Air Fryer Bacon

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!!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Instructions 
• Video
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Things to know
• Smoke point of bacon
• Variations
• Storage
• More air fryer recipes
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

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!

1. Place the liner in the air fryer basket with uncooked bacon strips, in a single layer, don’t overlap them. 
2. Set the air fryer on manual setting to 350 degrees F and air fry bacon for 8 minutes. 
3. Flip the strips of bacon and cook for an additional 8 minutes. 
4. If you like slices of bacon more crispy you can cook it for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 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.
6. 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

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.

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