Can Bacon Go in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Crispy Results

Yes, bacon can go in an air fryer—and it delivers perfectly crispy results with less mess and faster cooking than traditional methods. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, rendering fat efficiently while achieving that ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness. For best results, lay bacon flat in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, adjusting for thickness.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers cook bacon perfectly: Achieve crispy, even results with less mess.
• No preheating needed: Save time—start cooking bacon immediately.
• Use low to medium heat: Prevents burning while ensuring crispiness.
• Arrange bacon in a single layer: Ensures even cooking and maximum crunch.
• Drain excess grease mid-cook: Promotes crispiness and reduces splatter.
• Monitor closely near the end: Prevents overcooking due to quick cook times.

Can Bacon Go in an Air Fryer? Discover the Perfect Crispy Results

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning. The aroma fills the kitchen, and suddenly, even the groggiest of us perks up. But here’s a question I get asked all the time: Can bacon go in an air fryer? The short answer? Absolutely. The longer answer? It’s not just possible—it might just be the best way to cook bacon, especially if you love it crispy, evenly cooked, and with minimal mess.

I remember the first time I tried cooking bacon in my air fryer. I was skeptical. I’d always used a skillet or baked it in the oven, and both had their pros and cons. The skillet gave great flavor but left me with a greasy stovetop and lingering smoke. The oven was cleaner but took longer and sometimes left some pieces undercooked while others were too crispy. Then, a friend suggested the air fryer. I gave it a shot, and honestly, it was a game-changer. No splatter, no smoke, and perfectly crisp bacon every time. So, if you’ve been wondering whether your air fryer can handle bacon, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from setup to storage—to help you achieve perfectly crispy bacon with minimal fuss.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Cooking Bacon

If you’ve ever cooked bacon the traditional way, you know the drill: the sizzle, the grease splatter, the cleanup. It’s not exactly a low-effort affair. But here’s the good news—your air fryer can simplify the entire process. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, mimicking the results of deep frying without the need for oil. For bacon, this means crisp edges, even cooking, and a lot less mess.

How Air Fryers Work for Bacon

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food from all angles. When bacon hits the basket, the hot air crisps the fat and renders it quickly, leaving behind a deliciously crisp strip. Unlike a skillet, where bacon can sit in its own grease, the air fryer allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a less greasy, more evenly cooked piece. Plus, most air fryers have non-stick baskets, so cleanup is as easy as a quick wipe.

Another advantage? Speed. While oven-baking bacon takes 15–20 minutes, an air fryer can do the same job in 8–10 minutes, depending on the model and thickness of your bacon. And because the air fryer is compact, it doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen—perfect for summer mornings.

Benefits Over Traditional Methods

• Less mess: No grease splatter on your stovetop or countertops. The basket catches the drippings, so cleanup is a breeze.
• More consistent results: No more half-crispy, half-chewy bacon. The even heat distribution ensures every piece cooks uniformly.
• Healthier outcome: Because excess fat drains away, your bacon ends up with less grease, making it a slightly lighter option.
• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it. No need to flip or monitor constantly like you would with a skillet.

One thing to keep in mind: not all air fryers are created equal. Smaller baskets may require you to cook bacon in batches, but the trade-off in speed and convenience is usually worth it. I’ve found that even with batch cooking, I save time overall because I don’t have to clean the stovetop or wait for the oven to preheat.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Bacon in Your Air Fryer

Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is simple, but a few key steps ensure the best results. I’ve tested dozens of batches, and here’s the method that consistently delivers perfect bacon every time.

Choosing the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is the same, and your choice can affect the outcome. Thick-cut bacon tends to do better in the air fryer because it holds up to the high heat without burning too quickly. Thin-cut bacon cooks faster but can dry out or curl if not monitored. I prefer center-cut bacon for its balanced fat-to-lean ratio—it crisps well without becoming overly greasy.

Pro tip: Look for bacon with minimal additives. While it’s not a dealbreaker, simpler ingredients (just pork, water, salt, and maybe a touch of smoke) tend to cook more evenly and taste more natural.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

Before you lay down the bacon, prep the basket to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking:

• Lightly oil the basket: A quick spray of cooking oil (like avocado or canola) or a light brush with oil helps prevent sticking, especially for leaner bacon.
• Use parchment paper (optional): Air fryer-safe parchment paper with holes cut in it can make cleanup even easier. Just make sure the holes allow for proper air circulation.
• Don’t overcrowd: Lay the bacon in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each piece. Overlapping leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s my go-to setting for most air fryers:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C) for thick-cut bacon; 325°F (160°C) for thin-cut.
• Time: 8–10 minutes for thick-cut, 6–8 minutes for thin-cut. Check at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Start checking at 6 minutes. The bacon should be golden brown with crisp edges. If it’s not quite there, add 1–2 more minutes. Remember, bacon continues to crisp slightly as it cools, so don’t wait until it’s 100% crisp in the basket.

Flipping (Optional but Helpful)

Some air fryer models circulate heat so well that flipping isn’t necessary. But if your bacon is thick or your basket doesn’t have great airflow, flipping halfway through (around the 4-minute mark) can help ensure even crispness. Just be gentle—hot grease is no joke!

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bacon Every Time

Even with the right method, a few extra tips can elevate your bacon game. These are the tricks I’ve learned from trial, error, and a lot of bacon tasting.

Manage the Grease

One of the biggest perks of air fryer bacon is the grease drainage. But if you’re cooking a full batch, the basket can fill up with grease, which can smoke or affect the flavor. Here’s how to handle it:

• Use a liner: A silicone liner or parchment paper with holes helps catch grease while allowing air to circulate.
• Empty the basket mid-cook: If you’re doing a large batch, pause the cook, carefully remove the basket, and pour the grease into a heat-safe container. Return the bacon and resume cooking.
• Save the grease: Bacon grease is liquid gold! Strain it through a fine mesh sieve and store it in a jar for cooking eggs, potatoes, or even roasting vegetables.

Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model

Not all air fryers are the same. Some have stronger fans, others run hotter, and basket shapes vary. Here’s how to adapt:

• Small baskets (2–3 quarts): Cook in batches. Don’t try to cram too many strips—crispness suffers.
• Large baskets (5+ quarts): You can cook more bacon at once, but make sure it’s still in a single layer.
• Oven-style air fryers: These often have more even heat, so you may need slightly less time.

I have a 4-quart basket-style air fryer, and I usually cook 4–5 strips at a time. For larger groups, I do two batches back-to-back—it’s still faster than the oven.

Seasoning and Flavor Variations

Plain bacon is delicious, but why not experiment? Here are a few easy ways to jazz it up:

• Brown sugar glaze: Sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar over the bacon before cooking for a sweet-savory finish.
• Black pepper or chili flakes: Add a kick with freshly ground pepper or a pinch of heat.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Brush a little maple syrup on the bacon in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized crust.
• Smoked paprika: For extra smokiness, dust lightly before air frying.

Just remember: sugary glazes can burn, so keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common bacon-in-air-fryer pitfalls—and how to dodge them.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When bacon is stacked or overlapping, it steams instead of crisps. The result? Soggy, greasy strips that don’t live up to their potential. The fix? Cook in smaller batches. Yes, it takes a little longer, but the quality is worth it.

Setting the Temperature Too High

Air fryers are powerful. Cranking the heat to 400°F might seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to burnt edges and chewy centers. Stick to 350°F or lower for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, it’s better to cook at the right temp and just do an extra batch.

Not Checking Early Enough

Bacon can go from perfectly crisp to charred in 30 seconds. Set a timer for 6 minutes and check. If it’s not done, add time in 1-minute increments. This is especially important with thin-cut bacon, which cooks fast.

Ignoring the Grease

Grease buildup can cause smoke or affect flavor. If you smell something burning, pause and empty the grease. A quick wipe with a paper towel can also help if the basket gets too greasy mid-cook.

Forgetting to Cool

Hot bacon straight from the air fryer is tempting, but it’s not at its crispest yet. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes on a paper towel or wire rack. This allows the fat to redistribute and the texture to firm up.

Storage, Reheating, and Creative Uses

Great bacon doesn’t have to be a one-and-done affair. Here’s how to make the most of your crispy strips, even after they cool.

Storing Cooked Bacon

Got leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Not recommended. Bacon should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
• Refrigerator: Place cooled bacon in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep for 4–5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual strips in parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll last 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Without Sogginess

Reheating bacon in the microwave can turn it rubbery. Instead, try these methods:

• Air fryer (best): 2–3 minutes at 350°F. It restores crispness like nothing else.
• Oven: 5–7 minutes at 375°F on a baking sheet. Less convenient but effective.
• Skillet: A quick sear over medium heat works in a pinch.

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Uses

Bacon isn’t just for pancakes and eggs. Here are a few ways to use your air-fried bacon:

• Bacon-wrapped dates: Stuff Medjool dates with goat cheese, wrap in bacon, and air fry for 8–10 minutes. Sweet, salty, and addictive.
• Salads: Crumble over a spinach or kale salad for a protein boost.
• Sandwiches and burgers: Add a crisp strip to any lunchtime favorite.
• Bacon bits for soups: Toss into tomato soup or chili for extra flavor.
• Bacon grease popcorn: Drizzle a little bacon fat over popcorn for a gourmet twist.

Data Table: Air Fryer Bacon Cooking Times by Type

Bacon Type	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Thin-cut	325°F	6–8 minutes	Check at 5 minutes to avoid burning
Regular-cut	350°F	8–10 minutes	Flip halfway for even crispness
Thick-cut	350°F	10–12 minutes	May need extra time; check at 8 minutes
Turkey bacon	325°F	6–8 minutes	Less fat; monitor closely to prevent drying
Flavored (maple, peppered)	350°F	8–10 minutes	Watch for sugar caramelization in last 2 minutes

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

So, can bacon go in an air fryer? Without a doubt. It’s faster, cleaner, and produces some of the most consistently crisp bacon I’ve ever made. The air fryer eliminates the mess of the stovetop and the wait time of the oven, all while delivering restaurant-quality results at home.

Is it perfect? Not quite. You’ll still need to manage grease, avoid overcrowding, and keep an eye on cooking time—especially with thinner cuts. But with a little practice, these are minor hurdles. And once you’ve tasted air-fried bacon with its golden-brown edges and perfect chew, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.

Whether you’re a bacon purist or love experimenting with glazes and seasonings, the air fryer is a versatile tool. It’s not just for fries and chicken wings—it’s a bacon-cooking powerhouse. So go ahead, give it a try. Your taste buds (and your stovetop) will thank you. And the next time someone asks, “Can bacon go in an air fryer?” you’ll have the answer—and the perfect batch to prove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bacon go in an air fryer without making a mess?

Yes, bacon can go in an air fryer with minimal mess. The air fryer’s basket contains splatters, and its elevated tray allows grease to drip away from the bacon while it cooks.

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

Arrange bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?

Cooking bacon in an air fryer typically takes 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispiness. Thin-cut bacon may cook faster, so check after 6 minutes to avoid burning.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking bacon?

Preheating isn’t required, but doing so (2-3 minutes at 375°F) can help achieve crispier bacon faster. For convenience, you can add bacon immediately and extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Can you cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer. Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes and separate the strips as soon as they thaw enough to prevent sticking.

Is air-fried bacon healthier than pan-fried bacon?

Air-fried bacon is slightly healthier because the air fryer drains excess fat during cooking, reducing grease. However, the difference is minimal, and flavor remains deliciously crisp.