Master Air Fryer Bacon in 8 Simple Steps for Crispy Deliciousness!
Introduction
Nothing says breakfast bliss like perfectly crispy bacon. But traditional frying can leave your kitchen splattered with grease and your bacon unevenly cooked. Enter the air fryer—the fastest, cleanest, and most foolproof way to enjoy bacon that’s consistently crisp, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This method is a breakfast game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon delivers ideal texture in every bite: delightfully crunchy on the outside, tender (never rubbery) on the inside. Air frying evenly distributes heat, preserving the bacon’s natural flavor and reducing excess fat by draining it away as it cooks. The process is so hands-off, you can prep the rest of your breakfast—or just enjoy your coffee—while your bacon transforms into pure, crispy goodness.
How to Choose and Prep Your Bacon
Any bacon works, but medium-cut strips give the best blend of crunch and chew. For super-clean results and effortless transfer, line your fryer basket with a square of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This helps keep your air fryer sparkling while still allowing hot air to circulate for even crisping.
If your strips are too long, slice them in half for a better fit using a pair of sharp KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath. Arrange the pieces in a single layer, allowing a little space for airflow.
8 Simple Steps to Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Perfect air fryer bacon is achievable with minimal fuss—just follow these easy steps! Using a reliable air fryer such as the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 ensures consistent results and enough space for batches big or small.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. (Some models might skip this step, but preheating helps with even cooking.)
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. Be sure to use only parchment and not wax or regular paper.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap much—this ensures each piece crisps up beautifully.
- Set the timer for 8–10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Thick-cut bacon may require up to 12 minutes.
- Midway through, pause and flip the bacon using a heat-safe tong or spatula to promote even crisping.
- Once the timer dings, use KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitts to carefully pull out the basket. Remove bacon promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off extra oil, if desired.
- Repeat with additional batches as needed, but remember to drain any excess fat from the basket between rounds for optimal crispiness.
Tips for the Crunchiest Air Fryer Bacon
– Don’t overcrowd—leave space for air to circulate.
– Check at the halfway point for desired crispness.
– For super easy cleanup, use Air Fryer Paper Liners, which are pre-cut and fit perfectly in most baskets.
– To store cooked bacon for meal prep, let cool completely and transfer to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for maximum freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer bacon isn’t just for breakfast! Crumble it over salads, tuck it into sandwiches, or pair it with eggs and avocado. For a to-go brunch, pack your meal in a Bentgo Salad Container to keep your bacon crisp until lunchtime.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
One serving of air-fried bacon (about two slices) contains roughly 80–100 calories, depending on thickness and brand. Air frying lets excess grease drip away, reducing overall fat intake compared to pan-frying.
Final Recap: Crispy Bacon, Reimagined
Air fryer bacon is fast, no-mess, and absolutely foolproof. With these eight steps, the best bacon of your life is just minutes away—crispy, flavorful, and reliably perfect, every single time.
Ingredients
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Now that you know how to master air fryer bacon, get inspired and make your mornings extra delicious!