Air Fryer Bacon Recipe: Perfectly Crispy Every Time

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Air fryer bacon is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy bacon without the mess. You can make it in just a few minutes and with less grease, it’s a healthier option too.

Lay your bacon strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the temperature and cook until it reaches your preferred crispiness. Cleanup is easy, making it a perfect solution for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack.

Give it a try, and you’ll see why air fryer bacon is becoming a staple in many households. It’s fast, tasty, and mess-free – what’s not to love?

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make crispy air fryer bacon, you need just a few simple ingredients.

Main Ingredient

• Bacon: Use regular or thick-cut bacon. You can find these in most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerator section.

Possible Substitutes

• Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, you can substitute with turkey bacon. It cooks quickly and gets crispy.
• Veggie Bacon: If you prefer a plant-based alternative, opt for veggie bacon made from soy or other meat substitutes.

Optional Seasonings

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
• Black Pepper: A classic to season bacon.
• Maple Syrup: For a sweet touch, brush a little maple syrup on the bacon before cooking.

Tools Needed

• Air Fryer: Ensure you have an air fryer with a basket or tray.
• Paper Towels: For draining the cooked bacon.

Always remember to keep your bacon slices spaced out and avoid overlapping for even cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Arrange the bacon.

Lay bacon slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t let them overlap for best results. If needed, cut the strips in half.

Step 3: Cook the bacon.

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

Step 4: Check and modify if needed.

At around 5 minutes, you might want to check the bacon and rearrange the slices if they have moved. Continue cooking until they reach your preferred level of crispiness.

Step 5: Remove and drain.

Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any extra grease.

Cooking Times
Regular Cut
7-9 minutes at 350˚F
Thick-Cut
10-12 minutes at 350˚F

For a crispier outcome, adjust cooking times and temperatures slightly based on your air fryer model and personal taste preferences.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use thick-cut, uncured bacon for the best flavor and texture. It crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Arrange bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. This helps the bacon cook evenly and get crispy.

You can lightly sprinkle bacon with smoked paprika or mixed peppers for extra flavor.

Temperature and Timing

• Crispy Bacon: Set your air fryer to 400°F for about 10 minutes.
• Medium Bacon: Try 380°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Adjust time based on the thickness of your bacon.

If your bacon strips are very thick, you might need to cook them longer.

Storing Air Fryer Bacon

• Refrigerator: Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat the bacon in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to maintain crispness.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Try different seasonings for your bacon. Sprinkle smoked paprika, black pepper, or garlic powder on your bacon slices before cooking.

You can also experiment with sweet flavors. Drizzle a bit of maple syrup or honey on the bacon before placing it in the air fryer.

Thickness matters. Use regular-cut for a quicker cook time, around 7-9 minutes at 350°F. For thick-cut bacon, cook for 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Breakfast: Serve your crispy bacon alongside scrambled eggs and toast.

Salads: Crumble the bacon and use it as a topping for salads.

Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a few slices of bacon to enhance the flavor of your burgers or club sandwiches.

Sides and Snacks: Offer bacon as a standalone snack or side. It’s also great dipped in ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Try these variations and serving suggestions to keep your meals exciting.