Air Fryer Bacon

Featured in Delicious Morning Favorites.

Make crispy, perfect bacon in your air fryer with minimal mess. Ready in just 10 minutes, this method works for regular, thick-cut, or halved slices.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:17:03 GMT
A plate of crispy, golden-brown bacon strips arranged neatly. Pin it
A plate of crispy, golden-brown bacon strips arranged neatly. | recipesbyclare.com

Starting these weekend mornings with Air Fryer Bacon feels like pure magic in our kitchen. What began as a curious Sunday experiment transformed our family's breakfast tradition forever. The way each slice turns perfectly crispy without any mess brings everyone to the kitchen even before their first cup of coffee. My teenage son who usually needs three wake up calls appears instantly when that heavenly bacon aroma fills our home.

Morning Made Simple

After years of battling grease splatters and uneven cooking this method feels like a gift. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy bacon every single time without any fussing or flipping. My daughter says watching the bacon transform through the basket window is better than morning cartoons. Even my husband the breakfast perfectionist admits this bacon beats his beloved cast iron method.

What You'll Need

  • Good Bacon: I get mine from our local butcher sliced just right.
  • Simple Additions: Sometimes a touch of maple syrup or pepper.
  • Patience: Just enough to let the air fryer work its magic.

Getting Started

Preheating the air fryer has become part of my peaceful morning routine. While it warms up I lay out the bacon strips sometimes cutting them to fit perfectly. This quiet moment before everyone wakes up feels almost meditative.

The Perfect Layout

Arranging bacon in the basket is an art I've mastered over countless weekend breakfasts. Each strip needs its own space to achieve that perfect crispiness. My kids take turns helping saying it's like solving a delicious puzzle.

A plate of crispy, cooked bacon strips is arranged neatly on a white dish. Pin it
A plate of crispy, cooked bacon strips is arranged neatly on a white dish. | recipesbyclare.com

Cooking Magic

Those minutes of cooking fill our kitchen with an incredible aroma. No more dodging hot grease or worrying about burns. Instead we gather around the kitchen island planning our day while breakfast practically makes itself.

Kitchen Wisdom

Through many batches I've learned the perfect timing for everyone's preferences. My husband likes his extra crispy my daughter prefers it just slightly chewy. The air fryer delivers perfectly customized bacon every time.

Family Moments

Weekend bacon has become more than just breakfast. It's our time to catch up share stories and start the day together. Sometimes the simplest traditions create the strongest family bonds.

Saving the Gold

We never waste that precious bacon grease. Strained and stored it becomes liquid gold for future recipes. My grandmother taught me this trick and now I'm passing it on to my children.

Beyond Breakfast

This bacon finds its way into so many meals. Crumbled over salads tucked into sandwiches or wrapped around vegetables for dinner. One batch creates endless possibilities.

A plate of crispy, cooked bacon strips arranged neatly on a white plate, with a blue cloth and a slice of orange in the background. Pin it
A plate of crispy, cooked bacon strips arranged neatly on a white plate, with a blue cloth and a slice of orange in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Easy Cleanup

The simplified cleanup might be the best part. No more greasy stovetop or spattered walls. Just a quick wash of the basket and we're done letting us enjoy more family time.

Weekly Prep

Sometimes I make extra bacon on Sundays storing it for quick breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. A few minutes in the air fryer crisps it right back up.

Special Touches

Each family member adds their own twist. My son created a maple pepper version that's become a household favorite. Sometimes the best recipes come from playful experiments.

Sharing the Love

Friends who visit for weekend brunch always ask about our bacon's secret. Sharing this simple method has spread the air fryer bacon revolution through our neighborhood.

Perfect Pairings

We serve our bacon with everything from fluffy scrambled eggs to Belgian waffles. That crispy salty taste elevates any breakfast dish making everyday meals feel special.

A plate of crispy bacon strips is displayed alongside a red apple. Pin it
A plate of crispy bacon strips is displayed alongside a red apple. | recipesbyclare.com

Morning Memories

These weekend mornings have created countless precious memories. The laughter shared stories and simple joy of perfectly cooked bacon bring us together.

Teaching Moments

Teaching my kids to make air fryer bacon has become a lesson in patience and timing. They're learning cooking skills while creating their own kitchen confidence.

Seasonal Twists

Different seasons bring different bacon pairings. Summer means BLTs with garden tomatoes while winter calls for bacon wrapped dates during holiday gatherings.

Breakfast Success

Even on rushed mornings this method delivers perfect results. No more burnt bacon or undercooked pieces just consistent delicious success every time.

Simple Joy

Air fryer bacon represents more than just an easier cooking method. It's about creating simple moments of joy around our table starting each day with something special we can all share together.

Crispy strips of cooked bacon are arranged in a black air fryer basket. Pin it
Crispy strips of cooked bacon are arranged in a black air fryer basket. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use an air fryer for bacon?
Air frying bacon creates less mess than pan frying and gives consistent results. The hot air circulation cooks the bacon evenly and makes it perfectly crispy.
→ Do I need to flip the bacon?
No flipping is required. The air circulation in the fryer cooks the bacon evenly on both sides without needing to turn it.
→ How do I store leftover bacon?
Store cooled bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
→ Can I cook thick-cut bacon?
Yes, thick-cut bacon works great but needs longer cooking time, about 9-12 minutes. Adjust the time based on your desired crispiness.
→ What about bacon grease?
Remember to drain excess bacon grease between batches to prevent smoking. You can save the grease for other cooking if desired.

Air Fryer Bacon

A quick and easy method for cooking bacon in the air fryer. Get perfect results every time with less mess than pan frying.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Morning Favorite

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 slices)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4-5 slices bacon.

Instructions

Step 01

Set air fryer to 350°F and let it heat for 3 minutes.

Step 02

Place bacon in basket. Cut slices in half if needed. Ends can be folded up sides.

Step 03

Air fry regular bacon 8-10 minutes, half slices 7-9 minutes, or thick cut 9-12 minutes until desired crispness.

Step 04

Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Notes

  1. No flipping needed during cooking.
  2. Drain grease between batches to prevent smoking.
  3. Can be stored in fridge up to 5 days.
  4. Can be frozen up to 6 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Paper towels.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 37
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 3 g