Air Fryer Bacon

Feb 9, 2022 by Cindy This blog generates income via ads.

Air Fryer Bacon is a quick and easy recipe for the best crispy bacon! Once you start cooking bacon in your air fryer, you'll never go back to the old way again!

a round white plate filled with crispy air fryer bacon

AIR FRYER BACON RECIPE

Air Fryer Bacon is the best way to cook bacon!

No more making a greasy mess and dealing with hot, dangerous bacon fat over a hot stove! Making bacon in the air fryer is seriously the way to go. I 1000 percent recommend it over any other method.

In less than 10 minutes you can have crispy, perfectly cooked bacon on the breakfast table using your air fryer.

I make a vegan tempeh air fryer bacon that is to die for, and this pork bacon is just as delicious! I'll give you instructions below for making pork bacon, vegan bacon, and turkey bacon in the air fryer. All types of bacon are welcome in the air fryer.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE MAKING BACON IN THE AIR FRYER

You'll love Air Fryer Bacon because it's SO much easier than cooking bacon the traditional way. We all know how it goes - cooking bacon on the stovetop takes so much effort!

LET'S COMPARE BACON IN THE AIR FRYER VS. STOVETOP

Stovetop Bacon:

You have to cook it in batches, so the temperature of the pan keeps changing and the texture of the bacon is rarely uniform. Some pieces will be perfectly crispy and others will be floppy.

You have to stand there the entire time the bacon is cooking. You know if you walk away for even a second the whole thing will burn. How are you supposed to make the eggs and toast while you're standing over a pan of bacon grease?

I have been cooking breakfast for most of my life, and I still haven't figured that out!

And don't even get me started on the mess! Somehow that splattering grease can travel to all corners of the kitchen, and I'll spend the rest of the morning scrubbing.

Air Fryer Bacon is Better:

Set and forget it! No need to constantly watch bacon in the air fryer, just check on it once or twice.

A self-contained mess. There's still bacon grease to clean up, but it's all INSIDE the air fryer, not all over the kitchen.

Consistent results. The air fryer stays at a constant, set temperature, so all of your bacon will be done to the same level of crispness. (nobody will fight over the crispy pieces!)

In my experience and experiments, air fryer bacon is crispier and has a better texture than bacon cooked on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven. This air fryer bacon method wins every time.

a slab of raw sliced bacon on a plastic cutting board in front of a cosori air fryer

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING BACON IN THE AIR FRYER

Bacon - You need a package of your favorite sliced bacon. This recipe is specific to pork bacon, and the recipe gives options for making regular-cut bacon or thick-cut bacon.

I prefer to buy center-cut bacon as it's meatier, but you can decide what cut of bacon is your favorite!

No other ingredients are needed! Bacon is enough. Of course, you can add black pepper or a bit of brown sugar if that's your thing.

photo collage showing six steps needed to make bacon in the air fryer

HOW TO MAKE BACON IN THE AIR FRYER

I'm certain that once you try making bacon in your air fryer, you'll never look back! This air fryer bacon recipe eliminates all of drama and mess that and leaves you with the most incredible tasting, crispy bacon!

All you need is a few strips of center cut pork bacon and a few minutes.

Here's how you make bacon in the air fryer:

The first thing you'll want to do is remove desired strips of bacon from the package. You can cook the whole package, but you'll want to work in batches.
Next, cut the bacon strips in half. This step is optional, but I find that it allows me to fit more bacon in my air fryer without overlapping it.
Arrange the bacon slices in the bottom of your air fryer basket, trying to avoid overlapping them. More space around your food means better crisping and faster cooking.
Cook the bacon in the air fryer at 350°F/177°C for 6-8 minutes. The final cook time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon.
Much of the bacon fat will end up at the bottom of the air fryer, but drain the bacon on paper towels to soak up any excess crease and allow the bacon to get super crispy.
Finally, serve and enjoy!

a black, sqared air fryer basket filled with crispy cooked bacon

TIPS FOR COOKING PERFECT AIR FRYER BACON

Avoid Smoke and Burning

When cooking more than one batch of bacon, you MUST empty the second air fryer basket (the pan that holds the basket)!

All of the excess bacon fat that drains into the pan will collect and make your air fryer SMOKE! Removing that grease will help to avoid smoking. Click here to learn the best way to clean your air fryer.

Other tips that our readers and group members have offered include adding a slice of bread under the basket to soak up the grease, and adding a bit of water to the pan to avoid smoking. Running your oven hood fan can help too!

Cooking Different Cuts of Bacon/How Long to Cook Bacon In Air Fryer

The cooking time for this air fried bacon recipe is for thinner regular center cut bacon slices.

Regular bacon takes 6 to 8 minutes in the air fryer.
For thick cut bacon, increase the cook time to 8-10 minutes.
For softer, less crispy bacon, reduce the cook time by 2 minutes.

Watch the cooking time! Different air fryers have varying cook times, and bacon can easily burn.

Keep an eye on your air fryer as the bacon cooks and carefully open the basket to do so if needed.

Are you cooking with a Ninja Foodi? Learn how to make Ninja Foodi Bacon! The method and time and temp is slightly different for that specific machine.

a breakfast plate of two sunny side up eggs, strips of bacon, and fresh raspberries and blueberries. A gold fork rests on the plate, a cup of coffee is above it. The air fryer is off to the side.

OTHER AIR FRYER BACON TRICKS

Air Fryer Bacon is unique because you can cook it a variety of ways.

You can use the "twist method" where you take each piece of bacon and twist it into a ringlet shape. Doing this allows you to fit more bacon, although it might not get quite as crispy.

You can also use the "dump and go" method. Literally, stack your bacon in there and let it cook, stirring one time during the process. This method works, but the cook time will probably be longer if you want your bacon to be extra crispy.

I find that the best way to get very crispy air fryer bacon is to cook it the way I'm showing here: In a single layer, doing multiple batches if needed.

HOW TO SERVE AIR FRYER BACON

Bacon is a food, but also a flavor! You can add bacon to so many recipes, or enjoy it in it's perfect basic form. Here are some ideas:

Classic Breakfast: Serve with eggs, fruit and a homemade Dirty Chai Latte, or a bold Cold Brew coffee for the perfect breakfast spread.

Breakfast on the go: Add a few slices of bacon to an egg sandwich for a delicious breakfast on the go. Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs are great for traveling with too.

Salad Topping: Crumble airfryer bacon over a salad to add some crunch. This Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad sounds tasty.

Season Potaotoes: Crumble bacon finely and mix with salt & pepper to make bacon salt. Bacon salt is amazing on Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Wedges!

Sandwiches: Make a BLT with Air Fryer Bacon! Add to a sandwich spread with mayo or hummus, top with thick slices of fresh tomato and crunchy green lettuce. Yum! Bacon is also perfect on a turkey club.

a white plate of air fried bacon on the breakfast table next to a plate of eggs

CAN I COOK FROZEN BACON IN THE AIR FRYER?

You can cook frozen bacon in the air fryer, it takes just a few extra minutes to thaw the bacon out.

Place the frozen bacon in the air fryer, and cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or just until you're able to separate the slices. Then spread the slices out and cook as directed in this recipe.

HOW TO COOK TURKEY BACON IN THE AIR FRYER

See this Air Fryer Turkey Bacon post. I give you all the details for perfectly crispy turkey bacon!

CAN I MAKE VEGAN BACON IN THE AIR FRYER?

I have a recipe for a Tempe Vegan Bacon that is SO GOOD. Check it out.

Store-bought veggie bacon can also be made in the air fryer, and it takes very little time. I suggest cooking vegan bacon at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes total. Spray both sides of the veggie bacon with oil to encourage crisping, and flip the veggie bacon over halfway through air frying

MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER BREAKFAST RECIPES

We have so many air fryer breakfast recipes to choose from!

If you are having trouble figuring out which one to try next, we suggest: Air Fryer French Toast, Air Fryer Sausage Skewers and Air Fryer Donuts.

Need a quick breakfast? The air fryer was made for cooking frozen breakfast foods! Read about how to cook Frozen Waffles or Frozen French Toast sticks in the air fryer.

images of air fryer bacon with text in between them that says, Easy air fryer bacon

Have you made this recipe? Please leave a comment AND rating below! It helps other readers!

Be sure to tag @AirFryerEats on instagram, if you share a picture on the gram! Let's get social, you can follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or join one of our Air Fryer Facebook Groups: Air Fryer Recipes, Air Fryer Recipes for Seniors and Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes.

Don't forget to subscribe to our EMAIL newsletter.

If you have tried this Whole 30 Air Fryer Bacon Recipe, drop us a comment below! Tell us what method you used to cook the bacon. Did you twist it, dump it in there or only cook a small amount?

closeup image of a plate of crispy air fryer bacon

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 31 votes

Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Bacon is a quick and easy recipe for the best crispy bacon! Once you cook bacon in your air fryer, you'll never go back to the old way again!

Cook Time8

Total Time8

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: air fried bacon, air fryer bacon, bacon air fryer, bacon in air fryer

Servings: people

Calories: 461kcal

Cindy - Air Fryer Eats

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

1 package center cut bacon

Instructions

Start by removing desired slices of bacon from the package.
Optional: Cut the bacon strips in half. This will help the bacon fit in the air fryer basket. Or use the twisted method or dump and go method described in the post.
Place your bacon in the air fryer in a single layer.
Cook your air fryer bacon a 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Flip the bacon midway through the cooking process.
Remove the bacon from the air fryer and place it on paper towels. This will soak up any extra grease.
Enjoy!

Go AD FREE!

Notes

If you plan to cook a second batch, it is critical that you empty the second air fryer basket. It is the basket that contains all the grease from your air fryer bacon. If you do not empty and wipe it out, it will make your air fryer SMOKE.
The cooking time for this air fryer bacon recipe is for thinner center cut slices. If you are using thick slices, I would suggest cooking the bacon strips 8-10 minutes.
Just like with anything you cook, you need to monitor the cooking. Bacon can quickly turn from deliciously golden brown to burnt. Keep your eye on the air fryer bacon as it cooks. It's okay if you open the air fryer basket to check on it.
Readers have shared that if you are using an air fryer unit with a basket you can put a piece of bread between the baskets to catch the grease.

Pro Tip: This recipe can be made in the air fryer unit with a basket or the air fryer oven. If you are using the air fryer oven, use the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function.

Pro Tip: Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Sometimes airfying is a trial and error process. Check your food as it cooks to learn your air fryer better! When cooking a new recipe or food items be sure to check your food often to help avoid over/under cooking.

Have oven recipes that you’d like to convert to an air fryer recipe? Use our Air Fryer Calculator to help you estimate cooking times and temps! Calculator here: https://airfryereats.com/air-fryer-conversion-air-fryer-calculator/

Nutrition

Tired of the ads?Go AD Free - Become part of our Membership community!

Air Fryers can vary greatly. Please take the time to learn your specific air fryer. You may need to adjust times and temperatures based upon your air fryer. All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.

Are you looking for MORE air fryer recipes? Let us make that EASY for you! With this ebook bundle, you get oodles and oodles of air fryer recipes at your finger tips! You can even PRINT the recipes! Grab a copy of these air fryer e-cookbooks today! Email us at [email protected] for more information!

Let's talk! Drop me a comment below and let me know if you have made this air fryer bacon! Who would have thought that making bacon in the air fryer would be so tasty!

We recently updated the pictures for this post! You can see the old photos below. The recipe for air fryer bacon is updated with new tips and tricks too, so you can get beautiful, perfect air fryer bacon every time.

a large pile of crispy brown bacon pieces on a white plate over a striped red and white towel

raw pork bacon laying in an air fryer basket with a red and white towel to the left of the basket

A collage of six photos showing how to make crispy bacon in an air fryer

black air fryer basket full of cooked bacon

Overhead shot of coffee in a white mug to the left. Center of the photo is a white plate with air fryer bacon, toast cut into triangles, fried egg and cherry tomatoes. On the right is a black air fryer basket full of cooked bacon.

a pile of bacon pieces on a white plate on top of a red and white flour sack cloth

black cosori air fryer with text overlay saying: Cosori Air Fryer Recipes 95+ family friendly ideas

Comments

Anita

January 06, 2020 at 3:10 am

For those with an air fryer, this is definitely one of the easiest method to fry bacon. 🙂

Reply
Maike

January 06, 2020 at 4:08 am

BACON! 😍I just got a new air fryer, and this recipe sounds perfect for its first fry. The tip about using two baskets for larger batches is great, I'll be sure to do that. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 3:54 pm
  
  So glad you found our recipe! Enjoy this air fryer bacon!! YUM!
  
  Reply
Beth

January 06, 2020 at 4:16 am

The best way to cook bacon! Love how it's virtually mess free!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 3:54 pm
  
  You know it, Beth! The best way to make bacon is in the air fryer!
  
  Reply
Jeannette

January 06, 2020 at 4:46 am

Hands down, easiest way to make bacon! What a treat of a recipe! Thanks for sharing, Cindy!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 3:15 pm
  
  Thank you so much!! Air Fryer Bacon is totally easy, isn't it?!! Its a WIN!
  
  Reply
Veena Azmanov

January 06, 2020 at 5:58 am

Thanks for the Air Fryer Bacon info. This makes the Bacon healthier and definitely crunchy and best topping options too.

Reply
Adriana

January 06, 2020 at 6:18 am

Now I need to buy an air fryer. We love bacon at home but like it crispy I use the microwave but now I want an air fryer.

Reply
- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 3:53 pm
  
  You for sure need an air fryer!
  
  Reply
Ina

February 18, 2020 at 3:12 am

I have never think to cook bacon on airfryer, brilliant! So crispy! I usually cook spring roll on it, so much better than deep fry it.

Reply
- Cindy
  
  February 21, 2020 at 3:39 pm
  
  Spring rolls in the air fryer are delicious! Yes it is better than a deep fry! You'll have to try air fryer bacon!
  
  Reply
  - Chris Smith
    
    June 10, 2020 at 7:23 pm
    
    WOW thanks to you guys
    The recipe are real
    Much love from air fry
    
    Reply
Jennifer Yasmin

February 19, 2020 at 5:17 am

I don't eat bacon. But hope I can try the same recipe just by replacing the meat. 😬 Thank you for sharing. ❤️

Reply
- Cindy
  
  February 21, 2020 at 3:39 pm
  
  You would like our VEGAN air fryer bacon on our sister site: https://vegetarianmamma.com/vegan-air-fryer-bacon/
  
  Reply
brutus sanchez

March 15, 2020 at 5:13 pm

Do you preheat, or put the bacon into the air fryer and then turn it on?

Reply
- Cindy
  
  March 16, 2020 at 1:56 am
  
  Hello! I did not preheat the air fryer. I just put it into the air fryer basket and turned it on. I give space between in my air fryer basket, however people in our air fryer facebook group say they stack it up/criss cross and it cooks okay. I haven't tried yet but that is what they are saying works for them 🙂
  
  Reply
Marcia Mayo

June 08, 2020 at 11:16 pm

Best way to fix bacon

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:22 pm
  
  Thank you so much! We couldn't agree more. After we tried this air fryer bacon recipe, we though the same thing!
  
  Reply
Pinkett King

June 10, 2020 at 3:20 pm

I have tried this fried bacon recipe and added a twist! I twisted my thin bacon, and therefore able to fit the whole package in the fryer. I cooked them at 350 degrees for 8 mins, turned over once and cooked for another 6 mins, they came out crispy and the best and no mess bacon ever. I will not fry bacon any other way. It’s a 5 out of 5 stars recipe!!!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:18 pm
  
  Hi Pinkett! Thank you for coming back and letting us know how this air fryer bacon turned out for you. I like that you twisted your thin bacon to make the entire package fit! Great thinking! Isn't it great to not have much mess!!
  
  Reply
Mable Dotson

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

I purchased an air fryer about a week ago and started right off looking for recipes. I ran across these recipes by Cindy. Since I love bacon and wanted something simple at first, her bacon recipe caught my eye first thing. I am a big skeptic and thought that her bacon looked too perfect and I was out to prove her wrong! Well, I got my bacon started in my air fryer like she said. I kept checking on it to see if it was failing (literally). Well, I gave up and let it cook. So, lo and behold, when it finished (in the time she said), I took it out and found it to be PERFECT!!! Thank you so much Cindy for not only the bacon recipe, but all the others. I have recommended this site to all my friends! Again, thanks!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:17 pm
  
  Mable, that is the sweetest comment. I am so glad that you loved it and it came out perfect! What a testimony! Thank you so much for trying and love our air fryer bacon!
  
  Reply
Christy

June 10, 2020 at 4:27 pm

i love my Air fryer. i cook my bacon always. so crispy... the way i like it...

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:02 pm
  
  So glad you loved our air fryer bacon! We love it too! So easy to make!
  
  Reply
Sherrie Gil

June 10, 2020 at 7:21 pm

The best way to make bacon ever in the air fryer. Doesn't heat up house and so easy to clean up. I put two pieces of bread in bottom pan to soak up the grease.

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:32 pm
  
  Fully agree! I love that the air fryers DO NOT heat up the entire house!! The bread tip is a great one to soak up that grease!
  
  Reply
Chris Smith

June 10, 2020 at 7:24 pm

i love my Air fryer. i cook my bacon always. so crispy… the way i like it…

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:31 pm
  
  HI Chris!! We love our air fryers too! So glad you liked our air fryer bacon recipe! Thanks for coming back and letting us know!
  
  Reply
Carol

June 10, 2020 at 7:27 pm

I love cooking bacon this way. It is amazing. Will never cook on stove again. Who knew? Called and told my son. He is fixing to get an airfryer.

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:33 pm
  
  So glad that you called and told your son about your air frying success with this bacon recipe! We think its delish too!
  
  Reply
Barbara

June 10, 2020 at 7:27 pm

Have made the air fryer bacon and it’s perfect! No mess, crispy and delicious! Watch the cook time as it can burn easily. Also, I recommend adding a slice of bread underneath the basket to absorb the grease and prevent smoking and flare ups!!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:34 pm
  
  Yes, you for sure have to watch that cook time it can change from perfect to burnt oh so quickly!! I like the bread tip!! 🙂
  
  Reply
betty

June 10, 2020 at 7:40 pm

Thanks so much
My husband loves this
I love your recipes so much

Reply
- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 11:26 pm
  
  Hello Betty! So glad you made it and enjoyed it! I appreciate your support! Thanks for coming back and letting us know how it turned out! We are happy to help you in your air fryer journey!
  
  Reply
Ben

August 12, 2020 at 6:51 pm

I love cooking bacon this way in my air fryer! Thank you for the easy instructions

Reply
- Cindy
  
  August 12, 2020 at 9:07 pm
  
  Hi Ben, so glad you loved the easy instructions and it turned out tasty for you!
  
  Reply
Michelle

August 13, 2020 at 3:08 pm

Honestly one of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer! Thank you for showing me how easily it can be done.

Reply
- Cindy
  
  August 14, 2020 at 7:23 pm
  
  Hi Michelle, so glad you liked the air fryer bacon. It really does a great job of cooking it up!
  
  Reply
Lou

August 19, 2020 at 7:07 pm

Bacon is THE best in the air fryer. Thanks for the temp suggestion, it worked perfectly!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  August 21, 2020 at 3:45 pm
  
  Hi Lou, so glad you liked our temp/time for air fryer bacon! yay!
  
  Reply
Trevor

September 17, 2020 at 1:44 pm

Legit the best bacon ever!

Reply
- Cindy
  
  September 18, 2020 at 11:51 pm
  
  We Agree Trevor! So glad you like it!
  
  Reply
Sandra

November 05, 2020 at 4:38 pm

This was so delicious. I made it today! It was approved by my entire family! I am adding it to the breakfast rotation! YUMMMM

Reply
- Cindy
  
  November 05, 2020 at 6:05 pm
  
  So glad you liked it, thank you for coming back and leaving a review and comment!
  
  Reply
Veronica Williams

February 10, 2022 at 6:10 pm

Well I wasn't too sure if I was going to like this at first - bacon was always grilled when I was growing up because my Mum wasn't too keen on the taste of it from the frying pan.
Well, I tried one rasher and I was hooked! I'll never grill or pan fry my bacon again! Happy to say that this is doggy approved and hubby approved!
Thank you Cindy for converting me!
Veronica xox

Reply

Air Fryer Bacon

AIR FRYER BACON RECIPE

WHY YOU'LL LOVE MAKING BACON IN THE AIR FRYER

LET'S COMPARE BACON IN THE AIR FRYER VS. STOVETOP

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING BACON IN THE AIR FRYER