We all love crispy bacon, right? Bacon is thinly sliced cured pork belly known for its smoky, salty flavor and crisp texture when fried. Making it in an air fryer is a useful! (Air fryer bacon cooks by circulating hot air around the strips for faster, more even browning and reduced splatter compared with stovetop frying.)
It's quick, easy, and mess-free.
No more greasy splatters on the stove.
We've tried it, and let us tell you-crispy perfection every time. Plus, it's less greasy, so we can enjoy without feeling too guilty.
Who doesn't want perfectly cooked bacon in just minutes?
If you haven't already, give it a go. Air fryer bacon might just become your new favorite way to fry up this breakfast classic.
It's so simple even our lazy mornings can't resist.
Ready to get started? Let's make some bacon magic!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon
Let's get straight to the good stuff. You'll need:
- Bacon: Obviously! Use thick-cut for extra crunch or regular cut if you're feeling classic.
- Optional: Black pepper or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a little kick or a touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- Don't overcrowd: Arrange the bacon in a single layer; the same spacing tips also improve results for easy air fryer wing methods, and they work well for bacon-wrapped asparagus for quick air-fryer sides.
- Flip it halfway: This ensures both sides get that perfect crispiness, and you don't end up with a lopsided piece of bacon (flip at about the 5-minute mark during a 10-minute cook for best results).
- Play with the temperature: If you like your bacon extra crispy, you might want to crank up the heat for the last couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it!
Variations and Substitutions
No air fryer? No problem!
You can use a convection oven at 400°F, but it might not be as crispy as the good ol' air fryer method.
Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a spicy version or brush with a bit of maple syrup for that sweet-salty combo we all love (brush with about 1 teaspoon maple syrup per 4 slices before cooking).
Why not throw in a few sprigs for a herby twist that pairs well with moist cornbread side variations? Try thyme or rosemary sprigs, which hold up to high heat and add a woodsy aroma.
Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Air-fryer
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon thick or regular cut
- Optional: Black pepper or a sprinkle of brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If desired, sprinkle with black pepper or brown sugar before serving.
- Enjoy your perfectly crispy bacon!
Nutrition
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp foods quickly while using less oil; explore 100 easy air-fryer recipes for beginners for more techniques and beginner-friendly timing charts. For a classic side that demonstrates temperature and timing for golden results, see crispy air-fryer fries technique for beginners.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
