Breakfast & Brunch > Cooking Techniques for Breakfast > Air Frying for Breakfast > Air Fryer Bacon
Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
Achieve crispy, delicious bacon in minutes with your air fryer. This method is quick, easy, and less messy than traditional pan-frying. Enjoy perfectly cooked bacon every time!
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices Bacon
Preparation
Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
Cooking
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy to your liking. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.
Removing and Serving
Carefully remove the bacon from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with eggs, toast, or as a topping for your favorite breakfast dishes.
Tips for Extra Crispy Bacon
For exceptionally crispy bacon, you can lightly brush the bacon with maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar before air frying. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps it caramelize nicely.
FAQ
-
Why cook bacon in the air fryer?
Air frying bacon is faster, less messy, and results in crispier bacon than traditional pan-frying. The air circulates evenly around the bacon, cooking it uniformly and rendering out excess fat. -
How do I prevent smoking in the air fryer?
Some air fryers may produce smoke when cooking bacon due to the fat drippings. To minimize smoking, you can add a small amount of water (about 1-2 tablespoons) to the bottom of the air fryer basket, beneath the bacon. Ensure the water does not touch the bacon. Alternatively, some air fryers have a grease-catching drawer that helps prevent smoking. -
Can I air fry thick-cut bacon?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Thick-cut bacon will generally require 10-14 minutes to reach the desired crispness. -
How do I clean the air fryer after cooking bacon?
Let the air fryer basket cool completely before cleaning. Remove any excess grease with paper towels. Wash the basket with warm, soapy water. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to remove any stuck-on food particles. Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe; check your air fryer's manual for specific cleaning instructions.