Hey y'all! If there's one thing better than bacon, it's crispy bacon made effortlessly right in your air fryer. Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy) is the ultimate breakfast or brunch delight—deliciously golden, perfectly crisp, and ready in minutes with almost zero cleanup. It's the ideal side for busy mornings, weekend brunch spreads, or even for topping your favorite salads and burgers. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy) Recipe
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in less than 10 minutes—no more standing by a stove!
- Mess-Free: The air fryer keeps splatters contained and cleaning up a breeze.
- Perfect Texture: Achieve irresistibly crispy bacon every single time.
- Healthier Option: Excess grease drips away for a lighter, less greasy result.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, salads, sandwiches, or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 200g or 7 oz)
Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness from the start.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Lay bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 3: Air Fry the Bacon
Cook the bacon for 7-9 minutes. Check at 7 minutes for thin slices or if you prefer slightly chewier bacon—cook up to 9 minutes for extra crispy. Flip the bacon halfway through for even crispness.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes: Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
- Check your bacon after 7 minutes; air fryer wattages and bacon thickness can affect cooking time. See this Serious Eats guide for more tips.
- Trim bacon if needed to fit your air fryer basket without curling or overlapping.
- Discard or carefully pour off grease between batches if making multiple rounds.
Variations: Tasty Twists on Air Fryer Bacon
- Pepper Bacon: Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on the slices before air frying.
- Maple-Glazed: Brush bacon with a touch of maple syrup halfway through cooking for a sweet, caramelized finish.
- Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative; reduce cook time to 5-6 minutes.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
- Air fryer (basket or tray style, 3 qt. or larger recommended)
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Plate
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
Let cooked bacon cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F for best crispiness. For longer storage, freeze cooked bacon for up to 1 month and reheat directly from frozen as needed.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
- Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs, pancakes, or toast for a classic breakfast.
- Top salads, baked potatoes, or burgers for an extra savory crunch.
- Layer in sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying, crispy bite.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy)
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches for even cooking. Learn more about air fryer best practices from Food Network.
- Pat bacon dry before air frying to reduce splatter and ensure optimal crispiness.
- Use thick-cut bacon for heartier, crunchier results that won’t burn as quickly. For nutrition facts, see Nutritionix.
Air Fryer Bacon (Easy & Crispy) FAQ
Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes! Separate slices as best you can, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time, and check for doneness.
Do I need to flip the bacon in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway ensures even crispiness on both sides, but some air fryers circulate air well enough that flipping isn't absolutely necessary.
Will the air fryer smoke when cooking bacon?
Some smoke is normal due to rendered fat, especially with fattier bacon. Pouring off excess grease between batches and using lower temps (like 350°F) helps minimize smoke.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Paper towels for draining
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
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3Sprinkle the bacon with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar if using.
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4Air fry the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Adjust the time for desired crispiness.
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5Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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