Why Air Fryer Bacon is the Best
Making bacon in an air fryer is fast, easy, and mess-free. In just 10 minutes, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort. No more splattering grease, and cleanup is a breeze! Plus, there’s no need to preheat your air fryer for bacon. It’s ideal for making a quick BLT sandwich or adding flavorful, crispy bacon to your favorite dishes.
If you’ve already tried air fryer chicken wings, you’ll love using the same method to cook crispy air fryer bacon. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, ensuring every slice turns out perfectly without flipping. Once you try it, you’ll never want to cook bacon on the stove again.
How Long to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
The cook time for air fryer bacon depends on the thickness and your air fryer model.
- Regular Cut Bacon: For softer bacon, cook at 350°F for 7 minutes. For crispy bacon, air fry for 8–9 minutes.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Softer bacon needs about 9–10 minutes at 350°F. For crispy bacon, cook for 10–12 minutes.
Remember, not all air fryers are created equal. If you’re using a Cosori air fryer or another model, it’s always a good idea to check on your bacon midway through cooking. Adjust the time to get the perfect level of crispiness.
Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Bacon
Both basket-style and toaster-oven-style air fryers work great for cooking bacon.
- Basket-Style Air Fryers: These are space-savers and perfect for small families. The 5.8-Qt Cosori Air Fryer is popular for its easy cleanup since both the basket and liner are dishwasher-safe.
- Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: These are ideal for larger families, allowing you to cook more bacon at once. They can also cook faster. For example, bacon took 8 minutes in my toaster-oven air fryer compared to 9 minutes in the basket style.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Bacon
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon cooks just as well as regular bacon in an air fryer. No need to change the cooking time.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Not for bacon. Some air fryers recommend preheating, but it’s unnecessary for this recipe.
Should I add oil?
No. Bacon releases its own grease while cooking, so there’s no need to spray oil.
How do I prevent smoking?
Air fry bacon at 350°F to avoid smoking. Since bacon fat’s smoke point is 400°F, cooking at a lower temperature keeps it smokeless. If you’re cooking multiple batches, clean the drip pan between batches to prevent smoking from leftover grease.
Tips for Using Cooked Bacon
Crispy air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile! Use it to make delicious BLT sandwiches, add to an egg white omelet, or sprinkle on a Caesar salad. You can also use it in wraps, deviled eggs, or serve it as a side with breakfast.
Once you experience the convenience of cooking bacon in an air fryer, it’ll become your go-to method. The perfect bacon every time—crispy, smokeless, and quick!