Air Fryer Bacon is the easiest way to get perfectly crispy, delicious bacon without the hassle of grease splatters. Whether you want bacon for breakfast, burgers, or salads, this quick method delivers mouthwatering results every time — all with minimal effort and cleanup. Ready to discover your new favorite way to cook bacon?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer cooks bacon evenly, giving you perfectly crispy slices every time.
Less Mess: No greasy splatters like stovetop cooking — the air fryer keeps it clean.
Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with almost no effort required.
Healthier Option: Excess grease drains away as the bacon cooks.
Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon slices – Use regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference.
- Optional: Black pepper – For extra flavor, if desired.
That’s it! With just bacon (and maybe a sprinkle of pepper), your air fryer will do the rest.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps the bacon cook evenly and speeds up the process. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, so check your model’s manual if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the slices, as this can prevent them from crisping evenly. If you need to cook a large batch, cook the bacon in multiple batches instead of overcrowding the basket.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Set the air fryer timer for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness and the thickness of your bacon.
- For regular-cut bacon, 8 minutes usually works well.
- For thick-cut bacon, you may need 10 to 12 minutes.
Halfway through cooking, flip the bacon slices to ensure even crisping on both sides. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, this step may not be necessary.
Step 4: Check and Adjust if Needed
After the initial cook time, check the bacon. If you want it extra crispy, you can add an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Every air fryer is slightly different, so adjust as needed for your perfect bacon.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This keeps your bacon perfectly crispy.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast dishes, add to sandwiches, or crumble over salads. Air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with everything.
Tips for Best Results
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air circulation is key to crispy bacon, so make sure the slices are placed in a single layer. If they overlap, the bacon will steam instead of crisping up. If you need to cook a large amount, work in batches.
2. Use the Right Temperature
For the best balance between crispiness and preventing burning, cook at 350°F (175°C). Higher temperatures can cause the bacon to burn on the edges before the center is fully cooked.
3. Choose Your Bacon Wisely
- Regular-cut bacon crisps up faster and works well for quick cooking.
- Thick-cut bacon takes a bit longer but gives you a heartier bite.
No matter which you choose, keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking.
4. Flip Halfway Through
Flipping the bacon halfway ensures even crispiness on both sides, especially if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket.
5. Line the Basket (Optional)
If you want easier cleanup, place a small sheet of perforated parchment paper in the bottom of the basket. Avoid solid paper, as air needs to flow around the bacon for best results.
6. Drain on Paper Towels
Even though air fryers drain some grease, bacon will still have a bit of excess fat. Let the cooked bacon rest on a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra oil and keep that crisp texture.
7. Watch Closely Near the End
The last minute of cooking can make all the difference between perfectly crispy and overcooked bacon. Check often to hit your ideal texture.
8. Experiment with Seasoning
For extra flavor, sprinkle bacon with black pepper, paprika, or even a pinch of brown sugar before cooking. This adds a fun twist without much effort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcrowding the Basket
One of the most common mistakes is trying to cook too much bacon at once. When bacon slices overlap or pile up, they cook unevenly and turn out limp instead of crispy. Always cook in a single layer with space between each piece.
2. Setting the Temperature Too High
It’s tempting to crank up the heat to cook bacon faster, but this often backfires. High heat can cause uneven cooking—with edges burning before the center crisps. 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot for even, crispy bacon.
3. Skipping the Flip
If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket, flipping the bacon halfway through is essential. This ensures both sides cook evenly, giving you that perfect crunch from edge to edge.
4. Forgetting to Preheat
Preheating might seem unnecessary, but it helps bacon start cooking evenly from the moment it hits the basket. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it for more consistent results.
5. Ignoring the Type of Bacon
Not all bacon cooks the same. Thick-cut bacon takes longer and needs a bit of extra care, while thin bacon crisps up quickly. Adjust your cooking time based on the cut you’re using.
6. Neglecting to Drain the Grease
Even though air fryers reduce grease, cooked bacon still benefits from a quick rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This step keeps it from turning soggy after cooking.
7. Walking Away Too Soon
The final minute of cooking can make or break your bacon. Stay close and check frequently to avoid overcooking. Bacon can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
8. Forgetting to Clean the Air Fryer
Bacon grease can build up quickly. Clean your air fryer basket after each batch to prevent smoke, off flavors, or uneven cooking during future use.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Breakfast Plate
Air fryer bacon is the perfect addition to a traditional breakfast. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and a side of hash browns for a hearty, satisfying meal.
2. Sandwiches and Burgers
Crispy bacon instantly upgrades any sandwich or burger. Add it to a BLT, layer it in a breakfast sandwich, or pile it onto a cheeseburger for extra flavor and crunch.
3. Salads and Soups
Crumble air fryer bacon over salads like a Caesar salad or cobb salad to add salty, smoky goodness. It also makes a fantastic topping for creamy soups like potato soup or broccoli cheddar soup.
4. Pasta and Baked Dishes
Add chopped bacon to pasta dishes for an easy flavor boost. It pairs especially well with creamy sauces like alfredo or carbonara. You can also sprinkle crispy bacon over baked potatoes or mac and cheese.
5. Appetizers and Party Snacks
Use your air fryer bacon to create irresistible appetizers. Wrap dates or jalapeño poppers with bacon, or serve bacon strips alongside a platter of deviled eggs, cheese cubes, and crackers for an easy party snack board.
6. Sweet and Savory Pairings
For a fun twist, try candied bacon by brushing strips with maple syrup and a sprinkle of brown sugar before air frying. It’s a perfect blend of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors.
7. Healthy Low-Carb Options
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, air fryer bacon makes a fantastic protein snack. Enjoy it plain, or dip it in guacamole or ranch dressing for a quick, satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftover Bacon
If you have leftover air fryer bacon, let it cool completely before storing. Place the cooled bacon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. For extra freshness, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any residual grease.
- In the refrigerator, cooked bacon stays fresh for 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap bacon strips individually in parchment paper or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bacon can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Bacon in the Air Fryer
The best way to reheat bacon is right back in the air fryer. This restores its crispiness much better than a microwave.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place bacon in a single layer in the basket.
- Heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
Reheating Bacon in the Microwave
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the bacon may lose some crispiness.
- Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
- Cover with another paper towel to absorb grease.
- Microwave on high for 20 to 30 seconds, checking after 15 seconds.
Reheating Bacon in the Oven
For larger batches, the oven works well.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through.
Tip: Always store bacon separately from other foods to keep its flavor intact. Avoid stacking hot bacon directly, as trapped steam can soften the crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Thick-Cut vs. Regular Bacon
If you love extra crispy, thinner bacon, stick with regular-cut strips. For a meatier bite, use thick-cut bacon. Just remember that thick-cut will need a few extra minutes in the air fryer to cook through.
2. Turkey Bacon Option
For a lighter alternative, swap regular pork bacon for turkey bacon. Turkey bacon cooks faster, usually in about 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). It’s leaner but still gets crispy in the air fryer.
3. Maple or Candied Bacon
For a sweet and savory twist, brush bacon strips with a thin layer of maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar before air frying. This creates a delicious glaze that’s perfect for brunch or snacking.
4. Spicy Bacon
If you love heat, sprinkle bacon with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce before cooking. Spicy bacon works great in sandwiches or crumbled over salads for a flavor kick.
5. Seasoned Bacon
Elevate your bacon with simple seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Season the strips lightly before cooking for a subtle boost of flavor.
6. Vegetarian Substitutes
If you’re serving vegetarians, you can also use meatless bacon strips, sometimes called veggie bacon. These cook much faster, typically in 3 to 5 minutes, so keep an eye on them.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Creations
Use your air fryer bacon to wrap asparagus, chicken tenders, or even jalapeño poppers. The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly while cooking the filling inside.
8. Low-Sodium Option
For those watching sodium intake, choose low-sodium bacon. It cooks just like regular bacon but with less saltiness.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional value of air fryer bacon depends on the type and cut of bacon you use. On average, one slice of regular pork bacon contains approximately:
- Calories: 42
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 3.5 grams (with about 1 gram saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
- Sodium: 190 mg
Thick-cut bacon will have slightly higher calories and fat per slice, while turkey bacon is typically leaner, with about:
- Calories: 30 per slice
- Protein: 2.5 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
Air Fryer vs. Traditional Cooking
Cooking bacon in the air fryer allows excess grease to drain away, making it slightly less greasy than pan-fried bacon. This can reduce the overall fat content per slice, though bacon is still naturally high in fat and sodium.
Ways to Make It Healthier
- Choose center-cut bacon, which has less fat than regular strips.
- Opt for uncured bacon to avoid added nitrates.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lower-fat, lower-calorie option.
Portion Control Tips
Bacon is delicious but can be high in sodium and saturated fat if overindulged. Pair it with healthier sides like fresh fruit, whole-grain toast, or eggs to create a balanced meal.
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand, thickness, and type of bacon you use. If you’re following a specific diet, be sure to check the package label for exact numbers.
Related Recipes
Grilled Chicken Wings – The Ultimate Guide – Mention this when discussing air frying as a great alternative to grilling.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – If suggesting bacon as a crispy topping for casseroles.
Classic Deviled Eggs – Ultimate Guide – If discussing bacon as a garnish for deviled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to preheat my air fryer for bacon?
Preheating helps the bacon cook evenly and crisps it faster. While some air fryers don’t require preheating, it’s recommended for the best results.
2. Can I cook thick-cut bacon in the air fryer?
Yes! Thick-cut bacon works well in the air fryer but will need a longer cooking time — typically 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
3. Do I need to flip the bacon halfway through cooking?
Yes, unless your air fryer has a rotating basket. Flipping ensures both sides get evenly crispy.