Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Recipe in Minutes

Love bacon but hate the mess of frying it on the stovetop? If you're an air fryer enthusiast, you're in for a treat. This quick guide will teach you how to make perfectly crisp bacon using your air fryer—minimal mess, maximum flavor. Whether you prefer chewy bacon or that irresistible crispness, air frying delivers consistently amazing results.

Keep reading for a foolproof recipe, tips for success, and answers to common questions about air frying bacon.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Bacon?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking—and making bacon is no exception. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Less Mess: The air fryer minimizes grease splatter compared to traditional stovetop frying.
• Consistent Results: Evenly cooked bacon, every single time.
• Faster Cooking: No need to wait for your oven to preheat—just pop it in and cook.
• Healthier Option: The grease drains away from the bacon, resulting in a slightly leaner bite.

If you’re already obsessed with your air fryer, bacon might just become your new favorite thing to cook in it.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we get to the recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

• Bacon: Use your favorite style—thick-cut, regular, smoked, or unsmoked.
• Air fryer: Any modern air fryer with a temperature control feature works great.
• Tongs: For flipping or removing the bacon safely.
• Paper towels: For draining excess grease after cooking.

Got all your ingredients? Let's get to it.

Foolproof Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Making bacon in your air fryer couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps to bacon bliss:

Ingredients

• 6–8 strips of bacon (adjust the quantity to fit your air fryer basket)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.

2. Arrange the Bacon Strips

Place your bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them—air needs to circulate to cook the bacon evenly.

3. Air Fry

Cook the bacon for 8–10 minutes for regular-cut bacon. If you’re using thick-cut bacon, cook it for 10–12 minutes. Adjust the time based on your desired level of crispiness.

4. Flip Midway Through

Halfway through cooking, pause the air fryer and flip the bacon strips using tongs. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides.

5. Check for Doneness

Keep an eye on your bacon during the final few minutes. It can go from perfectly crispy to overcooked quickly! Remove when it’s at your preferred texture.

6. Drain Excess Grease

Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any remaining grease.

That’s it! Your air fryer bacon is ready to serve.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bacon

Follow these pro tips to achieve perfect results every time:

• Don’t Crowd the Basket: Overlapping bacon strips will lead to uneven cooking. If you’re cooking for a crowd, make multiple batches.
• Watch for Smoke: If you're cooking a lot of bacon, the grease can sometimes cause smoking. To fix this, add a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons) to the bottom of the air fryer drawer.
• Customize the Temperature: Thinner bacon may cook better at 350°F (175°C), while thicker cuts benefit from a slightly higher temperature (about 390°F/200°C).
• Save the Fat: Bacon grease left in the air fryer drawer can be strained and used for cooking other recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bacon

Can you cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon cooks similarly to pork bacon but usually requires less time since it tends to be leaner. Start with about 6–8 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through.

Do you need to line the air fryer basket?

Lining the basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat isn’t necessary. Most air fryers are designed to handle grease. Just be sure to clean the basket thoroughly afterward.

How do you keep bacon from curling in an air fryer?

Bacon often curls due to shrinking as it cooks. If you want flat bacon strips, consider laying a grill press or a small oven-safe rack over the bacon in the air fryer.

What do you do with leftover bacon grease?

You can pour it into a heat-safe container and save it for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, or adding a smoky flavor to savory dishes.

Pairing Ideas for Your Air Fryer Bacon

Looking for inspiration to serve alongside your crispy bacon? Here are a few ideas for a complete breakfast:

• Classic Pairing: Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty, traditional breakfast.
• Healthy Option: Toss your bacon onto a fresh salad for extra crunch and flavor.
• Brunch Favorite: Use it as a topping for avocado toast or in a breakfast sandwich.

Why Air Fryer Bacon is a Game-Changer

Cooking bacon has never been easier or more efficient. The air fryer not only simplifies the process but also ensures superior results every time. Whether you’re a breakfast fanatic or a bacon lover looking for a hassle-free way to cook, air frying is the way to go.

Try This at Home

Now that you know how easy it is to make bacon in an air fryer, it’s time to try it out. Experiment with different bacon cuts and timings to find your perfect match. Trust us—once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the stovetop or oven again.

Have a favorite air fryer bacon tip or recipe? Share it with us in the comments below!