Air Fryer Bacon is the easiest way to enjoy perfectly crispy bacon every single time—no flipping, no splattering grease, and no waiting for the oven to preheat. The hot circulating air crisps the edges beautifully while keeping the bacon juicy inside, making this method a total game-changer for busy mornings.
Whether you’re serving it with eggs, pancakes, French toast, or using it in other recipes, air fryer bacon is fast, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying.
Why Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
Once you try bacon in the air fryer, you may never go back to the skillet. Here’s why it’s so popular:
- Extra crispy results with wavy, crunchy edges
- No flipping required
- Less mess than stovetop cooking
- Faster than oven baking (no preheating needed)
- Easy cleanup—just pour out the grease
It’s one of the simplest ways to get restaurant-quality bacon at home.
How to Prevent Smoking in the Air Fryer
Bacon grease can smoke if cooked at too high a temperature. After testing different settings, 350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature to cook bacon without smoking or burning.
Some people add water or bread to the bottom of the air fryer, but in most cases, keeping the temperature at 350°F is all you need for perfect results.
How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer
- Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Slices may touch, but should not overlap.
- Cut slices in half if they are too long for your basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–15 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness.
- Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How Long Does Bacon Take in the Air Fryer?
Cooking time varies based on a few factors:
- Thickness: Thick-cut bacon takes longer than thin bacon
- Air fryer model: Some cook hotter than others
- Texture preference:
- 8–10 minutes for softer, chewy bacon
- 12–15 minutes for very crispy bacon
Always check near the end and adjust as needed.
Air Fryer Bacon Tips
- Cook bacon in batches if needed to avoid overlapping
- Pour out grease between batches for best results
- Always use 350°F to prevent smoking
- Clean the basket with warm soapy water after cooking
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat:
- Air fryer: 350°F for 2–3 minutes
- Microwave: until heated through
The air fryer is best for restoring crispiness.
Serving Ideas
Air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile:
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Toppings: Crumble over baked potatoes, soups, salads, or deviled eggs
- Recipes: Use in BLTs, quiches, casseroles, or pasta dishes
Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–15 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–15 minutes, until cooked to your liking.
- Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook more or less bacon in batches as needed
- Thick-cut bacon will require additional time
- Always discard grease between batches