Can I Cook Bacon in My Power XL Air Fryer A Complete Guide

Yes, you can cook bacon in your Power XL Air Fryer—it’s quick, mess-free, and delivers crispy, evenly cooked results every time. Simply lay the bacon flat in a single layer, set the temperature to 350°F, and cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway for optimal crispiness without the splatter of stovetop frying.

Key Takeaways

• Cook bacon in batches: Avoid overcrowding for crispy, evenly cooked results every time.
• Use lower temps: 350°F prevents burning and ensures perfect crispiness without smoke.
• No preheating needed: Save time—air fryers heat quickly and cook bacon efficiently.
• Drain excess grease: Pause mid-cook to remove fat for healthier, less messy bacon.
• Try parchment paper: Liners simplify cleanup and prevent sticking without altering flavor.
• Adjust cook time: Thick-cut bacon needs 8-10 mins; flip halfway for even browning.

Can I Cook Bacon in My Power XL Air Fryer? A Complete Guide

Let’s face it—bacon is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy, smoky, and just a little bit greasy, it’s the kind of food that turns a regular breakfast into a celebration. But if you’re like me, the idea of frying bacon in a pan can be a little daunting. The splatter, the smoke, the cleanup—it’s enough to make you reach for a frozen breakfast sandwich instead. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that I could cook bacon in my Power XL Air Fryer. No more messy stovetop, no more lingering bacon smell, and best of all, perfectly crispy strips every time.

But here’s the thing: cooking bacon in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience. It’s about getting that perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness without sacrificing flavor. And while the Power XL Air Fryer is a fantastic tool for this job, it’s not without its quirks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the best methods to the common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a bacon newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you master the art of air fryer bacon. So, can you cook bacon in your Power XL Air Fryer? Absolutely. And I’m here to show you how.

Why the Power XL Air Fryer Is Perfect for Bacon

How the Air Fryer Cuts Through the Fat

One of the biggest challenges with cooking bacon is dealing with the fat. Traditional pan-frying can leave you with greasy strips or, worse, unevenly cooked bacon. The Power XL Air Fryer solves this by using rapid air circulation to cook the bacon evenly from all sides. The hot air melts the fat quickly, allowing it to drip down into the basket’s tray, leaving you with leaner, crisper bacon. Think of it like a mini convection oven—it’s efficient, fast, and surprisingly mess-free.

For example, I once tried cooking thick-cut bacon on the stovetop. Half the strips were overcooked, and the other half were still rubbery. In the air fryer? Every strip came out perfectly crispy, with no need to flip or rotate them halfway through. The air fryer’s design ensures even heat distribution, which is a game-changer for bacon lovers.

Less Mess, Less Stress

If you’ve ever fried bacon on the stovetop, you know the drill: splatter guard, paper towels, and a sink full of greasy dishes. With the Power XL Air Fryer, most of that mess is contained. The basket catches the drippings, and the non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve even used the rendered bacon fat for cooking other dishes—like sautéing veggies or making a quick gravy. Talk about a win-win.

Here’s a pro tip: Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminum foil for even easier cleanup. Just make sure the foil doesn’t block the airflow, or you’ll end up with unevenly cooked bacon. I learned this the hard way when I once wrapped the entire basket—lesson learned!

Time and Energy Efficiency

Let’s talk numbers. Cooking bacon on the stovetop typically takes 10-15 minutes, and you’re stuck standing over the pan. In the Power XL Air Fryer, most bacon cooks in 8-12 minutes, and you can set it and forget it. That’s 20-30% less time, plus the freedom to do other things (like brew coffee or set the table).

And here’s a fun fact: air fryers use up to 75% less energy than ovens. So not only are you saving time, but you’re also saving on your electric bill. Who knew bacon could be eco-friendly?

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Bacon in the Power XL Air Fryer

Prep Your Bacon

Start by choosing your bacon. I recommend using regular or thick-cut bacon for the air fryer—avoid ultra-thin slices, as they can burn too quickly. If you’re using a full pack, separate the slices and let them come to room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Cold bacon can cause uneven cooking, and nobody wants a mix of chewy and crispy strips.

Pro tip: If you’re cooking a large batch, don’t overcrowd the basket. Overlapping bacon strips won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with some strips that are undercooked. For my Power XL 5.5-quart model, I usually cook 6-8 strips at a time. It’s enough for a family breakfast without sacrificing quality.

Set the Temperature and Time

The magic number for air fryer bacon is 350°F (175°C). This temperature is high enough to crisp the bacon without burning it, and it works for both regular and thick-cut slices. For regular bacon, cook for 8-10 minutes. Thick-cut bacon may need 10-12 minutes. I always check at the 8-minute mark to see how it’s progressing—better to undercook slightly than risk burning.

Here’s a quick example: Last weekend, I cooked thick-cut bacon for my in-laws. I set the air fryer to 350°F and let it run for 11 minutes. The result? Perfectly crisp edges with a tender center—exactly how they like it. And no smoke alarms went off (a first for our kitchen).

Monitor and Adjust

While the air fryer does most of the work, it’s still a good idea to check on your bacon halfway through. If some strips are browning faster than others, you can rearrange them for even cooking. I usually give the basket a quick shake at the 5-minute mark to ensure nothing is sticking.

Another thing to watch for: bacon grease buildup. If your basket starts to look too greasy, pause the cook and pour some of the fat into a heat-safe container. This prevents smoke and keeps the bacon from getting soggy.

Rest and Serve

Once the bacon is done, let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This helps the fat reabsorb slightly, giving you that perfect balance of crisp and chew. I like to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels—it absorbs any excess grease without making the bacon limp.

And don’t forget to save the bacon fat! It’s liquid gold for cooking. I store mine in a small jar in the fridge and use it for everything from roasted potatoes to homemade dressings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Every Time

Choose the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal. For the air fryer, I recommend avoiding flavored or pre-cooked bacon, as they can burn easily. Stick to plain, high-quality bacon for the best results. I’m a big fan of applewood-smoked bacon, but hickory and maple work great too.

If you’re on a budget, store-brand bacon works fine—just make sure it’s not too thin. I once tried ultra-thin bacon from a discount store, and it turned into brittle shards in the air fryer. Not exactly appetizing.

Experiment with Thickness

Regular bacon (about 1/16 inch thick) cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully. Thick-cut bacon (1/8 inch or more) takes longer but gives you that satisfying chew. I’ve found that thick-cut bacon is perfect for BLTs or bacon-wrapped dishes, while regular bacon is ideal for breakfast plates.

Pro tip: If you’re using thick-cut bacon, you can reduce the temperature to 325°F and cook for 12-15 minutes. This prevents the outside from burning before the inside is done.

Use the Right Basket

The Power XL Air Fryer comes with different basket sizes, so make sure you’re using the right one for your bacon. If your basket is too small, the bacon won’t cook evenly. If it’s too large, the bacon might not crisp up properly. I’ve found that the 5.5-quart basket is the sweet spot for 6-8 strips.

And here’s a bonus tip: If you’re cooking bacon for a crowd, consider using the dual-basket Power XL model. You can cook two batches at once—one regular and one thick-cut—without any flavor transfer.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake people make. When bacon strips overlap or touch, they steam instead of crisp. I once tried to cook 12 strips at once, and half of them came out rubbery. Now I stick to 6-8 strips per batch—it’s the only way to get consistent results.

If you need to cook more bacon, just do it in batches. The air fryer reheats quickly, so the total time isn’t much longer.

Ignoring the Grease

Bacon releases a lot of fat as it cooks. If you let the grease pool in the basket, it can smoke or even catch fire. I always check the grease tray halfway through cooking and pour some out if needed. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

And remember: never pour hot bacon grease down the drain! Let it cool, then dispose of it in a sealed container.

Setting the Wrong Temperature

Too high, and your bacon will burn. Too low, and it’ll be chewy instead of crisp. Stick to 350°F for most bacon, and adjust the time based on thickness. I’ve found that 375°F works for ultra-thin bacon, but anything above that is risky.

One time, I accidentally set my air fryer to 400°F. The bacon cooked in 6 minutes—but it was black on the edges. Lesson learned!

Beyond Bacon: Other Ways to Use Your Air Fryer

Breakfast Favorites

Once you’ve mastered bacon, try cooking other breakfast staples in your air fryer. I’ve had great success with air fryer hash browns (crispy outside, fluffy inside) and scrambled eggs (cooked in a silicone mold). The air fryer is also perfect for reheating leftover pancakes or waffles—no sogginess!

And don’t forget about breakfast sausages and ham steaks. They cook faster than on the stovetop and develop a delicious crust.

Creative Bacon Dishes

Bacon is more than just a breakfast food. Try wrapping it around asparagus spears, chicken breasts, or even dates for a sweet-and-salty snack. I love making bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in the air fryer—they come out perfectly crispy every time.

For a fun twist, try bacon chips. Just cut bacon into small strips, cook until extra crispy, and serve with a dip. They’re like pork rinds, but better.

Data Table: Bacon Cooking Times and Temperatures

Bacon Type	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Regular (thin-cut)	350°F	8-10 minutes	Check at 8 minutes to avoid burning.
Thick-cut	350°F	10-12 minutes	May need to rearrange strips halfway.
Ultra-thin	375°F	6-8 minutes	Watch closely—these burn easily.
Pre-cooked	325°F	4-6 minutes	Just heat through—no need to crisp.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Bacon?

So, can you cook bacon in your Power XL Air Fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, cleaner, and often more consistent than stovetop cooking. The key is to avoid overcrowding, monitor the grease, and adjust the time based on your bacon’s thickness. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked bacon any other way.

But here’s the real question: should you try it? If you love bacon and hate the mess, the answer is a resounding yes. The Power XL Air Fryer takes the hassle out of bacon cooking and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. And once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with creative dishes—like bacon-wrapped anything.

At the end of the day, cooking bacon in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience. It’s about enjoying your favorite food with less stress and more joy. So go ahead—fire up your air fryer, grab a pack of bacon, and get cooking. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook bacon in my Power XL air fryer?

Yes, you can cook bacon in your Power XL air fryer! It’s a quick and mess-free method that yields crispy, evenly cooked bacon in under 15 minutes. The air fryer’s high-heat circulation renders the fat efficiently while minimizing splatter.

What’s the best way to cook bacon in a Power XL air fryer?

Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps between each slice to allow air circulation. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

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

Preheating isn’t strictly necessary for bacon, but running the air fryer empty for 3-5 minutes at 350°F can help achieve more consistent results. This mimics a preheated oven and reduces cooking time slightly.

Can I cook thick-cut bacon in the Power XL air fryer?

Absolutely! For thick-cut bacon, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent bacon grease from smoking in my air fryer?

Line the air fryer’s drip tray or basket with parchment paper (with small holes poked for drainage) or foil to catch excess grease. This reduces smoke and makes cleanup easier—just discard the liner after cooking.

Can I cook multiple batches of bacon in my Power XL air fryer at once?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches, wiping out excess grease between rounds if needed. Overlapping slices can lead to uneven cooking, so prioritize a single layer for best results.