Crispy Air Fryer Bacon – The Easiest Way to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
Looking for the easiest, cleanest, and crispiest way to cook bacon?
Enter: air fryer bacon—your new breakfast bestie and meal prep MVP. Forget the splatter, stovetop mess, or greasy baking sheets. With an air fryer, you can make perfectly crisp bacon slices in under 10 minutes using just one ingredient and one basket. No trays, no smoke, no hassle.
Whether you're making breakfast bacon, prepping a stack for BLTs, or cooking for a crowd, this method works beautifully for everything from thick-cut bacon to frozen rashers. It’s fast, hands-off, and shockingly easy to clean up—just what your morning routine (and kitchen) needs.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 2 minutes
· Cook Time: 8 minutes
· Total Time: 10 minutes
· Servings: 4 (12 slices)
· Calories: 290 per serving
· Protein: 10g per serving
Why You’ll Love This recipe
· Crispy bacon in minutes—no flipping required.
· Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer basket.
· Perfect for BLTs, breakfast, or keto snacks.
· Made in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
· Great for batch cooking or quick solo servings.
· Works with regular or thick-cut bacon.
· Easier than oven or stovetop with less grease and splatter.
Ingredients
· 375g bacon slices (about 12 strips—regular or thick-cut)
Tip: For the best bacon for air fryer, use center-cut or low-sodium varieties to reduce smoking and shrinkage.
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
This is the ideal air fryer temperature for bacon to crisp evenly without burning or curling.
2. Twist the bacon like curly fries then lay the bacon in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. It’s okay if the edges overlap slightly—bacon shrinks as it cooks.
No tray? No problem. This method works even if you're cooking bacon in an air fryer without trays—just line with parchment paper to help with grease management.
3. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 4-minute mark for even crispness.
For thicker cuts, add 1–2 more minutes.
For frozen bacon, increase time to 10–12 minutes.
Prefer crispy bacon without flipping? Use a bacon press or parchment sheet on top of the slices to reduce curling.
4. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra grease. Serve immediately
Nutrition
· Calories: 290
· Protein: 10g
· Fiber: 0g
Tips & Customizations
Thick-cut bacon: Add 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
Frozen bacon in air fryer: No need to thaw. Just separate slices and air fry 10–12 minutes.
Bacon seasoning ideas: Sprinkle with cracked pepper, paprika, brown sugar, or maple glaze before cooking.
Healthier bacon method: Choose turkey bacon or reduced-fat rashers for a low-fat alternative.
Bacon for BLTs: Cook until golden and firm (not brittle) for the perfect sandwich texture.
Bacon rashers vs strips: Rashers (U.K.-style) are usually thicker and take longer—aim for 10–11 minutes at 350°F.
Meal Prep & Storage
Batch cooking: Cook up to 1 lb of bacon in 2–3 rounds. Let cool completely and refrigerate.
Storage: Keep cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bag. Lasts up to 2 months.
Reheat tips: Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes for a fresh crisp, or microwave for 30–40 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long to cook bacon in the air fryer?
A: Typically, 8 minutes at 350°F for regular slices. Thick-cut bacon may need up to 10 minutes. Always check after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Q: Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?
A: Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even crisping. For crispy bacon without flipping, use a parchment sheet or air fryer rack.
Q: How to prevent bacon from smoking in the air fryer?
A: Use parchment paper under the bacon to catch grease or add a splash of water in the lower tray. Also, avoid overly fatty or sugar-cured bacon.
Q: What’s the healthiest way to cook bacon in the air fryer?
A: Opt for low-fat air fryer bacon, blot off excess grease after cooking, and serve with veggies or eggs for a balanced plate.
Q: Is air fryer bacon better than oven bacon?
A: Yes—faster, less greasy, and easier to clean. Plus, it avoids the full oven preheat and tray cleanup hassle.
Q: Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Frozen bacon in air fryer works well—just increase cooking time by 2–4 minutes and separate the slices as they begin to thaw.
Final Thoughts
Cooking bacon doesn’t need to be messy, greasy, or time-consuming—and with this air fryer bacon recipe, it’s none of the above. In under 10 minutes, you get crispy bacon with minimal effort, no stovetop splatter, and a cleaner kitchen.
Whether you're prepping breakfast, building a killer BLT, or just need a salty, savory snack, this is the healthier bacon method that delivers every time. With tips for bacon grease, air fryer bacon cleanup, and low-fat bacon alternatives, this guide has everything you need.
Save this recipe, pin it for later, and give your air fryer the bacon treatment it was born for.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What twist would you add?
“I’m not sure how healthy bacon is in general, but I know it’s incredibly delicious.”
