How To Make The Best Crispy Bacon In The Air Fryer

Bacon In The Air Fryer is the easiest way to cook bacon with the best results. Made in a fraction of the time, with easy cleanup, you will never cook bacon the traditional way ever again.

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! They are a great way to cook a variety of foods, including bacon. 

If you’re looking for a healthier and more convenient way to cook bacon, an air fryer is a great option. After the first time you try it, I promise it will be your new favorite way.

If you love air fryer recipes you may also like to try my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or my Easy Air Fryer S’mores In Minutes.

WHY IS THIS THE BEST BACON HACK?

 Air frying bacon is a healthier alternative to pan-frying because it’s cooked with hot air instead of oil. This means that you can enjoy crispy, delicious bacon without the added calories and fat.

​It also has a much faster cooking time than cooking it on the stove top or in the oven. It will also produce the crispiest bacon.

It’s an easy way to make less mess and still enjoy your air-fried bacon.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious bacon (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Bacon – you can use thick-cut bacon, thin bacon, regular cut bacon, pork bacon, turkey bacon, or any type of bacon of your liking.

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy.
2. Prepare the bacon: While the air fryer is preheating, lay the bacon slices flat on a cutting board or other flat surface. You can cut the bacon slices in half if they are too long to fit in the air fryer basket.
3. Place the bacon in the air fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon slices in the basket in a single layer. Make sure that the bacon slices are not touching or overlapping, as this can cause them to cook unevenly.
4. Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Check on the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure that it is cooking evenly. If there is excess grease in the basket, you can use tongs or a paper towel to remove it.
5. Remove and serve: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, use tongs or a spatula to remove it from the air fryer basket. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve immediately and enjoy!

​TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Preheat your air fryer: Just like with any cooking method, it’s important to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Preheating the air fryer to the correct temperature will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy.
2. Use parchment paper: To make cleanup easier, consider lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the basket and make it easier to remove when it’s done.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure not to overcrowd the basket when cooking bacon in the air fryer. This will cause the bacon to cook unevenly and may lead to some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
4. Flip the bacon: Flip the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides get crispy. This will also help the bacon cook evenly and prevent it from burning on one side.
5. Different brands of bacon and the thickness of the bacon may cook at slightly different rates, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn. Adjust cooking time as needed.
6. If your air fryer has multiple racks, you can cook more bacon at once by adding additional racks.
7. Experiment with different types of bacon, such as thick-cut or applewood-smoked, to find your favorite.
8. Use caution when handling the air fryer basket and the cooked bacon, as they will be very hot.
9. Save the bacon grease: Don’t throw away the bacon drippings! Save it in a jar and use it to cook other foods, such as vegetables or eggs. Bacon grease adds a delicious flavor to many dishes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use thick cut bacon?

Yes, you can absolutely air fry bacon that is on the thicker side. The thickness of your bacon will determine how long you have to cook it for.

Can I cook bacon in the oven?

Oven-baked bacon is another great way to cook bacon. The cook time will just be longer compared to air frying.

Can I microwave bacon?

Yes, you will just cook the slices of bacon for less time. Approximately 1-2 minutes, then check back every 30 seconds if you’d like it a little more crispy.

Do I need to add oil to the strips of bacon?

No, using the air fryer method the excess fat from the grease will be enough to cook the bacon without it sticking. You can use parchment paper or cooking spray if you want an easier clean up, but not necessary.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER BACON

1. Let the bacon cool: Allow the bacon to cool completely before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make the bacon soggy.
2. Store in an airtight container: Place the bacon in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag or Tupperware container. Make sure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and causing the bacon to spoil.
3. Refrigerate or freeze: Store the container of bacon in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you’re storing the bacon in the freezer, be sure to label the container with the date so that you know when it was frozen.
4. Reheat before eating: When you’re ready to eat the leftover bacon, reheat it in the microwave or in the air fryer for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy.

By following these simple steps, you can make delicious and crispy bacon in your air fryer. It’s a great way to cook bacon without the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stove, and it’s a healthier option since excess grease can drip away during cooking. 

Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon with your favorite breakfast foods or as a delicious snack anytime.

More Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try

• Air Fryer Jalapeno Cheddar Protein Bagel
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bagels
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)

IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails