If you’re anything like me, the aroma of sizzling bacon is enough to get you out of bed faster than a double-shot espresso. But let’s be real, the greasy stovetop aftermath is a buzzkill. I like using the air fryer because I think it makes the quickest, best bacon, and it is just easy. No splattering grease, no babysitting a pan. Just crispy, perfectly cooked bacon every time. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative because the excess grease drips away, leaving you with perfectly crisp strips.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Air Fryer Bacon (Fresh)
- How to Cook Air Fryer Bacon (Frozen)
- Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- FAQ
- Storage and Reheating
- Nutritional Information
- Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
- Related Recipes
- Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- No mess and easy cleanup – No more grease splattering all over your stove.
- Perfectly crispy every time – The air fryer ensures even cooking for the perfect crunch.
- Faster than the oven – Get crispy bacon in just 10-12 minutes.
- Healthier than pan-frying – Excess grease drips away while cooking.
- No flipping required – The air fryer does all the work for you.
- Works with fresh or frozen bacon – No need to thaw before cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package of thick-cut bacon – I used thick-cut bacon from Aldi’s.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper (If making black pepper bacon)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon (Fresh)
- Cut and Arrange the Bacon – Cut the bacon package in half using a pair of scissors to get perfectly sized bacon that easily fits into the air fryer basket. Lay the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook – Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes,
3. Flip the Bacon – Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.
4. Drain – Transfer the bacon to paper towels or slices of bread to drain excess grease.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
How to Cook Air Fryer Bacon (Frozen)
- No Need to Thaw – You can cook bacon straight from frozen!
- Separate the Slices – If the bacon is stuck together, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes or carefully pry apart with a knife.
- Cook at a Lower Temp First – Air fry at 300°F for 5 minutes to help defrost the bacon.
- Increase Temperature – Turn up to 380°F and cook for another 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- Cooking time may vary – Adjust based on the thickness of the bacon.
- For extra crispy bacon – Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- Drain on bread slices – A tasty way to soak up the grease for later use.
- Avoid overcrowding – More space = better airflow and crispier bacon.
- Drain grease halfway – If your air fryer allows it, carefully drain excess grease during cooking to prevent smoking.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Plate – Serve alongside eggs and toast for a classic breakfast.
- Salads – Crumble over a Caesar salad or Cobb salad for extra crunch.
- Sandwiches & Wraps – Add to burgers, BLTs, or wraps for a smoky bite.
- Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers – Use in bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers or bacon-wrapped dates.
Pairings and Related Recipes
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these:
FAQ
Yes! The air fryer is one of the easiest ways to cook bacon, giving you crispy results with minimal grease splatter.
It depends on thickness:
Regular bacon – 8-10 minutes at 380°F
Thick-cut bacon – 10-12 minutes at 380°F
Frozen bacon – 5 minutes at 300°F, then 10-12 minutes at 380°F
Yes! The air fryer allows excess grease to drain away, making it slightly less greasy than pan-fried bacon.
Bacon grease can cause smoking at high temperatures. To reduce this:
Drain grease halfway through cooking.
Use an air fryer liner or parchment paper.
Add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent grease from burning.
Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Reheat in Microwave: 20-30 seconds on a paper towel.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: ~80
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: Varies by bacon brand
Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
365 by Whole Foods Market, Applewood Smoked Thick Uncured Bacon, 16 oz
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners
Once you try making bacon in the air fryer, you may never go back to the stovetop. It’s quick, easy, and gives you crispy bacon every time with less mess. If you loved this recipe, check out more of my air fryer favorites and let me know in the comments how your bacon turned out!
If you make this recipe, tag me on social media and use #StuffMattyCooks so I can see your delicious creations!
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 package of thick-cut bacon I used thick-cut bacon from Aldi’s
Instructions
- Cut the bacon package in half using a pair of scissors to get perfectly sized bacon that easily fits into the air fryer basket.
- Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels or slices of bread to drain excess grease.
- Serve and enjoy!
Matt
Bacon in the air fryer is the way to go.