Get the most perfect crispy bacon every single time with your trusty air fryer! So easy and quick to make with no mess and an excellent addition to any breakfast!
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
It’s no secret here that I love my air fryer! Such a quick and effortless way to cook so many foods and the results are always so good! Well, bacon is no different!
This crispy air fryer bacon takes minutes to prep and you can cook a whole pack at the same time, perfect if you are feeding a crowd! Make breakfasts a breeze or crumble it on top of soups or other recipes.
Use this air fried bacon on top of Sheet Pan Pancakes or in my Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad. If you don’t have an air fryer, you’ll also find my how-to bake bacon in the oven post helpful.
How to make crispy air fryer bacon
- Lay bacon in an air fryer basket, bacon can overlap.
- Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
- Remove and enjoy.
My air fryer is smoking when cooking bacon
Some air fryers are known for smoking while cooking bacon, but you can remedy this pretty easily. Place a little water in the bottom of the basket or a piece of bread to soak up the grease can reduce the smoking.
Always use a clean air fryer when cooking bacon or other greasy meats to reduce the amount of smoke, and be sure to clean out the grease before using your air fryer again.
How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?
A full 12 ounce packet of bacon will take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook, depending on how crispy you like it. If you are cooking less than the full pack, it will take around 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bacon every 5 minutes or so so that it cooks evenly.
How long will it keep?
Once you have cooked your bacon, let it cool and it will keep well covered in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. I like to cook a whole pack of bacon and then I can add it to dishes in the week for a burst of flavor.
You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 375F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Keep an eye on that bacon. Some air fryers will cook bacon faster than others. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
- If you’re cooking less than a pack of bacon, your bacon will cook much quicker, in about 8-10 minutes.
- This method works for pork and turkey bacon.
- If you don’t want your bacon to curl, cook less at a time and lay them in a single layer. They’ll still curl a little. I like curly bacon pieces though 🙂
- I used the oven directions on the back of the bacon to figure out the approximate cook time for the air fryer. I usually go 30 degrees below the recommended oven temperature and I cut the time about 20%. That’s one of the best air fryer tips to have.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer French Toast
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Holiday Ham
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza
- Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 12 oz pack of bacon
Instructions
- Lay bacon in an air fryer basket, bacon can overlap. Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Remove and enjoy.
Notes
- Keep an eye on that bacon. Some air fryers will cook bacon faster than others. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
- If you’re cooking less than a pack of bacon, your bacon will cook much quicker, in about 8-10 minutes.
- Some air fryers are known for smoking while cooking bacon. Place a little water in the bottom of the basket or a piece of bread to soak up the grease can reduce the smoking. Also, always use a clean air fryer when cooking bacon or other greasy meats to reduce the amount of smoke.
- This method works for pork and turkey bacon.
- If you don’t want your bacon to curl, cook less at a time and lay them in a single layer. They’ll still curl a little. I like curly bacon pieces though 🙂
Curtis Cash
Saturday 6th of August 2022
When I used my air fryer to cook the bacon after I did that heating element did not work. Is there something I need to do to fix it? Please help me I love my air fryer.
Tanya
Monday 8th of August 2022
Hi Curtis, I'd contact the manufacturer to see exactly what went wrong with your air fryer.
Maggie King
Friday 5th of August 2022
I have a new stove that has air fryer. Would I use the same amount of temperature and time? Thanks!
Tanya
Friday 5th of August 2022
Hi Maggie, I haven't had any experience with an air fryer that comes with the stove. However, the times and temps should be similar. You may have to adjust the time by a bit so I would just check on it a few minutes early just to make sure.
Debra
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
The bacon came out great! I am new to air frying food and I appreciate your tip about putting water in the basket to cut down on the smoke!
Linda
Tuesday 8th of December 2020
Just want to thank you for all the recipes you post. Thanks again
Michael Adams
Tuesday 8th of December 2020
Hi Tanya, thank you for your recipes. I thought I'd share how I cook bacon with you as I always get compliments on the taste. Here's how I do it: I take a pack of frozen bacon and defrost it on a china plate, covered, in the microwave until the pieces completely separate. Throw away the liquid that melts off, this is where the flavour changes, that juice is full of salt & some fat. Now I just cook it in the air fryer or frying pan, on med-low to the colour and texture desired. Take the cooked pieces out and dry them out with paper towels. Let me know if your family finds the taste better.
Gladys L.
Monday 28th of November 2022
@Michael Adams, get your own blog. We come here for Tanya's recipes, and this one is fabulous, just the way it is written. Thank you.