Can Bacon Go in Air Fryer The Ultimate Crispy Guide

Yes, bacon can go in an air fryer—and it’s the easiest way to achieve perfectly crispy, evenly cooked strips without the mess of stovetop splatters or the uneven heat of an oven. In just 8–12 minutes, the air fryer renders fat efficiently while locking in flavor, making it a faster, cleaner, and healthier bacon-cooking method.

Key Takeaways

• Cook bacon in air fryer: Achieve perfect crispiness in 8–12 minutes.
• No preheating needed: Saves time and energy for quick meals.
• Use minimal oil: Air fryers render fat naturally for healthier results.
• Line basket with foil: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Layer bacon properly: Avoid overlap for even, consistent crispiness.
• Check early: Prevent burning by monitoring after 8 minutes.
• Save bacon grease: Drain and reuse for added flavor in recipes.

Can Bacon Go in Air Fryer? The Ultimate Crispy Guide

Let’s talk bacon. That smoky, salty, crispy slice of joy that makes everything better—from breakfast sandwiches to salads and even desserts (yes, bacon chocolate is a thing). But if you’re like me, standing over a hot stove flipping strips of sizzling bacon while dodging grease splatters isn’t exactly a fun way to start your morning. Enter the air fryer: the kitchen gadget that promises crispy, golden results with little to no mess. So, can bacon go in air fryer? The short answer: absolutely. But like any cooking method, there’s a right way and a slightly less-right way. And I’ve tested them all—so you don’t have to.

Over the past few years, I’ve turned my air fryer into a bacon-making machine. From thick-cut maple bacon to turkey bacon and even plant-based strips, I’ve experimented with textures, temperatures, and techniques. Some were hits, some were… well, let’s just say I learned the hard way that not all bacon behaves the same in the air fryer. Whether you’re a bacon newbie or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your game, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook perfect, crispy bacon in your air fryer—without the smoke alarm going off (again).

Why Use an Air Fryer for Cooking Bacon?

Less Mess, More Convenience

Traditional stovetop bacon frying is a grease-splattered nightmare. I’ve ruined more than one shirt and set off the smoke detector more times than I’d like to admit. The air fryer changes the game. It’s essentially a compact convection oven, circulating hot air around the food to crisp it up—without submerging it in oil. When you cook bacon in the air fryer, the fat drips down into the basket or tray, away from the heat source. This means:

• Minimal splatter (no more greasy stovetop)
• Easier cleanup (just wipe or rinse the basket)
• No need to constantly monitor or flip the bacon

It’s like having a mini bacon oven right on your countertop.

Healthier (Yes, Healthier) Bacon

Now, let’s be real—bacon isn’t exactly a health food. But cooking it in the air fryer does have one major advantage: it allows a significant amount of fat to render out. Unlike pan-frying, where bacon sits in its own grease, the air fryer lets that fat drip away. This means:

• Less saturated fat per slice
• Lower calorie count (by about 10–20 calories per slice, depending on thickness)
• A cleaner, less greasy mouthfeel

One study from the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that air-fried meats retained more moisture but had up to 30% less fat than pan-fried versions. Not bad for a “healthier” indulgence.

Consistent Results Every Time

Air fryers use precise temperature control and even airflow. This means your bacon cooks more uniformly—no undercooked centers or burnt edges (unless you want it that way). Whether you like it chewy, medium, or crispy as a chip, the air fryer delivers predictable results. Plus, most models have timers and preheat functions, so you’re not guessing when it’s done.

How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the Right Air Fryer and Setup

Not all air fryers are created equal, and your setup matters. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Capacity: A 4- to 5-quart air fryer is ideal for cooking 6–8 standard bacon strips at once. Larger models (6+ quarts) can handle a full pound, which is great for meal prep.
• Basket vs. Oven-Style: Basket-style air fryers (like Philips, Ninja, or Cosori) are easier for flipping or checking. Oven-style models (like the Instant Vortex Plus) offer more space and better airflow for even cooking.
• Liners and Trays: Use parchment paper liners with holes (or make your own by cutting slits) to let fat drain. Some models come with a drip tray—use it! It catches excess grease and makes cleanup a breeze.

Pro tip: Never use aluminum foil without holes. It blocks airflow and can cause hot spots or uneven cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Here’s my foolproof method for crispy, delicious air fryer bacon:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps start the rendering process and prevents sticking.
2. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd! Leave a little space between each strip for airflow. If needed, cook in batches.
3. Optional: Lightly spray the basket or use a liner to reduce sticking (especially with leaner bacon).
4. Cook for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness. I start checking at 8 minutes.
5. Flip halfway through (around 5–6 minutes) for even browning. Use tongs or a fork—beware of hot grease!
6. Remove when golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Real-world example: I cooked 8 strips of regular-cut bacon at 375°F. At 8 minutes, it was chewy. At 10 minutes, it was medium-crisp. At 12 minutes, it was perfectly crisp—no burnt edges. Thick-cut took 14 minutes.

Adjusting for Thickness and Preferences

Not all bacon is the same. Here’s how to tweak your cooking time:

• Regular-cut (standard): 8–12 minutes at 375°F
• Thick-cut: 12–16 minutes at 375°F (flip at 8 minutes)
• Turkey bacon: 6–8 minutes at 350°F (cooks faster and dries out easily)
• Plant-based bacon: 7–9 minutes at 350°F (check early—can burn quickly)

Texture guide:

• Chewy: 7–9 minutes
• Medium: 9–11 minutes
• Crispy: 11–14 minutes
• Extra crispy (chip-like): 14–16 minutes (watch closely!)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see—and I’ve made it too. Piling too much bacon in the basket blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Some strips end up undercooked, others overdone. The fix? Cook in batches. It might take a few extra minutes, but your bacon will be evenly crispy. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, cut bacon strips in half (they cook faster and fit more easily).

Forgetting to Flip or Check

Air fryers circulate heat, but the bottom of the basket gets hotter. Without flipping, the underside can burn while the top stays undercooked. Set a timer for halfway through and flip each strip with tongs. It takes 30 seconds and makes all the difference.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too hot (400°F+)? Bacon burns before it crisps. Too low (300°F or below)? It steams instead of sizzles, resulting in rubbery, greasy strips. Stick to 350–375°F for best results. This range allows fat to render slowly while the surface crisps up.

Ignoring Grease Buildup

Bacon releases a lot of fat. If you cook multiple batches without draining the grease, it can smoke or even catch fire (yes, really). After each batch, pour the grease into a heat-safe container and wipe the basket. Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs, potatoes, or even popcorn—it’s liquid gold!

Using Foil Without Holes

Foil can help with cleanup, but if you cover the basket completely, you block airflow. The bacon steams instead of crisps. If you use foil, cut slits or poke holes to let hot air and grease escape.

Beyond Regular Bacon: Cooking Specialty and Alternative Bacs

Turkey Bacon: Leaner, Faster, Trickier

Turkey bacon is lower in fat and cooks faster—usually in 6–8 minutes at 350°F. The downside? It dries out easily. To keep it juicy:

• Use lower heat (350°F instead of 375°F)
• Check at 6 minutes—don’t wait for the timer
• Spritz lightly with oil or broth before cooking

I once overcooked a batch at 375°F for 10 minutes—it was like eating rubber bands. Lesson learned.

Plant-Based Bacon: The Vegan Option

Brands like Lightlife, Upton’s Naturals, and Sweet Earth offer plant-based bacon made from soy, pea protein, or coconut. These cook in 7–9 minutes at 350°F. They crisp up well but can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them. They also tend to be saltier, so adjust seasoning if using in recipes.

Tip: Plant-based bacon often has a firmer texture. For extra crispness, brush with a little oil before cooking.

Flavored and Artisan Bacon

Maple, pepper, applewood-smoked, or even bourbon-infused bacon? The air fryer handles them all. The key is adjusting for sugar content. Maple bacon, for example, can caramelize or burn at high heat. Try:

• Start at 350°F for 7 minutes
• Increase to 375°F for the last 2–3 minutes
• Flip halfway to prevent scorching

I made a batch of maple bacon and set the timer for 10 minutes straight—big mistake. The sugar burned, and I had to scrape the basket. Now I use the two-stage method, and it’s perfect every time.

Creative Uses for Air-Fried Bacon

Meal Prep and Storage

Love bacon but hate cooking it daily? Air-fry a big batch and store it for later. Here’s how:

• Cool completely on a wire rack (this keeps it crisp)
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months (place between parchment paper to prevent sticking)
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness

I prep a week’s worth on Sunday and reheat it in the air fryer during the week. It’s a game-changer for busy mornings.

Adding Bacon to Recipes

Air-fried bacon is perfect for:

• Salads: Crumble over Caesar, Cobb, or wedge salad
• Pasta: Toss into carbonara, mac and cheese, or pesto
• Sandwiches: Add to BLTs, club sandwiches, or grilled cheese
• Breakfast bowls: Top oatmeal, avocado toast, or yogurt with crispy bits
• Baked potatoes: Sprinkle on top with cheese and chives

One of my favorite tricks? Crumble air-fried bacon into scrambled eggs. The texture is incredible—crispy, not chewy.

Snack Hacks

Turn leftover bacon into fun snacks:

• Bacon-wrapped dates: Stuff Medjool dates with cream cheese, wrap with half a strip of bacon, and air-fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes
• Bacon crackers: Layer bacon between two saltine crackers, air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes
• Bacon chips: Slice thick bacon into thin strips, air-fry until extra crispy, and eat like chips

My kids love the bacon crackers—it’s like a savory version of graham crackers.

Air Fryer Bacon vs. Other Cooking Methods: A Comparison

Method	Time	Cleanup	Crispiness	Fat Content	Best For
Air Fryer	8–16 min	Easy (drip tray)	High (even crisp)	Low (fat drains)	Everyday cooking, meal prep
Stovetop	10–15 min	Hard (grease splatter)	Medium (uneven)	High (sits in grease)	Small batches, quick meals
Oven (baking sheet)	15–20 min	Medium (sheet cleanup)	High (consistent)	Medium (some drainage)	Large batches, family meals
Microwave	4–6 min	Easy	Low (chewy)	High	Speed, convenience
Grill	10–12 min	Hard	Medium (charred spots)	Medium	Smoky flavor, outdoor cooking

The air fryer wins in convenience, cleanup, and consistent crispness. It’s not the fastest, but it’s the most hands-off and mess-free. For large batches, the oven is still great. For speed, the microwave works—but you sacrifice texture. The stovetop? Only if you enjoy cleaning grease off your stovetop.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Cook Bacon?

So, can bacon go in air fryer? Yes—and it’s one of the best ways to cook it. The air fryer delivers crispy, evenly cooked bacon with minimal mess, less fat, and maximum convenience. It’s perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or just enjoying a guilt-free(ish) indulgence.

But it’s not magic. You still need to pay attention—don’t just set it and forget it. Flip the bacon, check early, and adjust for thickness and type. And if you’re cooking specialty bacs (like turkey or plant-based), tweak the time and temperature to avoid dry or burnt results.

After years of testing, I’ve made the air fryer my go-to bacon method. It’s faster than the oven, cleaner than the stovetop, and tastier than the microwave. Plus, it opens up so many creative possibilities—from bacon-wrapped snacks to meal prep shortcuts.

So go ahead—toss a few strips in your air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy the smell of perfectly crispy bacon without the smoke alarm drama. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bacon go in air fryer without making a mess?

Yes, bacon can go in an air fryer with minimal mess. The air fryer’s basket contains grease effectively, especially if you use a drip tray or layer paper towels to catch excess oil.

What’s the best way to cook bacon in an air fryer for crispy results?

For crispy bacon, lay strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method ensures even crispiness without constant monitoring.

Can I cook thick-cut bacon in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Thick-cut bacon works well in an air fryer. Increase the cooking time to 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), checking occasionally to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for bacon?

Preheating isn’t mandatory but recommended for consistent results. A 3-minute preheat at 375°F (190°C) ensures the bacon starts cooking immediately, reducing overall cook time.

How do I avoid smoke when cooking bacon in an air fryer?

To prevent smoke, avoid overcrowding the basket and use a lower temperature (350°F/175°C) for fatty cuts. Place a slice of bread or foil under the basket to catch drips and reduce smoke.

Can you cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer. Increase the cook time by 2–3 minutes and separate the strips as they thaw to ensure even cooking.