How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Crispy, Perfect Results Every Time​

Cooking bacon in the air fryer is one of the most underrated yet game-changing kitchen hacks I’ve discovered in years. Unlike stovetop pans that leave greasy splatters all over your stove, or ovens that take forever to preheat, an air fryer delivers evenly crispy bacon with minimal mess—andit’s faster than you think. After testing dozens of methods with different bacon types, thicknesses, and air fryer models, I’ve nailed down the exact steps to ensure your bacon comes out golden, crunchy, and perfectly cooked every single time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right bacon to troubleshooting common issues like sticking or uneven crispiness.

Why Air Fryer Bacon Beats Other Methods

Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify why air frying is the superior choice for bacon. First, the circulating hot air cooks bacon from all sides simultaneously, eliminating the need to flip it constantly (though we’ll touch on flipping later for extra crispiness). This reduces cooking time significantly—most batches take just 10–15 minutes, compared to 20+ minutes in the oven or 15+ minutes on the stovetop.

Second, air fryers render fat more efficiently. As the bacon cooks, excess oil drips away into the fryer basket, resulting in leaner, less greasy strips. This is a huge plus if you’re watching your fat intake or simply prefer bacon that doesn’t leave a film of oil on your plate.

Third, cleanup is a breeze. Unlike stovetop pans that require scrubbing burnt-on grease, most air fryer baskets are nonstick or dishwasher-safe (check your model’s manual first!). A quick wipe-down after cooling is usually all you need.

Step 1: Choose the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal, and the type you use will affect the final result. Here’s what to look for:

• ​Thickness: Thinner bacon (around 1/8-inch thick) cooks faster and gets crispier quicker, but it can burn easily if you’re not careful. Thicker cuts (1/4-inch or more) take a bit longer but stay chewier in the center with a crisp exterior—great for those who love a balanced bite.

• ​Smoking method: Uncured bacon (which uses natural nitrates from celery powder) or cured bacon both work, but avoid pre-sliced “deli-style” bacon, which often has added water that can cause splattering.

• ​Freshness: Always opt for fresh bacon over pre-cooked or frozen (unless you thaw it first—more on that below). Frozen bacon can release excess ice crystals as it cooks, leading to uneven browning. If you must use frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.

Step 2: Prep Your Bacon for the Air Fryer

Prep work is minimal, but these steps make a big difference:

• ​Pat dry: Use paper towels to blot excess moisture off the bacon slices. Wet bacon steams instead of crisps, so removing surface moisture ensures a crunchier result.

• ​Cut if needed: If your bacon comes in thick slabs, slice it into uniform pieces (around 4–6 inches long). Even sizing prevents some strips from overcooking while others are still soft.

• ​Optional: Soak in cold water: For extra-crispy bacon, some home cooks soak slices in cold water for 10–15 minutes before patting dry. This helps draw out some of the fat, though it’s not necessary if you prefer a fattier bite.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Yes, It Matters!)

Preheating is critical for even cooking. Set your air fryer to ​180°C (360°F)​​ and let it heat up for 3–5 minutes. Why this temperature? Lower temps (below 170°C/340°F) can cause bacon to steam and stay rubbery, while higher temps (above 190°C/375°F) risk burning the edges before the center cooks.

Pro tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, turn it on to 180°C and wait until you hear a faint “whoosh” sound—this indicates the fan is running at full speed, meaning it’s ready.

Step 4: Arrange Bacon in the Air Fryer Basket

How you place the bacon in the basket directly impacts crispiness. Here’s the golden rule: ​do not overlap the slices. Overlapping traps steam between the pieces, leading to soggy spots. Instead:

• Lay the bacon in a single layer, with slices touching but not stacked.

• If your basket is small, cook in batches. Overcrowding is the enemy here—even a little extra space allows hot air to circulate freely.

• For extra crispiness, place a piece of parchment paper or a wire rack on the bottom of the basket. Parchment paper catches drips (making cleanup easier), while a wire rack lifts the bacon, allowing more air to reach the underside.

Step 5: Cook Time and Temperature Adjustments

Now, the moment of truth: cooking the bacon. As a general starting point:

• ​Thin-cut bacon: 10–12 minutes at 180°C (360°F). Check at 8 minutes—thin slices can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

• ​Thick-cut bacon: 14–18 minutes at 180°C (360°F). For extra-crispy edges, increase the temp to 190°C (375°F) for the last 2–3 minutes.

​Midway check: At around the halfway mark (5–7 minutes for thin, 8–10 minutes for thick), open the air fryer and flip the bacon. This ensures both sides cook evenly. If you notice some slices browning faster than others, rearrange them in the basket.

​Visual cues for doneness: Bacon is ready when it’s deep golden brown with no pink in the center. The fat should be translucent and shrunken, and the edges may curl slightly upward.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer (use oven mitts—it’s hot!). Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to cool slightly—this allows the crispiness to set, so it doesn’t get soggy if you stack it.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Bacon Issues

Even with perfect prep, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix them:

• ​Bacon sticks to the basket: If your basket isn’t nonstick, try spraying it lightly with cooking spray before adding the bacon. Alternatively, use parchment paper or a silicone mat.

• ​Bacon is undercooked in the center: You likely used thick-cut bacon but didn’t cook it long enough. Next time, add 2–3 minutes to the total cook time or increase the temp by 10°C (20°F).

• ​Bacon is burnt on the edges: Lower the temperature by 10–15°C (20–30°F) and extend the cook time slightly. Thinner bacon may also need less time—start checking at 7 minutes instead of 8.

• ​Too much grease in the basket: Blot the bacon with extra paper towels after cooking, or pour the collected grease into a heat-safe container (save it for cooking veggies or eggs!).

Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Cooking Bacon

Cleaning up is simple if you act quickly:

1. Let the air fryer cool completely (about 15–20 minutes). Hot grease can splash when you remove the basket.

2. Remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge—avoid steel wool, which can scratch nonstick coatings.

3. Wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. If there’s stuck-on grease, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz before wiping.

4. For stubborn residue, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.

Advanced Tips for Air Fryer Bacon Perfection

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these upgrades:

• ​Seasoned bacon: Sprinkle bacon with black pepper, garlic powder, or brown sugar before cooking. The hot air will toast the spices, adding depth of flavor.

• ​Maple-glazed bacon: After cooking, brush bacon with a mixture of 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Return it to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 170°C (340°F) to caramelize the glaze.

• ​Bacon for salads or sandwiches: Cook bacon until just barely crisp, then chop it. It will soften slightly when mixed with greens or tucked into a sandwich, maintaining a pleasant texture.

Final Thoughts: Why Air Fryer Bacon Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Kitchen

Cooking bacon in the air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s a way to elevate a classic comfort food with minimal effort. By following these steps, you’ll avoid the greasy mess of stovetop cooking, skip the long preheat of the oven, and end up with bacon that’s consistently crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Whether you’re making breakfast, wrapping burgers, or adding crunch to a salad, air fryer bacon is the upgrade your meals have been missing.

Give it a try tonight—your taste buds (and your cleanup routine) will thank you.