If you have ever dreamed of perfectly crispy bacon that’s quick to make and leaves your kitchen free from lingering smoke and grease splatters, you are going to love this Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe. It’s the easiest way to get that golden, crunchy texture without the mess of a frying pan or oven. Whether it’s for breakfast, topping a salad, or adding that irresistible crunch to any meal, this recipe shows you how to master bacon in your air fryer with minimal effort and truly delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe keeps things simple with just two ingredients, each doing something special to guarantee perfect bacon every time. Using thick-cut bacon ensures hearty slices that crisp nicely, and the addition of water in the air fryer helps cut down on smoke for a cleaner cooking experience.
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon cooks up crunchy on the edges while remaining tender inside for the ideal bite.
- ¼ cup water: Adding water at the bottom of the air fryer reduces smoke and keeps the air fryer cleaner, making the cooking process much more pleasant.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures the bacon cooks evenly and starts crisping right away. Preheating is a small step that makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Prepare for Minimal Smoke
Pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of your air fryer basket. This clever trick minimizes the smoke that bacon naturally produces while cooking. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can place a piece of bread at the bottom to absorb grease. Either way, this keeps your kitchen fresh without sacrificing flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Place the strips of bacon in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overlapping so the hot air can circulate freely and cook each strip evenly. This step is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture across all strips.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfect
Cook the bacon for 12 to 16 minutes if you’re using thick-cut, or 8 to 10 minutes for standard cut. Keep an eye on it towards the end of cooking to avoid over-crisping. The result will be irresistibly crispy bacon that’s cooked just right every time.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika right after cooking to enhance the smoky flavor of your bacon. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also add a little color and freshness alongside the crispiness.
Side Dishes
Crispy air fryer bacon pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or fluffy pancakes. It’s also perfect alongside a fresh green salad, adding a salty, savory crunch that elevates the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your bacon into a star ingredient by wrapping it around asparagus or stuffing it into sliders. You can also crumble the crispy bits onto baked potatoes or mix it into mac and cheese for a delicious twist that will wow family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bacon has cooled, store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep excess grease absorbed. It will stay fresh and crispy for up to 4 days when refrigerated properly.
Freezing
If you want to save bacon for longer, freeze cooked strips in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need.
Reheating
Reheat your crispy bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back its crunch without drying it out. You can also quickly warm it in the microwave between paper towels, but the air fryer method keeps it closest to freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut for this Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—8 to 10 minutes is usually perfect for regular-cut bacon. Keep an eye on the bacon during cooking since thinner strips cook faster.
Will the bacon stick to the air fryer basket?
If your air fryer basket is non-stick or well-seasoned, bacon typically won’t stick. To be safe, you can lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
Why do you add water to the air fryer when cooking bacon?
The water helps reduce smoke by catching excess grease and prevents it from overheating, which in turn limits the amount of smoke that forms during cooking.
Can I cook other types of bacon, like turkey bacon, using this recipe?
You can! However, cooking times will vary since turkey bacon is generally thinner and lower in fat. It typically takes less time to crisp up, so watch it carefully to avoid drying it out.
Is it safe to cook bacon in the air fryer every day?
Yes! Air fryers are designed to handle high-fat foods like bacon. Just remember to clean your air fryer regularly to avoid buildup of grease and odors, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe has totally changed the way I make bacon at home. It’s fast, less messy, and gives you that perfect crisp every single time. If you haven’t tried air frying your bacon yet, do yourself a favor and give it a go—you might just find your new favorite breakfast hack!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe shows you how to make perfectly crispy bacon using an air fryer. The method is quick, less messy, and produces deliciously crunchy bacon every time with minimal smoke thanks to the simple water trick.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 strips thick cut bacon
- ¼ cup water (to reduce smoking)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature for crispy bacon.
- Add Water to Reduce Smoke: Pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps minimize smoke during cooking. Alternatively, you can place a layer of bread instead of water to absorb the drippings.
- Arrange the Bacon: Lay the thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon for 12 to 16 minutes depending on your preferred crispiness. For thick cut bacon, 12 minutes will yield slightly chewy bacon, while 16 minutes will be extra crispy. Standard cut bacon typically cooks in 8 to 10 minutes.
Notes
- Check bacon halfway through cooking and rearrange if needed to cook evenly.
- Cooking times vary by air fryer model; monitor the first time you try this recipe.
- For less smoke, avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Save bacon grease collected in the air fryer drawer for cooking other dishes.
