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Air fryer bacon is my magic trick to get breakfast on the table when I'm scrambling to beat the clock. You get crisp slices in under fifteen minutes, hardly any mess, and you barely do a thing. Go for chewy in the middle or super crunchy edges—you’ve got total control, every time.
When I first gave it a go, I wasn't sure it'd be any good. But once I took a bite I was sold right away. My family couldn't believe the bacon came out this crispy and I never stood stove-side once.
Tasty Ingredients
- Bacon slices: Pick your go-to brand or style Look for strips with enough meat for crispier bites
- Freshness: Always grab bacon with a good use-by date and skip anything looking gray
- Cut type: Thicker ones for a hearty chew and classic for extra crunchy texture
Simple Directions
- Repeat for Extra Batches
- If you’re making more bacon, just pour out the leftover fat first so you won’t get smoke. Then start with a fresh set and cook again
- Drain the Bacon
- Use some paper towels on a plate and move each hot slice right onto them The towels grab any extra fat so the bacon stays crisp
- Cook the Bacon
- Let it cook for eight minutes if you like softer bacon or push to ten for regular slices If you want it super crunchy or have thick bacon try nine to twelve minutes No flips needed
- Arrange the Bacon
- Spread out the bacon pieces in the air fryer basket A little touching is fine. Just don’t stack them. If your fryer’s small, slice the strips in half to fit better
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Get your air fryer going at three fifty degrees Fahrenheit Give it about three minutes so it's nice and hot when the bacon goes in
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I always sneak the end bits as a little treat right off the tray Every single time Kids just keep asking how many pieces they can snag before they're gone
Smart Storage
Once it’s cooled off, stash bacon in a tight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days. Bulk batches? Freeze strips between sheets of parchment for up to six months. For a quick snack, just zap in the microwave, pop in the air fryer, or warm up in a skillet.
Easy Swaps
Turkey bacon works great with this method—just peek at it after six minutes since it cooks quickly. If you love smoky flavors go for applewood or peppered kinds. Plant-based strips will crisp up too if you’re cooking for vegetarians.
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Awesome Ways to Serve
Pair with pancakes or some sunny eggs. My kids beg for BLTs at lunch. Crumble a few crispy pieces into salads or over baked potatoes for the best crunch and salty kick
Life-Changing Bacon Mornings
Classic bacon’s always been a breakfast favorite. The air fryer lets you keep that family favorite without the fuss—just bacon goodness any day. No more crowding the stove for eggs or pancakes and no hot grease burns either
Common Recipe Questions
- → What temperature does bacon need inside the air fryer?
Set the heat at 350ºF (177ºC) on your air fryer and give it a minute or three to get hot before adding your bacon. That'll help it cook perfectly and get crisp all over.
- → Is it necessary to flip bacon midway?
Nope, just leave it alone. Hot air bounces all around and makes both sides nice and crispy with zero fuss from you.
- → How do I stop air fryer bacon from getting smoky?
If you’re making lots of bacon, pour off the dripping grease hanging out at the bottom of your air fryer basket every batch so it won't get smoky.
- → Will thick bacon strips still get crispy?
Absolutely, just let them cook a bit longer—more like 9 to 12 minutes. Check to see if they look as crispy as you like before grabbing them out.
- → What's the right way to save leftover bacon?
Cool it off, then keep bacon sealed tight in a container for about five days in the fridge or stash it in your freezer for up to half a year.
- → How do I keep my bacon crunchy when reheating?
Throw bacon back in the air fryer, warm it in a skillet, or give it a zap in the microwave. Lay it on paper towels so it stays crisp while you heat it up again.