Air fryer bacon is a convenient and delicious way to cook bacon with less mess and fewer calories compared to traditional stovetop frying. Here’s a perfect air fryer bacon recipe along with some notes to ensure you get crispy, evenly cooked bacon every time:
Ingredients:
- Bacon slices (as many as you want)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your bacon. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon based on your preference.
- If you want, you can line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. However, this is optional.
- Arrange the Bacon:
- Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they don’t overlap or touch each other. If needed, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Check the bacon’s progress after about 6-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Flip the Bacon (Optional):
- If you want extra crispy bacon, you can flip the bacon slices halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs to do this carefully.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Serve:
- Serve your perfectly crispy air fryer bacon immediately. Enjoy it as a side dish, in sandwiches, salads, or any other way you like!
Notes:
- Bacon Thickness: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your bacon. Thicker slices may require a little more time, while thinner ones might cook faster.
- Bacon Quantity: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re making a large batch, cook the bacon in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
- Foil Lining: Using aluminum foil in the air fryer basket can make cleanup easier, but it may slightly affect the cooking time and crispiness of the bacon. You can experiment with and without foil to see which method you prefer.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bacon during cooking, especially in the last few minutes, to prevent it from burning. The cooking time can vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model.
- Save the Bacon Grease: Don’t forget to save the bacon grease that accumulates in the air fryer basket. It can be used in various recipes for added flavor.
By following this recipe and considering these notes, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked air fryer bacon with minimal effort and mess.
