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.