, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Watch out—it’ll be hot, so use tongs or a spatula to avoid any burns!
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This helps ensure your bacon is crispy and not greasy.
- Let the bacon rest for a minute or two to firm up before serving. This is when the bacon reaches its peak crispiness and is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bacon
Bacon-Wrapped Delights
If you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence, why not wrap your crispy air fryer bacon around something fun? Think about wrapping it around asparagus spears, chicken tenders, or even around dates for a sweet and savory treat. The crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch, while the inside stays juicy and tender. It’s an easy way to elevate a meal with minimal effort, and it always impresses!
Crispy Bacon Salad
Salads just aren’t the same without a little bacon, right? Crumble up your freshly air-fried bacon and sprinkle it over your favorite salad—whether it’s a classic Caesar, a simple spinach and arugula mix, or a more hearty cobb salad. The crispy texture and smoky flavor provide the perfect contrast to the fresh greens and creamy dressings. Plus, if you prep your bacon in advance, you’ll always have a quick and tasty topping on hand.
Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm, delicious breakfast sandwich. Layer your crispy air fryer bacon between a toasted English muffin, a fried egg, and a slice of melty cheese for a breakfast that’ll have you coming back for more. Add some avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to mix things up. It’s the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crispy that makes every morning a little brighter.
Let me know how you love to serve your bacon—I’m always up for more ideas!
How to Store Air Fryer Bacon
Storing your air fryer bacon properly ensures it stays just as delicious as when it first came out of the fryer. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though let’s be honest, that’s not always the case), the key is to keep that crispy goodness intact without losing any of that savory flavor.
The best way to store air fryer bacon is by placing it in an airtight container. Once the bacon has cooled down, simply lay it flat in the container, stacking the slices if necessary. I like to place a piece of paper towel between layers to absorb any extra grease, keeping things neat and crisp. Seal it tightly and store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently when you’re ready to eat—nothing beats that crispy texture, and a quick trip back into the air fryer or a few seconds in the microwave will revive it perfectly.
If you want to extend its shelf life, freezing is a great option. Lay your bacon slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once they’re frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to grab just the amount you need. Frozen bacon can last for up to 2 months, and when you’re ready to use it, you can either heat it directly from the freezer or let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
For an easy grab-and-go snack or topping, consider pre-crumbled bacon. After cooling, crumble your air fryer bacon and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you can quickly sprinkle it over salads, baked potatoes, or even throw it into a soup without having to worry about cooking it again.
Conclusion
And there you have it—air fryer bacon at its finest! From that crispy, golden crunch to the smoky flavor that fills the room, it’s truly a game-changer for any bacon lover. Whether you’re using it for a breakfast sandwich, sprinkling it on a salad, or just snacking on it as-is (I mean, who can resist?), the air fryer makes bacon easier and less greasy than ever before. It’s simple, quick, and, let’s be honest, totally delicious.
I hope you found this guide helpful and that it inspires you to bring a little bacon magic into your kitchen. Don’t forget, the air fryer isn’t just for bacon—get creative and experiment with different ways to use your newfound crispy goodness. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so if you try this recipe, share your thoughts or ask me any questions you might have—I’m here to help!
And, of course, feel free to save this recipe for later. Because, let’s face it, when the craving for bacon strikes, you’ll be glad you did!
Air Fryer Bacon
Description
Crispy, golden-brown bacon with a perfect balance of savory and smoky flavors—air fryer bacon is irresistibly crunchy without the greasy mess. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it's the ultimate breakfast treat or snack. Try it and savor the perfection!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Place the air fryer basket on a flat surface and ensure it is clean and dry.
-
Lay out 8 slices of bacon inside the air fryer basket in a single layer.
-
Make sure the bacon slices do not overlap or touch to allow even cooking.
-
If necessary, cut the bacon in half to fit it properly in the basket.
-
Insert the basket into the air fryer and close the lid.
-
Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C).
-
Cook the bacon for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred crispiness level.
-
Check the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure it is cooking evenly.
-
If needed, rearrange the slices for more even cooking.
-
Once the bacon is done to your liking, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer.
-
Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
-
Let the bacon rest for a minute or two to firm up before serving.
Note
- For crispier bacon, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Use a paper towel to blot off any excess grease from the bacon once it's done cooking.
- If you prefer a less greasy result, you can place a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer to catch drippings.
- Thicker bacon slices may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings like black pepper or brown sugar for extra flavor.
