Want crispy bacon without the mess? This easy Air Fryer Bacon recipe is done in minutes without the splatter and clean up is a breeze!
Don't you just love your air fryer? Use this delicious bacon to top your Air Fryer Burgers! YUM!!
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Why you'll love this recipe
I used to always make oven-baked bacon, but without a doubt this is my new favorite way to cook the crispiest bacon!
✔️ Easy to make.
✔️ No splatter or mess.
✔️ Easy cleanup, this is my go-to method to cook the crispiest bacon!
Whether you're serving this with scrambled eggs or using crumbled bacon in your BLT Pasta Salad, this is the easiest way to cook bacon!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for the air fryer method, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- one pound of thick-cut bacon
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Place the liner in the air fryer basket with uncooked bacon strips, in a single layer, don’t overlap them.
- Set the air fryer on manual setting to 350 degrees F and air fry bacon for 8 minutes.
- Flip the strips of bacon and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- If you like slices of bacon more crispy you can cook it for an additional 2 minutes.
- Carefully take the bacon out of the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the excess grease.
- Repeat steps for second batch.
Video
Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).
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Equipment
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There are a couple of air fryers I've used and will recommend.
- Hamilton Beach Air Fryer 3.7 Quarts - this is the first one I had, it's inexpensive and easy to use.
- 5.8 QT Cosori Air Fryer - the largest model the Corsori is a terrific air fryer as well.
- Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4QT Air Fryer Oven - this is my favorite model, it's larger and perfect for a larger family.
Pick your favorite and the appliance that best fits your family and your budget!
FAQ's
Yes, raw bacon cooks great in the air fryer. It's an easy fuss-free way to cook bacon.
The total cooking time is 18 minutes for this recipe.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is not messy at all! The basket contains all the splatter.
Bacon reheats well in the air fryer, reheat it for 2-3 minutes. You can also warm it in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Absolutely, cook turkey at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another five minutes or increase time to your liking for crispiness.
Things to know
- There are many different types of bacon. Just be sure you use good-quality bacon.
- Each air fryer works little differently. Test with a slice of bacon first before you cook the entire pound.
- This recipe calls for thick cut bacon. If you're using thin slices, cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Save the bacon grease! It's great for frying potatoes and vegetables because it adds a ton of flavor.
Smoke point of bacon
When I first began making bacon in the air fryer, I experimented with the best temperature. First I cooked it at 400 degrees. This resulted in super crispy bacon and often the edges would get a little blackened.
After researching further, I found the smoke point of bacon fat is 400 degrees. Cooking at 350 degrees is the perfect temperature. Though it takes a few minutes longer, it's perfect every time using this method.
Variations
- If cooking at 350 degrees F, I noticed the bacon is more straight and evenly cooked. Excellent when served for breakfast with eggs.
- You can also increase the temperature to 370 degrees F. The bacon will be crispier and more curly. This is an excellent service at brunch if you prefer crunchier bacon. Also, you can crush it and serve it as bacon “bits” over a salad, in a carbonara, or added to a sandwich or hamburger.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover bacon. Place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and place them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer - does it really last that long in your house? 😋Well if it does, you can certainly freeze it! Wrap in plastic wrap and place in ziplock bag. Freeze up to two months.
Reheat - Place in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes.
More air fryer recipes
Are you new to the air fryer? Don't worry, we have all of your questions answered here - Air Fryer Tips for Beginners. There are tons of easy recipes.
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes - No guesswork for perfectly crispy skin and fluffy insides!
- Air Fryer Bacon - crispy bacon every time without the mess.
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs - tender and juicy every time! No mess from frying either, love that!
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread - it's the perfect amount of butter, garlic and cheese!
Find all of the easy air fryer recipes here!
Related recipes
- Use this yummy bacon to top your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup - we love this recipe!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a great appetizer or an easy lunch!
- Crumbled up bacon is what you need in the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole.
Serve with
- A great casserole like the Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole or the Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Casserole, both are so yummy! Perfect for breakfast, brunch or brinner!
- Or keep it easy and make fried eggs or scrambled eggs - yum!
- If it's a small gathering or dinner make this easy frittata recipe.
- A wonderful fresh fruit salad would be amazing.
- Slices of toasted Rustic Italian Bread with loads of melty butter and topped with Orange Jelly - I'm drooling just thinking of it!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper optional
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Instructions
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the air fryer. Line the basket with uncooked bacon strips, one layer, and don’t overlap them.
- If desired, add some fresh cracked pepper to the bacon before frying. (optional)
- Set the air fryer on manual setting to 350 degrees F for 8 minutes.
- Flip the bacon strips and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- If you like your bacon more crispy, cook it for an additional 2 minutes.
- Carefully remove bacon slices and place on a plate lined with a paper towels to absorb the excess grease.
Notes
- If cooking at 350 degrees F, I noticed the bacon is more straight and evenly cooked. Excellent when served for breakfast with eggs.
- You can also increase the temperature to 370 degrees F. The bacon will be crispier and more curly. This is an excellent service at brunch if you prefer crunchier bacon. Also, you can crush it and serve it as bacon “bits” over a salad, in a carbonara, or added to a sandwich or hamburger.
Camden Rusincovitch
I can't believe I haven't thought to do this yet! This air fryer bacon recipe is going onto my to-do list immediately!
Alyssa
This air fryer bacon recipe is great! We switched to using our air fryer for bacon as soon as we got one - it is so much easier!
Kristen
Don't get me wrong, I love the smell of bacon cooking--what I don't love is how the scent lingers in everything for hours after you make it on the stove! When you make this air fryer bacon recipe, is that any different?
Brittany
I've wondered about an air fryer bacon recipe because a I hate the mess! Thanks for sharing!