Crispy Bacon in an Air Fryer
Crispy Bacon in an Air Fryer (Easy, No-Mess, Perfect Every Time!)
If you love bacon but hate the grease splatter, stovetop cleanup, and uneven cooking, you’re going to fall in love with air fryer bacon. This method delivers perfectly crispy bacon with beautifully rendered fat, all in under 10 minutes—and without turning your kitchen into a grease zone.
Once you try bacon in the air fryer, you may never go back.
Whether you’re making breakfast for one, prepping bacon for recipes, or feeding a hungry crowd, this is the easiest, cleanest, and most foolproof way to cook bacon.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Making Bacon in the Air Fryer
- Extra crispy with even browning
- No flipping splattering grease
- Minimal cleanup
- Ready in minutes
- Works for regular or thick-cut bacon
- Hands-off cooking
It’s one of those simple kitchen hacks that feels like a total game changer.
🧂 Ingredients
- Bacon slices (regular-cut or thick-cut)
That’s it—no oil, butter, or seasoning required.
🔥 How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat (Optional)
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
This helps the bacon start crisping immediately, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Place bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Slight overlapping is fine
- Avoid stacking slices on top of each other
The bacon will shrink as it cooks, creating more space.
Step 3: Air Fry
Cook at 375°F (190°C):
- Regular-cut bacon: 7–9 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 9–12 minutes
Check halfway through and rearrange if needed for even cooking.
Tip: Bacon continues to crisp as it cools, so remove it just before it reaches your ideal crispiness.
Step 4: Drain & Serve
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess grease. Serve immediately or use in your favorite recipes.
🔥 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- For extra crispy bacon, add 1–2 more minutes
- If bacon curls, place a small air fryer-safe rack on top
- Pour off grease halfway if your basket fills quickly
- Save rendered bacon grease for cooking eggs or veggies
- Line the bottom tray (not the basket holes) with foil for easier cleanup
