Print

Air Fryer Bacon recipe

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 slices) 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Air Fryer Bacon recipe

Description

Air Fryer Bacon is the easiest way to get crispy edges and tender centers without grease splattering all over your stove. The circulating hot air cooks the strips evenly and renders excess fat for balanced texture every time. It’s perfect for busy mornings, small batches, or meal prep when you want reliable, mess-free results.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon (regular-cut or thick-cut, about 12 oz total)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (optional, for caramelized edges)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, brushed on during last 2 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready for even cooking.
  2. Step 2 – Prepare the Basket: After preheating to 360°F for 5 minutes, lightly wipe the basket if needed and ensure it is clean to prevent smoking during the 8–14 minute cook time.
  3. Step 3 – Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the 360°F basket, making sure they do not overlap; trim slices if needed so they fit flat for the full 8–14 minutes of cooking.
  4. Step 4 – Start Cooking: Cook at 360°F for 7 minutes for regular-cut bacon or 10 minutes for thick-cut bacon, until the fat begins to render and the edges start turning golden.
  5. Step 5 – Check for Doneness: Open the air fryer at 360°F and check after 7 minutes (regular) or 10 minutes (thick); the bacon should look lightly browned with bubbling fat.
  6. Step 6 – Add Extra Time if Needed: Continue cooking at 360°F for 1–2 additional minutes at a time (up to 9 minutes total for regular or 14 minutes for thick-cut) until the edges are deep golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7 – Optional Sweet Finish: If using maple syrup, brush lightly and cook at 360°F for 2 more minutes, watching closely until the surface looks glossy and caramelized.
  8. Step 8 – Drain the Bacon: Once fully cooked at 360°F for a total of 8–14 minutes, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it rest for 5 minutes until it firms up and becomes crisp.
  9. Step 9 – Cool and Handle Grease: Turn off the air fryer (previously set to 360°F) and allow the grease in the drawer to cool for at least 10 minutes before carefully discarding or saving it.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Turkey bacon can be cooked at 360°F for 6–8 minutes; it will be leaner and slightly less crispy.
  • Make-Ahead: Cook a full batch and cool completely before storing for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
  • Storage: Store cooled bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked slices between parchment paper in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes or microwave on high for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve with eggs and toast, layer into breakfast sandwiches, crumble over salads, or use in BLTs and baked potatoes.
  • Smoke Prevention: If your air fryer smokes, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to the bottom drawer beneath the basket before cooking at 360°F.

Nutrition

    Array

Keywords

Air Fryer Bacon, how to cook bacon in air fryer, crispy bacon in air fryer, air fryer bacon time, thick cut bacon air fryer, air fryer bacon temperature, mess free bacon