Can You Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Crispy, Perfect Results Every Time​

Yes, you absolutely can cook bacon in an air fryer—and it might just become your new favorite method. Air fryers excel at rendering fat quickly and delivering evenly crispy results, making them ideal for bacon. Whether you prefer thin-cut, thick-sliced, or even maple-glazed varieties, the air fryer’s hot, circulating air ensures bacon cooks faster than in a skillet, with less mess and more control over texture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: why air frying bacon works, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and how to achieve restaurant-quality crispiness every time.

Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer? The Advantages Over Traditional Methods

Before diving into the “how,” let’s explore why air frying bacon is a game-changer. Traditional methods like stovetop frying or oven baking have their merits, but air fryers solve common pain points:

1. ​Even Cooking: Air fryers use high-speed fans to circulate hot air around the food, eliminating hot spots that cause some parts of the bacon to burn while others stay undercooked. This is especially useful for thick-cut bacon, which often cooks unevenly in skillets.

2. ​Less Mess: Stovetop frying splatters grease everywhere, and oven baking can leave your appliance coated in residue. Air fryers contain most of the grease within the basket (or on the drip tray), making cleanup a breeze.

3. ​Crispier Results: The intense, direct heat of the air fryer dehydrates the bacon’s surface faster, locking in juices while rendering fat efficiently. This often results in bacon that’s crunchier on the outside and tender on the inside—without needing to flip it constantly.

4. ​Time Efficiency: Air frying bacon takes roughly the same time as oven baking (10–20 minutes) but requires less hands-off monitoring. Unlike stovetop frying, you won’t need to stand over the pan turning strips.

What You Need to Get Started: Tools and Ingredients

To cook perfect air fryer bacon, gather these basics:

• ​Bacon: Any type works—thin-cut, thick-cut, center-cut, or even pre-cooked (though fresh bacon yields better flavor). For best results, pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture; this helps them crisp faster.

• ​Air Fryer: Most models work, but note that basket size affects quantity. A standard 5–6 quart air fryer can cook 4–6 slices at a time; larger models handle 8–10.

• ​Optional Accessories: A wire rack (to elevate bacon and allow air circulation underneath) or parchment paper (to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup). Avoid non-stick sprays, as they can damage the air fryer’s coating over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Follow these steps for consistent, crispy results:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

While not always necessary, preheating ensures the bacon starts cooking immediately. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Bacon

Lay the bacon strips flat in the air fryer basket. If using a wire rack, place the rack inside the basket first, then arrange the bacon on top. For thicker cuts (1/4 inch or more), leave space between strips—overlapping will cause steaming instead of crisping.

3. Cook to Your Desired Crispness

• ​Thin-Cut Bacon: Cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes. Check at 8 minutes; thin slices go from perfect to burnt quickly.

• ​Thick-Cut Bacon: Aim for 12–16 minutes at 375°F. Thicker cuts need more time to render fat and crisp up.

• ​Adjustments: If your air fryer runs hot (common with smaller models), lower the temperature to 360°F and add 2–3 minutes. For extra-crispy bacon, increase the temp to 385°F and reduce time by 1–2 minutes.

4. Flip or Shake Midway (Optional)

For even cooking, flip the bacon strips or shake the basket halfway through. This is especially helpful if your air fryer has uneven air circulation.

5. Drain and Serve

Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes—this allows residual heat to finish crisping any soft spots.

Adjusting for Different Bacon Thicknesses and Preferences

Not all bacon is created equal, and your air fryer settings should adapt accordingly:

• ​Extra-Thick Cut (1/2 inch or more)​: These require patience. Cook at 360°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. The goal is to render as much fat as possible without burning the edges.

• ​Maple-Glazed or Flavored Bacon: Reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes. The sugars in glazes burn easily, so watch closely near the end. Brush additional glaze on during the last 3 minutes if desired.

• ​Soft, Chewy Bacon: If you prefer less crunch, cook thin-cut bacon at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Thick-cut may need 10–12 minutes.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with perfect setup, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

​Problem: Soggy Bacon​

​Cause: Undercooking or overcrowding the basket. Excess moisture from overlapping strips steams the bacon instead of crisping it.

​Fix: Space strips evenly, cook at 375°F, and extend time by 2–3 minutes. For leftover moisture, broil on high for 1–2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

​Problem: Burnt Edges, Raw Centers​

​Cause: High heat with thick-cut bacon. Thin strips cook fast, but thick ones need lower temps to render fat slowly.

​Fix: Switch to 360°F for thick cuts, and flip every 4–5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer—bacon is safe at 145°F internally, but taste-wise, aim for 160°F for fully cooked centers.

​Problem: Grease Splattering Inside the Air Fryer​

​Cause: Bacon released water or fat too quickly. Patting strips dry before cooking reduces steam.

​Fix: Always dry bacon with paper towels. If splattering occurs, pause the air fryer, blot excess grease with a paper towel, and resume.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Cooking Bacon

Air fryers are low-maintenance, but bacon grease requires attention:

1. ​Let It Cool: Wait 10–15 minutes before cleaning to avoid burns and prevent warping.

2. ​Remove the Basket and Drip Tray: Soak these in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. For stubborn grease, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or a paste of baking soda and water.

3. ​Wipe the Interior: Use a damp cloth to clean the air fryer’s interior. Avoid abrasive cleaners—they can damage the non-stick coating.

4. ​Dispose of Grease Safely: Pour cooled grease into a container and discard it in the trash (never down the drain).

Air Fryer Bacon vs. Other Cooking Methods

How does air-fried bacon stack up against alternatives?

• ​Stovetop Frying: Faster than pan-frying (no constant flipping), but air fryers use less energy and produce less smoke.

• ​Oven Baking: Similar results, but air fryers cook faster (10–15 minutes vs. 20–25 minutes in an oven) and use a smaller footprint.

• ​Microwave: Quick but often results in rubbery, unevenly cooked bacon. Air fryers deliver superior texture.

Health Considerations When Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Air frying is often touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it applies to bacon too:

• ​Less Fat Retention: The air fryer renders more fat than stovetop frying, meaning your bacon absorbs less grease.

• ​No Added Oil: Unlike pan-frying, you don’t need to coat the pan with oil—bacon’s own fat is enough.

• ​Control Over Portions: Air fryers make it easy to cook small batches, reducing overeating.

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Bacon

Cooked bacon stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes—this restores crispiness better than a microwave.

Final Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

• ​Experiment with Temperature: Every air fryer is different. Keep notes on what works for your model.

• ​Use Fresh Bacon: Frozen bacon can be cooked directly, but thaw it first for even results.

• ​Add Seasonings Later: Sprinkle salt, pepper, or spices on after cooking to avoid burning.

In short, cooking bacon in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s a smart, efficient way to achieve crispy, flavorful results with minimal cleanup. By following these guidelines, you’ll never look back at soggy skillet bacon again. Grab your air fryer, some bacon, and get ready to master one of the easiest (and tastiest) kitchen hacks.