If you’re on a quest for the perfect bacon—crispy, savory, and utterly irresistible—look no further. This Easy Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe is here to revolutionize your breakfast game. With just a few simple steps, you’ll achieve bacon bliss without the mess of stove splatters or the wait of an oven.
Whether you’re a bacon aficionado or just craving a quick, delightful treat, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. Let’s get sizzling!
Steps
- Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If necessary, cut the strips in half to accommodate more bacon.
- Set the air fryer to 350?F. Cook regular cut bacon for 7-9 minutes and thick-cut bacon for 10-12 minutes, adjusting the time based on your desired level of crispiness.
- Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. If you are cooking in batches, empty the oil from the drip pan before starting the next batch.
Ingredients
- 5 slices of bacon (6 oz regular bacon or 8-12 oz thick-cut bacon)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 185kcal | Carbs: 0.5g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 200mg | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
FAQ
- Do I need to preheat my air fryer for bacon?
- Generally, preheating is not necessary for cooking bacon in an air fryer. While some air fryers suggest preheating, it is not required for bacon, and many people, including myself, do not preheat for this purpose.
- Is it possible to use turkey bacon in this recipe?
- Absolutely, turkey bacon can be cooked using the same method. Due to its leaner and thinner nature, you should reduce the cooking time to 5-7 minutes for optimal results.
- Should I flip the bacon while it cooks in the air fryer?
- There is no need to flip the bacon during cooking, as the circulating air ensures even crispiness on both sides without turning.
- How can I prevent the air fryer from smoking while cooking bacon?
- To avoid smoke, keep the cooking temperature at 350?F, as bacon fat begins to smoke at 400?F. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches, make sure to drain any accumulated oil and clean the drip pan with a paper towel between batches. Placing a thin slice of bread under the basket can also help absorb excess grease and reduce smoke.
- How long should I cook bacon in the air fryer for different textures?
- For regular-cut bacon, cook for 7 minutes at 350?F for softer bacon, and 8-9 minutes for a crispier texture. For thick-cut bacon, aim for 9-10 minutes for softer bacon and 10-12 minutes for crispier results.
Tips
- Arrange Bacon Properly: Ensure you lay the bacon in a single layer without any overlaps in the air fryer basket. This allows for even airflow and consistent crisping.
- Monitor Cooking Time Based on Thickness: The cooking time varies with the thickness of the bacon. Regular cut bacon can take about 7-9 minutes at 350?F for crispiness, while thick-cut might need up to 12 minutes. Adjust to your preferred level of doneness.
- Manage Grease to Prevent Smoking: To avoid smoke, cook the bacon at 350?F, as the smoke point of bacon fat is 400?F. Additionally, place a thin slice of bread under the basket to soak up excess grease, making cleanup easier and reducing smoke.
- No Need to Flip: There’s no requirement to flip the bacon during cooking since the air fryer circulates air evenly, ensuring both sides become crispy.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the bacon using this method.
- Paper Towels – Used for draining excess fat from the bacon.
- Kitchen Tongs – Useful for handling hot bacon safely.
