Bacon in the Air Fryer: Time and Temperature
Quick Answer
To cook bacon in an air fryer:
- Temperature: 350°F (180°C)
- Time: 8-10 minutes for regular bacon, 10-12 minutes if you like it extra crispy
- Flip: halfway through cooking
- Amount: in a single layer, without overlapping the strips
The exact time will depend on the thickness of the strips and your specific air fryer.
You can make a complete delicius breakfast with:
Why Bacon Turns Out Better in the Air Fryer Than in a Pan
Cooking bacon in a skillet comes with a few downsides that the air fryer solves almost automatically:
- Less grease splatter: cooking inside an enclosed basket keeps the grease contained instead of splattering across the stovetop.
- More even cooking: hot air circulates around every side of the strip, avoiding the burnt spots and undercooked spots that often happen in a pan.
- Less fat in the final result: a good amount of the bacon’s fat drips through the basket during cooking, ending up outside the food.
- No need to babysit it: you only need to flip it once halfway through.
How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer Step by Step
1. Place the Strips in the Basket
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer, without overlapping. If your basket is small, it’s better to cook in two batches than to pile the strips on top of each other.
2. No Need to Preheat
Unlike other recipes, preheating doesn’t make much of a difference with bacon, so you can place the strips directly in the basket and start cooking.
3. Cook at 350°F (180°C)
Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This is the sweet spot between getting crispy bacon and avoiding burning it before the fat has properly rendered.
4. Flip Halfway Through
After 4-5 minutes, open the basket and flip the strips with tongs so they brown evenly on both sides.
5. Check for Doneness
Keep cooking until you reach your preferred level of crispiness. If you like it softer, remove it at 8 minutes; if you prefer it very crispy, leave it until 10-12 minutes.
6. Remove and Drain on Paper Towels
Take the strips out with tongs and place them on paper towels for a few seconds to absorb excess grease before serving.
Cooking Time by Bacon Type
| Bacon type | Temperature | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin-cut bacon | 350°F (180°C) | 6-8 minutes |
| Regular bacon | 350°F (180°C) | 8-10 minutes |
| Thick-cut bacon | 350°F (180°C) | 10-12 minutes |
| Frozen bacon | 350°F (180°C) | 12-15 minutes |
These times are a guideline. If your air fryer runs particularly hot, the bacon may brown faster than expected.
Can You Cook Frozen Bacon Directly in the Air Fryer?
Yes. There’s no need to thaw it first. Carefully separate the strips (if they’re stuck together, let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to loosen up), place them in the basket, and add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time compared to fresh bacon.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Every Time
Clean Out the Grease Between Batches
If you’re cooking multiple batches in a row, remove the excess grease that collects in the bottom tray before starting the next batch to avoid smoking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Strips
Air needs to circulate freely around each strip for it to crisp up evenly, not just at the edges.
Adjust the Time to Your Taste
How crispy bacon should be is very subjective — some people like it softer, others nearly burnt. Use the table as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to adjust based on your preference.
Watch the Last Few Minutes Closely
Bacon can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly in the last 1-2 minutes, especially thin-cut strips. Check on it early the first few times you make it in your air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bacon
How long does bacon take in the air fryer?
Between 8 and 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C) for a regular result, or up to 12 minutes if you prefer it very crispy. The exact time depends on the thickness of the strips.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for bacon?
No, it’s not necessary. You can place the strips directly in a cold basket and start cooking without it significantly affecting the result.
Do I need to add oil to cook bacon in the air fryer?
No, bacon already has enough fat of its own. Adding oil isn’t necessary and would just create more smoke during cooking.
Why is there smoke when cooking bacon in the air fryer?
Some smoke is normal due to the fat the bacon releases. If it’s excessive, check that there isn’t leftover burnt grease in the bottom tray from previous uses, and clean it if needed.
Can I cook frozen bacon without thawing it?
Yes, you can cook it straight from frozen, adding 3 to 5 extra minutes to the usual cooking time.
How do I keep the bacon from getting too tough?
Slightly reduce the cooking time and check on it a couple of minutes earlier than the table suggests, since bacon keeps firming up a bit as it cools outside the air fryer.
Can I cook a large amount of bacon at once?
It depends on your basket size. It’s better to cook several small batches without overcrowding the strips than to overload the basket at once, for a more even result.
Air Fryer Bacon: The Cleanest, Fastest Way to Make It
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is much more convenient than in a skillet: less splatter, more even cooking, and no need to hover over it the whole time. As a general reference, use 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, adjusting based on strip thickness and your preferred level of crispiness.
Discover how to make ribs in an air fryer that are tender and flavorful.
