Bacon. Just the word brings a smile, doesn’t it? Whether you’re a breakfast aficionado or just love a crispy bite, air frying bacon might seem like a modern twist, but it’s a game-changer. So, as I sit here reminiscing about last weekend’s brunch—a sunlit table and the sizzle of bacon—I can’t help but share this method for ultimate crispiness.
Steps
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If necessary, cut the strips in half to fit more pieces inside.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook regular-cut bacon for 7-9 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispiness. For thicker slices, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. If making additional batches, empty the drip pan of accumulated oil before starting the next batch.
Ingredients
- 5 slices of bacon (6 oz regular bacon or 8-12 oz thick-cut bacon)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 185kcal | Carbs: 0.5g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 200mg | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
FAQ
- Do I need to preheat the air fryer for bacon?
- It generally isn’t necessary to preheat the air fryer when cooking bacon. Most air fryers don’t require it, and skipping this step works well for bacon.
- Can turkey bacon be cooked in the air fryer using this method?
- Absolutely, turkey bacon can be air fried using this method. Since turkey bacon is usually leaner and thinner, you should reduce the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes.
- Is it necessary to flip bacon in the air fryer during cooking?
- No, flipping the bacon isn’t required. The air circulates well in the fryer, ensuring the bacon gets crispy on both sides without needing to flip it.
- How can I prevent the air fryer from smoking while cooking bacon?
- To avoid any smoke, cook at 350°F, which is below the smoke point of bacon fat. If cooking in batches, empty the drip pan of oil and wipe it with a paper towel between batches. Placing a slice of bread beneath the air fryer basket can also help absorb grease and reduce smoke.
- What is the recommended cooking time for regular and thick-cut bacon in the air fryer?
- For regular-cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7 minutes if you prefer it softer, and 8-9 minutes for a crispier texture. Thick-cut bacon should be cooked for 9-10 minutes for a softer result and 10-12 minutes for a crispy finish.
Tips
- Layering for Even Cooking: Arrange bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping to ensure even airflow and consistent crispiness.
- Adjust Cooking Time by Thickness: For regular cut bacon, air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, and for thick-cut bacon, aim for 10-12 minutes. Adjust the time based on how crispy you want your bacon.
- Prevent Smoking with Low Temperature: Cook bacon at 350°F to prevent smoking since the smoke point of bacon fat is 400°F. Clear the drip pan of any accumulated grease between batches to further minimize smoke.
- Clean-up Hack: Place a thin slice of bread beneath the basket in a basket-style air fryer to absorb excess grease, making cleaning up easier and reducing smoking.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
