Bacon holds a special place as one of the most cherished breakfast foods globally, and certainly in my home! However, its traditional preparation methods often come with a few drawbacks: they can be quite labor-intensive and notoriously messy.

Cooking bacon in a skillet typically involves constant attention, frequent flipping, and inevitable grease splatters that can reach every corner of your kitchen and even your skin. That’s precisely why, between this revolutionary air fryer bacon recipe and my go-to oven-baked bacon method, I’ve entirely moved away from the old-fashioned way.

Without a doubt, air fried bacon stands out as the easiest and cleanest cooking solution. The only thing left to clean is the air fryer basket itself, making cleanup a breeze. We are confident you’ll find this method as incredibly convenient and delicious as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Method:

• Remarkably Fast. When pitted against traditional stovetop skillet cooking or even oven-baked bacon, preparing bacon in an air fryer is incredibly speedy. You’ll have delicious, crispy strips ready in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy mornings.
• Effortlessly Easy. This method requires minimal supervision. Forget about the constant “babysitting” and endless flipping often associated with pan-frying. Simply place your bacon in the air fryer, set the timer, and let the appliance do all the work. Once it’s done, your perfectly cooked bacon is ready to be enjoyed!
• Consistently Crispy. The air fryer’s unique design, featuring rapid circular air flow and an elevated cooking tray, ensures optimal heat distribution. This means every strip of bacon cooks uniformly, resulting in that coveted, perfectly crispy texture each and every time. Say goodbye to soggy or unevenly cooked pieces!
• Perfectly Consistent Results. Unlike traditional skillets that can develop unpredictable hot spots, the air fryer provides a remarkably even cooking environment. This uniformity guarantees that every single strip of bacon, from end to end, will be cooked consistently to perfection, offering a superior culinary experience.

Ingredients for Your Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

• Bacon: The beauty of this air fryer method is its versatility. You can use virtually any type of bacon you prefer! Whether you favor regular cut, thick-cut, half-slices, or even turkey bacon, this guide has you covered. Later in this article, you’ll find specific time adjustments to ensure perfect results for each variety. Choose your favorite, and let your air fryer do the magic to create the best air fried bacon!

Essential Equipment

• Air Fryer: An air fryer is, of course, the star of this recipe. Our testing primarily uses a Cosori basket-style air fryer, which performs exceptionally well for achieving perfectly crispy bacon. However, we’ve also successfully tested this recipe with a toaster oven-style model (personally, I use my Cuisinart air fryer for that style). Rest assured, this method is effective and yields fantastic results for both tray-style and basket models, making it accessible to most air fryer owners.

Optimal Cooking Times for Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Achieving perfectly cooked bacon in your air fryer starts with the right temperature. For almost all varieties of bacon (with the notable exception of Canadian bacon), the ideal temperature for cooking is 350ºF (177ºC). This temperature allows the fat to render beautifully, resulting in incredibly crispy strips.

The cooking duration will vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of bacon you’re using. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve perfectly air fried bacon:

• Regular Cut Bacon: For standard slices, air fry for approximately 8-10 minutes. This range typically yields beautifully browned and crispy results.
• Half Slices: If you’ve cut your bacon into shorter pieces, they tend to cook a little faster. Aim for 7-9 minutes.
• Thick Cut Bacon: Due to its greater thickness, this type of bacon requires a slightly longer cooking time. Expect it to be ready in about 9-12 minutes for ideal crispiness.
• Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative, turkey bacon also cooks quickly. Target 7-10 minutes for a thoroughly cooked and satisfying texture.
• Canadian Bacon: This differs significantly. Cook Canadian bacon at a higher temperature of 400ºF (204ºC) for 6-10 minutes.

Adjusting for Desired Crispiness: Remember, cooking times are always a guideline. If you prefer your bacon on the softer side, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. For extra-crispy bacon, extend the cooking time in 1-minute increments until it reaches your perfect level of crunchiness. Always keep a close eye on your bacon during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer for Perfect Crispiness

Follow these simple steps to effortlessly cook bacon in your air fryer and achieve consistent, delicious results every time. This method minimizes mess and maximizes flavor!

Step One: Preheat Your Air Fryer. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC). Allow it to preheat for at least 3 minutes, or as recommended by your specific air fryer model. Preheating is crucial for ensuring even cooking and achieving that desirable crispiness from the very start.

Step Two: Arrange the Bacon. Carefully place the bacon slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket. It is vital that no slices overlap, as this allows for proper air circulation and even cooking, ensuring every piece gets crispy.

Don’t worry if the bacon strips are a little long and slightly curve up the sides of the basket – this is perfectly normal and acceptable. However, if the slices are excessively long and prevent the basket from closing or interfere with air flow, it’s best to cut them in half before placing them in. 

Step Three: Air Fry to Perfection. Close the air fryer and cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer model and your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking cycle.

One of the greatest advantages of using an air fryer for bacon is that there is absolutely no need to flip the slices. The circulating hot air cooks them thoroughly and evenly on both sides, delivering beautifully crispy results without any extra effort or mess. 

Step Four: Drain and Serve. Once the bacon has reached your preferred crispiness, carefully remove the cooked strips from the air fryer basket. Transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels. This crucial step allows any excess rendered bacon grease to drain off, enhancing the crispiness and making your bacon less greasy and more enjoyable. Serve hot and savor your perfectly crispy air fryer bacon!

Managing Bacon Grease: Tips for a Clean and Flavorful Experience

After cooking a batch of your delicious air fried bacon, you’ll notice rendered bacon fat collecting at the bottom of the air fryer basket. It’s important to pour this off carefully in between batches.

This simple practice serves two main purposes: firstly, it significantly helps to prevent any unwanted smokiness during subsequent cooking batches, ensuring a clean cooking environment. Secondly, this rendered fat is a treasure trove of flavor! It can be carefully strained and reserved in a heat-proof glass jar. Store it in your refrigerator, and it will be ready to add incredible depth and richness to your future baking and cooking endeavors, from sautéing vegetables to making gravies. 

Top tip for long-term storage: To ensure the cleanest possible bacon fat for extended use, we highly recommend straining the reserved grease. Use a funnel lined with a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth. This meticulous step will effectively remove any small bacon pieces or impurities, resulting in pure, golden bacon fat that can last longer and infuse your dishes with pure, unadulterated flavor.

Cooking Bacon Half Slices in Your Air Fryer

Helpful Tip: If you’re working with particularly long bacon strips, or if your air fryer model has a smaller basket, cutting the bacon into half slices is a smart solution. This allows for easier placement and ensures optimal air circulation, leading to more evenly cooked and crispy air fryer bacon in every batch.

Step One: Prepare and Arrange. Begin by cutting your full bacon strips into half slices. Once prepared, carefully arrange them in a single layer within your air fryer basket. Remember, avoiding overlap is key for that perfect crispiness.

Step Two: Air Fry until Golden. Close the air fryer and cook the half slices for approximately 7-9 minutes. As always, monitor the bacon closely during the final minutes to ensure it reaches your preferred level of golden brown crispiness.

Once cooked, promptly remove the crispy strips from the air fryer. For an even less greasy and truly perfect result, we recommend transferring them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any residual fat before serving. Enjoy these perfectly portioned, delicious air fried bacon pieces!

Storing and Reheating Your Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Bacon

Proper storage is key to extending the life of your delicious air fryer bacon and ensuring it remains a convenient option for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it effectively:

• Refrigerator Storage: After enjoying your initial batch, allow any leftover cooked bacon strips to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator, where the bacon will remain fresh and flavorful for approximately 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat it using a microwave, air fryer, or skillet to bring back its warmth and some crispness.
• Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, the freezer is your best friend. Once the cooked bacon has completely cooled, place the strips into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight freezer container. Make sure to remove as much excess air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container clearly with the date and contents. Your air fried bacon can be frozen for an impressive 3-6 months. When ready to eat, you can reheat it directly from frozen, following the re-crisping methods below.
• Re-crisping for Optimal Enjoyment: While simply reheating will warm your bacon, re-crisping is highly recommended to bring back that irresistible texture. Draining any excess grease from the reheated pieces on a paper towel is a simple trick that significantly enhances crispiness.
  • Skillet Method: For a quick and effective re-crisp, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon strips in the warm skillet and heat for about 30-60 seconds per side, watching carefully until they regain their desired crunch.
  • Air Fryer Method: The air fryer is perfect for re-crisping! Use your air fryer’s “reheat” option, or set it to 350°F (177°C) and heat the bacon for just 1-2 minutes. This method works wonderfully to restore its original crispness.
  • Microwave Method: While less ideal for crispiness, the microwave is great for quick warming. Heat the bacon in 30-second intervals until it is heated throughout. If you crave more crisp, follow up with a quick skillet or air fryer re-crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bacon

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Once you’ve mastered making crispy air fryer bacon, you’ll find it’s not just for breakfast! This versatile ingredient can elevate a multitude of dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to incorporate your perfectly air fried bacon into your meals:

• BLT Sandwiches: The quintessential use for perfectly crispy bacon, adding that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor to a classic.
• Deviled Eggs: Crumble some bacon over deviled eggs for an extra layer of savory deliciousness and texture.
• Broccoli Salad: A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits transforms a simple broccoli salad into a hearty and flavorful side dish.
• Breakfast Casserole: Incorporate chopped air fryer bacon into your favorite breakfast casserole for a protein-packed and flavorful morning meal.
• Twice-Baked Potatoes: Top your creamy, cheesy twice-baked potatoes with a generous helping of crumbled bacon for an ultimate comfort food experience.
• Dips: Add finely chopped air fried bacon to creamy dips like queso or spinach and artichoke for an explosion of savory flavor.
• Soups: From garnishing a bowl of tomato soup to becoming a core ingredient in hearty stews, bacon adds incredible depth. It’s particularly fantastic in recipes like my loaded baked potato soup – truly a “yum!” moment.