Air-Fryer Bacon

Air-Fryer Bacon

Bacon crisps up in the air fryer in a fraction of the time it would need on the stovetop or in the oven — and air-fryer bacon is ideal for a quick, solo breakfast, or when you need just a small batch. (If you’re cooking bacon for a crowd, we’ve still got you covered with our </span><a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019919-oven-bacon"><span>oven bacon recipe</span></a><span>.) Cooking bacon in the air fryer results in extracrisp slices, since the excess bacon fat drains as the bacon cooks. The quantity of bacon here will depend on the size of your air fryer basket (or really, how hungry you are) and won’t affect the time or temperature called out below. To add to this recipe’s convenience, you can even start with frozen bacon without needing to adjust the cook time or temperature.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 bacon slices

    depending on size of air fryer basket

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat air fryer to 400 degrees, if preheating is recommended for your air fryer.

  2. 2

    If working with a smaller air fryer basket, cut bacon strips in half crosswise so the bacon can fit comfortably without any overhang. Arrange the bacon flat in a single layer.

  3. 3

    Cook until the bacon is browned and starts to ripple (or to desired doneness), about 8 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. The cook time may vary, depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispiness. Cook the bacon for 1 to 2 more minutes, if using thicker bacon or if you like your bacon on the crispier side.

  4. 4

    Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, if needed.

Air-Fryer Bacon

Air-Fryer Bacon

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About this Recipe

Craving perfectly crisp bacon without the messy stovetop splatters or waiting for the oven to preheat? This air-fryer bacon recipe delivers that satisfying crunch in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for a quick breakfast or when you need just a small batch.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer's circulating hot air is a game-changer for bacon, ensuring each slice cooks evenly and achieves an extra-crisp texture. As the bacon cooks, excess fat drains away, which contributes to its superior crunch and prevents sogginess. It's especially ideal for quick, solo breakfasts or when you need just a small quantity. Plus, you can even start with frozen bacon without adjusting the cook time or temperature, adding to its incredible convenience.

What to Expect

Prepare for bacon that is delightfully crisp from end to end, with that irresistible savory flavor you love. This method yields slices that are never soggy, thanks to the efficient fat drainage. It’s a remarkably hands-off way to enjoy perfectly cooked bacon, whether you're making a few slices for yourself or topping a quick sandwich. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to achieve consistent, perfectly browned results every time.

Customization & Variations

While the preparation itself is straightforward, you can easily adapt the quantity of bacon to your needs. This recipe is perfect for cooking anywhere from 4 to 6 bacon slices, or whatever fits comfortably in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Adjusting the amount won't affect the cook time or temperature, making it incredibly flexible for small servings.

Serving & Context

This air-fryer bacon is perfect for a speedy solo breakfast, adding a savory crunch to your morning eggs, or as a quick garnish for salads and sandwiches. It's a simple pleasure that elevates any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions