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Make perfectly crispy bacon in minutes with your air fryer—no splattering, no mess, and no need to babysit the pan. Whether you’re using regular or thick-cut slices, this method delivers consistent results every time.

Ingredients

5 slices of bacon (about 6 oz regular or 8–12 oz thick-cut)

Instructions

1. Arrange the Bacon

Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For smaller air fryer baskets, cut the bacon slices in half to help them fit better and avoid overlapping.

2. Cook the Bacon

For regular-cut bacon: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 minutes, or until browned and crispy to your liking.
For thick-cut bacon: Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, checking near the end to prevent overcooking.

3. Drain and Serve

Transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Serve immediately.

Note: If you’re cooking multiple batches, be sure to discard any collected grease from the drip pan between rounds to avoid smoking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with no flipping or splatter.
Crispy perfection: Air circulation ensures even crisping on all sides.
Cleaner kitchen: Say goodbye to grease stains on your stovetop.
Customizable: Cook to your preferred level of crispiness every time.

Tips

Avoid overcrowding: Lay bacon in a single layer without overlapping for best results.
Check early: Air fryers vary—start checking a minute or two before the suggested time.
Save the bacon fat: Pour cooled bacon drippings into a jar and refrigerate for future cooking.
Watch thick-cut bacon: It may take longer and crisp up less evenly, so monitor closely.

Variations and Substitutions

Turkey bacon: Reduce cook time slightly; start checking around 5–6 minutes.
Flavored bacon: Maple or peppered bacon can be used—just watch for sugar, which may brown faster.
Vegan bacon: Try with plant-based alternatives, adjusting cook time per package directions.

FAQs

Can I stack bacon in the air fryer?
No. Overlapping bacon won’t crisp properly. Cook in batches for best results.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Not necessary for this recipe, but you can preheat for 2–3 minutes if your air fryer model recommends it.

Why is my air fryer smoking?
It’s likely due to grease in the drip tray. Let it cool slightly and pour out excess fat between batches.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy air-fried bacon pairs beautifully with:

Scrambled or fried eggs
Avocado toast or pancakes
Burgers and sandwiches
Crumbled over salads, soups, or baked potatoes

For a brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit and roasted potatoes.