Perfectly Crisp Air Fryer Bacon (Easy, Fast & Mess Free!)

Did you know that bacon cooked in the air fryer is so easy and delicious? Air fryer bacon is a total game changer, y’all! There’s no mess, it’s crispy to perfection, and it’s a super-easy way to cook it!

Air Fryer Bacon

I got so excited when I learned that I could air fry bacon instead of the stove or oven.

It’s an easy method that results in crispy bacon without the greasy mess. Place your bacon strips in the air fryer basket and let the hot air do its magic!

It’s the real deal, and it’s about to become your new favorite breakfast delicacy.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Cook Bacon

The best part about cooking bacon in an air fryer is less mess!

No more splattering grease on your stove top or cleaning up a greasy frying pan. Plus, air-fried bacon cooks evenly every single time, making it your new favorite way to get that perfect crispness.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

This air fryer bacon recipe could become one of your favorite recipes. Not only does it offer easy clean-up, but it also guarantees the crispiest bacon – whether you’re using regular cut bacon or thick-cut bacon.

Here’s some more reasons to love air fryer bacon:

• Hands-free cooking so you can be doing other things
• No fliping the bacon
• Less messy way to make bacon
• The grease drains off into the lower reservoir.

How Long to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer

• Regular Cut Bacon: For regular bacon, the best results are achieved with a cook time of about 7 minutes.
• Thick Bacon Slices: For thick cut bacon, increase the cooking time slightly, keeping a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer

1. Start by arranging your bacon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer. The key here is not to overlap them. A few folds are okay, but try not to overcrowd the pan.
2. Cook for about 7 minutes (time varies based on your machine) at 375 degrees.
3. Take a peek half way through to see if anything needs to be re-spaced. Tongs are extremely helpful for this. True to form, bacon shrinks down quite a bit when cooking.
4. Check it after 5-6 minutes, and see if you want it any more done. I like mine crispy. 
5. Remove bacon and place the cooked pieces on paper towels to drain off any remaining grease.

Tips & Variations

• For softer bacon, reduce cook time slightly.
• Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
• Add some cracked black pepper before cooking.
• Trim the bacon if it’s too long to fit.
• Cook bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cut all bacon pieces the same size for uniformity.
• Check on your bacon towards the end of the cooking time to ensure you don’t overcook it.
• You may need to empty out the grease if you’re cooking multiple batches.

How to Prevent Your Air Fryer from Smoking

If you’ve noticed smoke during the cooking process, place a piece of bread in the drip tray at the bottom of the air fryer. It will soak up the excess grease, reducing the smoke point of bacon fat.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Bacon

I love eating bacon on a Fried Green Tomato BLT. Of course it’s also great with scambled eggs and onions, as a topping on hashbrown casserole.

Here are some more ideas:

• Bacon Bar
• Bacon Guacamole
• Bacon Cheese Dip
• Grilled Cheese Bacon Crescent Squares

Chances are, you don’t really need ideas on what to serve alongside crispy bacon!

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Bacon

Leftover cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it in your air fryer when ready to use – it’ll taste just as delicious!

I used the bacon I cooked in these photos atop of a Fried Green Tomato BLT!

Using an air fryer to cook bacon is an easy and efficient way to enjoy this beloved breakfast staple. You won’t believe how much fat drips away, leaving you with crispy, delicious bacon.

Once you try it, you might find that this is the only way you want to make bacon from now on! Take a look at more air fryer recipes and get inspired.

Print Pin

Air Fryer Bacon

Ingredients

• Bacon

Instructions

• Divide the bacon in half, and place the first half in the air fryer.
• Set the temperature at 375 degrees, and set the timer to 7 minutes (possibly less time for thinner bacon).
• Check it halfway through to see if anything needs to be rearranged (tongs are helpful!) Cook remainder of the time - check for doneness.