Cooked bacon strips on a wooden plate with glossy, crispy texture

Air Fryer Bacon: Crispy, Mess-Free & Done in Minutes

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Busy mornings don’t leave much room for stovetop splatter or standing over a hot pan. That’s where air fryer bacon steps in as the hero of the breakfast table. It delivers crispy, golden slices with minimal mess and almost zero effort. No flipping, no grease burns—just perfect bacon, fast. It’s a game-changer whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just need a quick side to eggs and toast.

💡 Morgan Tip: If you’re cooking multiple batches, drain the fat between rounds to prevent smoke and keep your air fryer bacon tasting fresh and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving bacon without the usual mess and hassle, air-fryer bacon is the way to go. Here’s why it’s the best:

  • Crispy in minutes – Cooks in under 10 minutes, with less waiting and no flipping.
  • No splatter – Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and hello to clean counters.
  • Even cooking – The air fryer circulates hot air for perfect crispness every time.
  • Easy cleanup – Line your basket and toss the mess—done!
  • Customizable – Like it chewy or crispy? You’re in control.

💡 Morgan Tip: For extra crunch, let cooked air fryer bacon rest on a wire rack for 2–3 minutes before serving—it firms up beautifully.

air fryer bacon Ingredient

All you need is one simple ingredient, but quality matters:

  • 6 slices of regular or thick-cut bacon (uncured or smoked)

💡 Morgan Tip: Avoid overly thin bacon—it shrinks too fast in the air fryer. Go for medium or thick-cut for the best air-fryer bacon texture.

Seasoned air fryer bacon laid on a rack and inside the air fryer

Step-by-Step Instruction

Step 1 – Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it warm up for about 3 minutes.

Step 2 – Arrange Bacon Strips
Lay bacon in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overlap—this ensures even crisping.

Raw bacon strips lined up in an air fryer basket before cooking

Step 3 – Cook to Perfection
Air-fry for 6–8 minutes for regular bacon or 9–10 minutes for thick-cut. Flip halfway if needed for extra evenness.

Crispy air fryer bacon strips fresh from the basket

Step 4 – Drain & Serve
Remove bacon and place it on paper towels or a rack to absorb extra grease.

Cooked bacon resting on a paper towel with parsley garnish

💡 Morgan Tip: If your air fryer starts smoking, add a slice of bread or a few tablespoons of water under the basket to catch excess grease.

My Air Fryer Bacon Tips

  • Watch your timing – Each air fryer cooks slightly differently, so check a minute early.
  • Batch cooking? – Drain grease from the basket between rounds to avoid smoke.
  • Curly bacon? – Use a small rack or toothpicks to hold bacon flat while it cooks.

💡 Morgan Tip: Want maple-flavored bacon? Brush slices with a tiny bit of maple syrup before cooking—sweet and smoky in every bite..

Serving Ideas

Air fryer bacon is endlessly versatile. Here’s how we use it:

  • Classic breakfast with eggs, toast, or waffles
  • Crumbled over salads or baked potatoes
  • Wrapped around asparagus or stuffed dates
  • Blended into breakfast burritos or avocado toast

Morgan Tip: Leftover bacon? Crumble it into mac and cheese or wrap it around chicken tenders before air frying for a kid-friendly dinner twist.

faqs

Can I stack bacon in the air fryer?

It’s best not to. Stacked slices don’t cook evenly and can stick together. Always keep them in a single layer.

Can I use turkey bacon instead?

Yes! Turkey bacon works well in the air fryer. Cook at 375°F for about 5–6 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Why is my air fryer bacon smoking?

That’s usually due to grease hitting the heating element. Add a bit of water to the lower tray or lay bread underneath to absorb drips.

Can I make bacon ahead of time?

Definitely. Store cooked air fryer bacon in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

How long does it take for bacon to cook in the air fryer?

Cooking Air Fryer Bacon typically takes 8 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the thickness of the slices and how crispy you like it. Thin-cut bacon usually takes 8-9 minutes, while thicker slices may need up to 12 minutes. It’s a good idea to check halfway through and flip the bacon if needed for even crispiness.

Can I cook bacon in an air fryer in the UK?

Absolutely, you can cook bacon in an air fryer in the UK just as easily as anywhere else. Most UK air fryers are well-suited for cooking bacon, whether you’re using back bacon or streaky rashers. Just adjust the temperature to around 180°C, and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Don’t forget to place a piece of bread or foil under the basket to catch the grease—this helps reduce smoke and cleanup.

Is it better to cook bacon in the oven or air fryer?

While both methods work well, many people find air fryer bacon better than oven bacon for several reasons:
Faster cooking time (8–12 minutes vs. 15–20 minutes in the oven)
Less grease splatter
Crispier texture due to consistent air circulation
Plus, air fryers require little to no preheating and are easier to clean, making them the preferred method for small batches or quick breakfasts.

This recipe is part of our full air fryer recipes for one person collection

💡 Morgan Tip: Reheating in the air fryer brings back the original crispness better than a microwave—every time!

Print
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Pile of crunchy air fryer bacon on a wooden cutting board

Air Fryer Bacon: Crispy, Mess-Free & Done in Minutes

Print Recipe

Description:

This air-fryer bacon is quick, crisp, and mess-free. Perfect for busy mornings or adding smoky crunch to any meal—no stove needed!

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)

Instructions

Instructions:

Step 1 – Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2 – Lay Bacon Flat: Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Step 3 – Cook to Desired Crispiness: Cook for 6–8 minutes (regular) or 9–10 minutes (thick-cut), flipping halfway if needed.

Step 4 – Drain & Serve: Transfer to a paper towel or rack to drain before serving.

Notes

Notes:

Avoid overlapping bacon for even cooking.

Add a small slice of bread or water under the basket to prevent smoking.

Use medium to thick-cut bacon for the best texture.

Reheat leftover bacon at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

  • Author: Riley Morgan
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 slices
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: air fryer bacon, crispy bacon, easy breakfast

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