Air fryer bacon is easy to cook! You can make delicious, crispy bacon in the air fryer in about 10 minutes.

 

The air fryer is one of our most used kitchen appliances. You can use it to cook a variety of things like eggs, biscuits, chicken, even cookies.

Cooking bacon in the air fryer is incredibly easy and the best part is that it cooks the bacon evenly and perfectly crispy.

Why cook bacon in the air fryer?

• Less Grease – Cooking bacon in the air fryer allows excess grease to drip off of the bacon into the air fryer basket.
• Fast – Bacon cooks up in about 10 minutes.
• Even Cooking – The circulating hot air makes for consistent, crispy strips of bacon.
• Easy Clean-Up – You don’t have to worry about splattering grease when cooking in the air fryer. Most air fryer are dishwasher safe making for super easy clean-up.

How to make air fryer bacon

For full, printable directions, scroll to the bottom.

Cooking time will vary depending on what type of bacon you are using. I am using center cut bacon for this recipe. You can also use this recipe to make smoked bacon, turkey bacon, or even Canadian bacon.

Step one: Place 6-7 pieces of bacon in the air fryer basket. Try not to overlap the bacon too much so that the hot air is able to circulate around each piece and cook evenly.

Step two: Cook the bacon at 390 degrees F for 8-10. minutes. I recommend checking the bacon after 8 minutes. If you like yours crispy add 1-2 minutes of cook time.

Step three: Carefully remove the cooked bacon with tongs and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess grease.

How long to cook bacon in the air fryer

There are several things that may determine how long you cook your bacon. The type of air fryer you are using, the thickness of the bacon, and how done you prefer your bacon will all effect the cooking time.

• Regular or center cut bacon – If you like softer bacon, cook for 7-8 minutes at 390 degrees F. For crispy bacon, cook 9-10 minutes.
• Thick cut bacon – Softer bacon will cook in 9-10 minutes, crispy bacon in 11-12 minutes.

Tips for success

• Add a little water to the air fryer basket to help prevent smoking. I also like to empty the grease before making a second batch of bacon.
• You can also add a piece of bread to the very bottom of the air fryer basket to soak up any grease.
• I am using a 5.8 quart basket style air fryer. This will also work with a toaster style air fryer.

Common questions

What to serve with air fryer bacon

• Breakfast – Bacon is the ultimate breakfast food. Try serving alongside things like french toast, pancakes, waffles, cinnamon roll casserole, and eggs.
• Lunch and dinner – Serve on sandwiches, crumbled on a dip, on a salad, or on a baked potato.

How to store leftovers

Store any leftovers in a sealed bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last 4-5 days.

Reheat the bacon by placing a piece on a paper towel lined plate and microwave for 30 seconds. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes.

Freeze any leftover strips of bacon in a freezer safe bag.

Recipes with bacon

• Grilled chicken bacon melt is topped with bacon, jalapenos, and cheese.
• Bacon spinach artichoke dip is a hot creamy dip that is great for parties.
• BLT dip is a classic BLT sandwich made into a creamy dip.
• Bacon wrapped water chestnuts are one of our favorite appetizers.
• Bacon wrapped asparagus is a delicious side.
• Bacon wrapped pineapple bites can be made in the air fryer.

If you made this recipe please leave a comment and star rating below.