My easy air fryer bacon recipe is quick and hands-off, yielding perfectly crispy bacon every time with minimal mess.
Why I make bacon in the air fryer
Cooking bacon in the air fryer sounds straightforward, but a few key tips can turn regular bacon into truly crispy bacon that rivals the skillet.
It’s probably the only way I cook bacon these days, and not just because there’s no oil splatter:
- Consistent results. The circulating heat cooks bacon more evenly than a skillet, so you don’t have to deal with hot spots, uneven browning, or curled strips.
- Hands off cooking. I simply lay the bacon in the basket and let the air fryer do the work. No flipping, no babysitting, and almost no cleanup.
- Less lingering smell. Confession: I actually love the smell of bacon (my partner hates it). Even so, the air fryer does a much better job of keeping the scent from taking over the entire house.
Bacon types and cooking time
The time it takes to air fry bacon at 400°F (200°C) will vary depending on the type of bacon you use and the make and model of your air fryer. I tested this in both my Philips XXL Air Fryer and my Ninja Air Fryer and got identical results. Use these cooking times to find your perfect level of doneness:
- Regular-cut bacon: 5 minutes.
- Thicker bacon (thick-cut bacon): 6 to 7 minutes.
- Canadian bacon: 5 to 6 minutes.
- Turkey bacon: 4 minutes.
- Frozen bacon: 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F to thaw and separate the slices, then 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F until crispy.
Remember, bacon will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools. If you prefer chewy bacon, remove it a minute earlier. For extra-crispy bacon, add an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute.
How to cook bacon in an air fryer
Step 1- Prep. Add strips of bacon to the air fryer basket.
Step 2- Air fry the bacon for 5 minutes, or until your desired crispness.
Should you add water to the air fryer?
Some air fryer bacon recipes recommend adding water to the bottom of the air fryer to minimize splatter and smoke. I don’t consider it a necessary step, as the water can actually have the opposite effect and cause both incidents.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Cook in a single layer. If the bacon overlaps, it won’t crisp evenly. When I’m cooking a large batch, I work in batches and keep the cooked bacon warm in a low oven (around 300°F).
- Start checking early. Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so I like to check the bacon about a minute before I think it’s done (the 4-minute mark). You can always cook it longer, but you can’t undo burnt bacon.
- Let it crisp up. The bacon will continue to firm up slightly as it cools, so don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly crisp the second it comes out of the air fryer.
- Save the bacon grease. Once it has cooled slightly, I like to transfer it to a jar and use it for fried eggs, veggies, or even to add flavor to potatoes.
More air fryer breakfast recipes
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry the bacon for 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer it crispier. For chewy bacon, remove it when the center is still slightly flexible. For extra-crispy bacon, cook until the strips feel firm when lifted with tongs and the edges are deep golden brown.
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Remove the bacon from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.
- Regular-cut bacon: 5 minutes.
- Thicker bacon (thick-cut bacon): 6 – 7 minutes.
- Canadian bacon: 5-6 minutes.
- Turkey bacon: 4 minutes.
- Frozen bacon: 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F to thaw and separate the slices, then 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F until crispy.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSodium: 146mgPotassium: 44mgVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg
Originally published July 2023
