Easy Air Fryer Bacon to Transform Your Breakfast Game

Name: Easy Air Fryer Bacon to Transform Your Breakfast Game
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices of bacon

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 31, 2025

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Bacon lovers, rejoice! If you’re anything like me, you know that the sound and smell of crispy bacon sizzling in the pan is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But let’s be real—cooking bacon can often be a greasy affair, leaving your stovetop splattered and your patience tested. That’s why I’m so excited to share my easy air fryer bacon recipe with you! Using an air fryer not only cuts down on the mess but also gives you perfectly crispy bacon in no time at all.

What I love most about this method is the convenience. You simply set the timer and let the air fryer do its magic while you sip your coffee or prepare the rest of your breakfast. Plus, it’s super easy to clean up afterwards—just a quick wipe down and you’re done! Trust me, once you try making bacon this way, you’ll never look back!

Easy Air Fryer Bacon - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients for the perfect air fryer bacon:

8 slices of bacon: Choose your favorite variety—thick-cut or regular, it’s all about personal preference!

How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Follow along closely, and soon you’ll have crispy, delicious bacon ready to enjoy in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture we all love. Preheating takes just a few minutes, so while you’re waiting, take a moment to daydream about all the delicious breakfast options you can whip up with your bacon!

Arrange the Bacon

Once your air fryer is nice and hot, it’s time to lay out the bacon. Carefully arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Trust me, this is key! You don’t want to overcrowd the basket, or the bacon won’t crisp up properly. If you have more slices than can fit, just cook them in batches. Patience is your friend here!

Cooking Time and Check

Now, set your timer for 8-10 minutes. I recommend checking the bacon halfway through the cooking time to see how it’s coming along. Give it a little shake to help any pieces that might be stuck to loosen up. Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on it—if you like your bacon extra crispy, you might want to let it go for a minute or two longer. Just be sure to check in so it doesn’t overcook!

Draining the Bacon

Once the bacon’s reached your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. I like to use tongs for this—safety first! Let the bacon drain on paper towels for a minute to absorb any excess grease. This step is important because it keeps your bacon crispy and not oily. Plus, who doesn’t love biting into perfectly cooked bacon?

Tips for Success

Want to achieve bacon perfection? Here are my top tips to ensure you get that perfectly crispy, delicious air fryer bacon every single time!

Don’t Skip the Preheating

As I mentioned earlier, preheating your air fryer is vital. It not only helps the bacon cook evenly but also speeds up the cooking process. If you skip this step, you might end up with unevenly cooked bacon. So, set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes before you put the bacon in.

Adjust Cooking Time for Your Preference

Every bacon lover has their own idea of what “crispy” means. If you prefer your bacon a little less crispy, start with 8 minutes and check it. If you like it more well-done, feel free to add a minute or two. Just remember, it’s easier to add time than to fix overcooked bacon, so keep a close watch!

Batch Cooking

If you have more bacon than will fit in a single layer, don’t cram it all in! Cooking in batches is the way to go. It might take a little longer, but your patience will pay off with perfectly cooked slices. The air fryer needs space to circulate the hot air around each piece, which is what gives it that delightful crispiness.

Save That Grease!

Don’t forget about the liquid gold left behind in the air fryer! Let the grease cool, then strain it and save it for cooking later. It adds fantastic flavor to sautéed veggies or can be used in your next batch of scrambled eggs. Trust me, it’s a game changer!

Experiment with Seasoning

Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle some black pepper or your favorite seasoning blend on the bacon before cooking for an extra kick. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You can always add more seasoning after cooking, but it’s harder to take it away once it’s in there.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for my easy air fryer bacon recipe, so you can enjoy your breakfast while being mindful of what you’re eating:

Serving Size: 2 slices
Calories: 80
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 320mg
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 0g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the brand of bacon you use and any additional seasonings you might add. Enjoy your deliciously crispy bacon guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your air fryer bacon? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:

Can I cook other types of bacon in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of bacon you like—thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to achieve your desired crispiness.

Do I need to flip the bacon while it cooks?

No flipping necessary! One of the best parts about the air fryer is that it circulates hot air around the food, so you’ll get that lovely crispiness on both sides without any extra effort. Just lay it flat, set the timer, and relax!

What if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?

If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial cooking time, don’t panic! Just pop it back in for an extra minute or two. Remember to check it frequently to avoid overcooking. You want that perfect balance of crispy and delicious!

Can I use the air fryer to cook bacon in advance?

Yes, you can! If you’re meal prepping, simply cook a batch of bacon in advance. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.

Is it safe to use aluminum foil in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the air fryer! Just make sure to leave space for air circulation. Some folks like to line the basket with foil for easier cleanup, but be cautious not to block the air vents. A little goes a long way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking Time: With just 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have crispy bacon ready to elevate your breakfast or brunch!
Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy stovetops! The air fryer basket is easy to clean, making this method a breeze.
Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring every slice of bacon is evenly cooked to perfection.
Minimal Mess: No splattering oil or smoky kitchens—just delicious bacon without the fuss.
Versatile Ingredients: You can use any type of bacon you love, whether it’s thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon!
Healthier Option: The excess grease drains away, giving you a slightly lighter version of your favorite breakfast treat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve cooked up a delicious batch of easy air fryer bacon, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No problem! Storing and reheating bacon is super simple, and I’ve got all the tips to keep it just as tasty as when it was fresh out of the fryer.

First things first, let your leftover bacon cool completely. Once it’s cooled, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps keep it from drying out in the fridge. You can store your bacon in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just lay the slices flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for about three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover bacon, reheating it is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend popping it back into the air fryer. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently until it’s warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a pinch—just place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate between paper towels to absorb excess moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Just be cautious; microwaving can sometimes make it chewy rather than crispy.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your easy air fryer bacon longer and still enjoy that delightful crunch!