Tired of greasy, unevenly cooked bacon? Say goodbye to messy splatters and hello to perfectly crispy strips with the magic of an air fryer! For many, the quest for the ultimate breakfast side ends with this versatile kitchen appliance. An air fryer can transform your bacon-cooking game, making it healthier, faster, and incredibly delicious. But what makes the best air fryer for cooking bacon, and what accessories can elevate your experience?
We’re here to guide you through top choices and essential tools that promise to deliver that coveted crunch without the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a new appliance or an ingenious gadget to make your existing air fryer bacon-ready, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into our top picks for achieving bacon bliss!
Our Top Picks for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
1. Bacon Tray – 2-Piece Set – Marble Coating – Durable
This isn’t just a tray; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about healthier, crispier bacon. Designed to let grease drip away, this two-piece set ensures your bacon never sits in its own fat, leading to a much crispier result. It’s an excellent accessory to pair with larger air fryer ovens or even a conventional oven if you’re looking to upgrade your cooking method for bacon beyond the pan. The marble coating means less sticking and easier cleanup, making your morning routine a breeze.
-
Key Features:
- Designed for healthier cooking by allowing grease to drain
- Achieves perfectly crispy bacon
- Versatile for various cooking preferences (crispy or tender)
- Durable carbon steel with premium non-stick white stone coating
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE-free for safety
- Temperature resistance up to 450°F
-
Pros:
- Promotes healthier, less greasy bacon
- Excellent for achieving crispiness
- Very easy to clean
- Durable construction
- Safe, non-toxic materials
-
Cons:
- Requires a compatible air fryer oven or traditional oven
- Not a standalone air fryer unit
-
User Impressions: Users rave about how this tray simplifies bacon cooking, making it less messy and consistently crispy. Many appreciate the non-stick surface and how easy it is to clean, feeling it’s a worthwhile investment for bacon lovers.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Silicone Air Fryer 7.1-Inch Bacon Silicone Baking Pans
Say goodbye to parchment paper and hello to this clever silicone air fryer accessory! Specifically designed to fit most air fryer baskets, this non-stick silicone pan ensures your bacon cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully, thanks to its unique design that allows heat to circulate. It’s perfect for families, as it can hold multiple strips, making it incredibly efficient for a quick breakfast or adding crispy bacon to salads and sandwiches. Plus, the silicone material means it’s flexible, easy to clean, and incredibly durable.
-
Key Features:
- Non-stick, odorless, and heat-resistant silicone material
- Unique design for even heat circulation and crispy bacon
- Large capacity, holds up to 9 strips of bacon
- Versatile for home, office, restaurant, and hotel use
- Ensures safe and reliable use
-
Pros:
- Specifically designed for air fryer baskets
- Promotes even cooking and crispiness
- Easy to clean and store
- Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable liners
- Good capacity for family meals
-
Cons:
- Only fits certain air fryer basket sizes (7.1-inch)
- Not a standalone appliance
-
User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and effectiveness of this silicone pan. They highlight how much cleaner their air fryer stays and how consistently crispy their bacon turns out. The easy cleanup is a recurring favorite point.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Cathy Yoder’s Air Fryer Cookbook: Air Fryer Recipes
While not an air fryer itself, this cookbook is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to maximize their air fryer’s potential, including how to make the best air fryer for cooking bacon (and everything else!). Authored by a mom who prioritizes fast and delicious meals, Cathy Yoder’s cookbook offers over 150 easy-to-follow recipes tested by her large YouTube audience. It goes beyond just nuggets and leftovers, opening up a world of culinary possibilities for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert.
-
Key Features:
- Over 150 diverse air fryer recipes
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Audience-tested recipes for reliability
- Encourages versatile air fryer use beyond basics
- Focuses on fast cooking for busy families
-
Pros:
- Expands your air fryer cooking repertoire
- Recipes are practical and time-saving
- Reliable, tested recipes
- Great for beginners and experienced users alike
- Includes breakfast recipes, which likely cover bacon
-
Cons:
- Not a piece of hardware; an informational product
- Requires you to already own an air fryer
-
User Impressions: People appreciate Cathy Yoder’s straightforward approach and delicious recipes. They find the cookbook inspiring and say it helps them use their air fryer more often and for a wider variety of dishes. The fast cooking times are a major plus.
- See it on Amazon here
4. The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Easy, Everyday Recipes
Another fantastic resource for any air fryer enthusiast, especially beginners! This cookbook focuses on demystifying air frying with easy, everyday recipes that make cooking accessible and enjoyable. It’s packed with practical advice and delicious meal ideas that are perfect for those just starting out or looking for simple, reliable options. While specific bacon recipes might vary, the foundational techniques taught will undoubtedly help you perfect your crispy bacon and much more.
-
Key Features:
- Aimed at beginners with easy-to-follow recipes
- Practical for everyday cooking
- Helps unlock the full potential of an air fryer
- Covers a wide range of meal types
-
Pros:
- Excellent for air fryer novices
- Simplifies complex cooking processes
- Reliable and accessible recipes
- Great value for expanding cooking skills
- Can help you master cooking fundamentals perfect for bacon
-
Cons:
- Not an appliance or accessory
- Requires an air fryer to use
-
User Impressions: Beginners particularly laud this cookbook for its clear instructions and approachable recipes. Many found it helped them overcome initial hesitations with their air fryer and inspired them to try new dishes, including basic preparations like bacon.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for a powerhouse appliance that can do it all, including being an amazing best air fryer for cooking bacon, then the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a top contender. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a multi-cooker combo that can roast, bake, toast, and slow cook. Its extra-large 26-quart capacity and dual-speed fan ensure even cooking and exceptional crisping for everything from a rotisserie chicken to a mountain of crispy bacon. The elegant French doors and stainless steel exterior add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
-
Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo (25 pre-sets)
- Perfectly done toast with automatic shut-off
- Dual-speed fan for superior crisping (360º superheated air)
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4-6 people
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors
-
Pros:
- Extremely versatile with numerous cooking functions
- Large capacity for big batches of bacon or meals
- Achieves excellent crisping results
- High-quality, durable build with aesthetic appeal
- Easy monitoring with interior light and French doors
-
Cons:
- Larger footprint, requires significant counter space
- Higher price point compared to smaller air fryers
-
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the versatility and performance of this Emeril Lagasse unit. They highlight its ability to handle large quantities and deliver consistently crispy food, making it a favorite for family meals and entertaining. The ease of use despite its many features is also a big plus.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Csafyrt Bacon Rack for Oven Non-Stick Air Fryer Silicone
This reusable silicone bacon rack is a dream come true for perfect air-fried bacon. It’s ingeniously designed to ensure uniform heat distribution, meaning every strip gets equally crispy. Made from durable non-stick silicone, it’s not only easy to use but also incredibly simple to clean, minimizing your post-meal fuss. Whether you’re using it in your air fryer oven or a traditional oven, this versatile accessory helps you achieve that golden, crispy bacon without the excess grease.
-
Key Features:
- Reusable and practical multi-use bacon tray
- Specifically designed for air fryers and ovens
- Non-stick silicone material for easy food release and cleaning
- Promotes uniform heat distribution for evenly cooked bacon
- Easy to use with no assembly required
-
Pros:
- Ensures consistent crispiness
- Very easy to clean and store
- Reusable, reducing waste
- Versatile for various cooking appliances
- Durable and withstands high temperatures
-
Cons:
- Only an accessory, not a cooking appliance
- May not fit all air fryer basket shapes or sizes
-
User Impressions: Customers love how this silicone rack keeps their air fryer cleaner and delivers consistently crispy bacon. Its non-stick properties and simple cleanup are frequently praised, making it a beloved addition to their kitchen tools.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Air Fryer Stainless Steel Basket for Oven, Stainless Steel
This stainless steel basket is an excellent general-purpose accessory that can significantly enhance your air frying capabilities, especially for items like bacon. Designed for use in ovens, it allows for superb air circulation around your food, mimicking the air frying effect. When used within a larger air fryer oven or even a conventional oven, this basket ensures your bacon gets maximum air exposure, leading to faster cooking times and superior crispiness. It’s durable, easy to clean, and a versatile addition to any kitchen.
-
Key Features:
- Constructed from durable stainless steel
- Designed for optimal air circulation for even cooking and crisping
- Versatile for use in air fryer ovens or traditional ovens
- Durable and easy to clean
-
Pros:
- Promotes excellent crisping
- Durable and long-lasting material
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Allows healthier cooking by letting grease drip away
- Versatile for various foods beyond bacon
-
Cons:
- Not a standalone air fryer
- Requires an oven to function as an air fryer basket
- No specific bacon-draining design
-
User Impressions: Users appreciate the robust construction and how effectively this basket circulates air, resulting in crispy food. It’s seen as a great way to turn a regular oven into a more effective air frying machine for larger batches.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is an air fryer considered the best for cooking bacon?
A1: Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, which effectively crisps bacon without the need for excessive oil. This method helps render the fat efficiently, resulting in crispier bacon with less grease and fewer splatters compared to traditional pan frying. It’s also often faster and easier to clean up.
Q2: How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?
A2: Cooking time varies depending on your air fryer model, bacon thickness, and desired crispiness, but generally, bacon takes about 8-12 minutes at 350-400°F (175-200°C). Thinner bacon might cook faster, while thicker cuts will take a bit longer. Always check for your preferred level of crispiness.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking bacon?
A3: While not strictly necessary for bacon, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes can help ensure more even cooking and faster crisping from the start. A preheated air fryer helps the bacon cook consistently across all strips.
Q4: How do I prevent bacon from smoking in the air fryer?
A4: Bacon can sometimes smoke due to dripping fat. To minimize this, use a tray or accessory that allows grease to drip away, or place a slice of bread or a small amount of water underneath the air fryer basket (in the main drawer, not touching the heating element) to absorb or dilute the grease. Cleaning your air fryer regularly also helps.
Q5: Can I cook different types of bacon (thick-cut, turkey bacon) in an air fryer?
A5: Absolutely! Air fryers are versatile enough for various bacon types. Thick-cut bacon will require a slightly longer cooking time (around 12-15 minutes), while turkey bacon, being leaner, might cook a bit faster and often doesn’t produce as much grease. Adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed for best results.
Q6: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking bacon?
A6: Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy. For best results, clean immediately after use once the unit has cooled. If handwashing, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn grease, a baking soda paste can work wonders.
Q7: Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in my air fryer for bacon?
A7: While some air fryer models allow for careful use of foil or parchment paper, it’s generally recommended to use dedicated air fryer accessories like silicone mats or metal racks designed for air frying. If using foil, ensure it doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating element. Parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers with holes is a safer option than solid sheets.
The pursuit of perfect, crispy bacon doesn’t have to be a greasy, smoky ordeal. With the right tools – whether it’s a dedicated air fryer unit, an ingenious bacon tray, or an essential cookbook – you can achieve delicious, healthy results every time. We hope this guide helps you find the best air fryer for cooking bacon and the ideal accessories to elevate your breakfast game! Happy air frying!