Air fryer bacon is crispy bacon cooked in an air fryer basket, ready in about 15 minutes without the greasy stovetop mess.
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Two Bite Tested
This air fryer bacon recipe is popular because:
- it uses just one ingredient with zero prep work
- the air fryer delivers crispy bacon with no stovetop splatters
- it's quick cooking and is done in about 15 minutes from start to finish
This recipe includes:
- detailed ingredient notes
- answers to frequently asked questions
- serving and storage suggestions
- a recipe card with nutritional information
A Note From My Kitchen
Bacon is one of those foods that I adore no matter how it's prepared. I love its unending versatility, both in preparation methods and flavor options.
You may be thinking that bacon should exclusively be cooked in a frying pan, or maybe baked in the oven if you're feeling fancy. I'm here to tell you that your air fryer is not only capable, but very good at preparing crispy delicious bacon with ease!
The only caveat is that this recipe is best for small batch bacon, as most air fryers and air fryer ovens can only handle a few slices at a time. That being said, if you're looking for a new easy way to get your bacon fix, be prepared to have your socks blown off! Crispy bacon incoming!
Happy cooking,
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Look for regular sliced bacon for the classic crispy slice, while thick-cut bacon produces a heartier, chewier bite. Look for bacon fresh or frozen in the refrigerated meat section of your grocery store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bacon slices overlap in the air fryer basket?
Slices cook more evenly in a single layer without overlapping, so cooking in batches is recommended if you're preparing more than just a few slices.Why is my air fryer bacon not getting crispy?
If your air fryer bacon isn't crisping up, it usually means that the slices are overlapping or the basket is overcrowded. Be sure to cook your bacon in a single layer.Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Turkey bacon can be substituted if you prefer, but the cooking time needs adjusting since it typically cooks faster than pork bacon.Do I need to preheat the air fryer before adding the bacon?
Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes helps the bacon start crisping right away instead of sitting in a cool basket while the appliance comes up to temperature. If you don't preheat, you'll still have awesome results; you may just have to add a minute or two of cook time.Why is my air fryer bacon smoking when cooking it?
If your air fryer is smoking from the grease while cooking your bacon, you may be cooking it at too high of a temperature. Stop cooking, open the basket to let it cool a bit, then begin and continue cooking at a lower temperature until cooked through. The grease in the bottom of your air fryer may also start smoking if you have cooked several batches and grease has accumulated. If this is the case, you may need to carefully pour off the grease from your air fryer before proceeding.How can I stop my bacon from blowing around in my air fryer while it's cooking?
Some air fryers may cause your bacon to blow around and curl up while it's cooking. The first way to handle this is to check your air fryer every couple of minutes to straighten and rearrange your bacon. Alternately, and more conveniently, you can use the wire steaming rack or trivet that came with your air fryer and place it on top of the bacon while it's cooking.
Two Bite Take
This is my go-to method if I just need a few slices of bacon cooked fast. It comes out so crispy!
- Becky Tarala
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With Air Fryer Bacon
This easy air fryer breakfast bacon pairs well with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or on a breakfast sandwich. It also works as a crunchy topping for salads or baked potatoes. One serving is about 2 slices.Air Fryer Bacon Variations
These variations use the same base method with a few simple adjustments:- Black pepper bacon: Add cracked pepper before cooking
- Brown sugar bacon: Add a light coating of brown sugar before cooking
- Maple bacon: Brushed lightly with maple syrup halfway through cooking
- Sweet and spicy candied bacon: make by adding brown sugar and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper
Got Leftovers?
What To Do With Leftover Air Fryer Bacon
Leftover bacon can be used in several ways:- Crumble over salads
- Add to sandwiches or wraps
- Mix into pasta dishes
- Top baked potatoes or loaded french fries
- And so much more!
How To Store Air Fryer Bacon
Cooked bacon keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.How To Reheat Bacon
Reheat leftover bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes for best crispness.
Air Fryer Bacon
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Air fryer bacon is crispy bacon cooked in an air fryer basket, ready in about 15 minutes without the greasy stovetop mess.
INGREDIENTS
8 slices bacon
8 slices bacon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if the slices overlap.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes for regular-cut bacon or 10 to 12 minutes for thick-cut bacon, checking at the halfway point.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
NOTES
Cooking time varies by air fryer brand and bacon thickness, so start checking early the first time you make this. This is the air fryer I used to make this recipe: Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer. No added oil or grease is needed, since the bacon renders its own fat as it cooks.
I cut my bacon slices in half lengthwise for a better fit in my air fryer.
Author: Becky Tarala
Cooking time varies by air fryer brand and bacon thickness, so start checking early the first time you make this. This is the air fryer I used to make this recipe: Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer. No added oil or grease is needed, since the bacon renders its own fat as it cooks.
I cut my bacon slices in half lengthwise for a better fit in my air fryer.
Author: Becky Tarala
Behind the Bites
Hi, I'm Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites. I've been cooking and sharing recipes here for years, focusing on easy dishes that become family favorites.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here.
