Air Fryer Bacon is one of the easiest ways to get perfectly crisp edges and a chewy center without greasy splatter from the stovetop.
I used to cook bacon either in a frying pan or on a baking sheet in the oven. After trying it in an air fryer I prefer this method for consistently excellent results and simple cleanup.
Our household loves bacon: we keep some ready to cook and often have leftovers to reheat. Air fryer bacon pairs well with many breakfast items or as a crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches.
Bacon really is a standout ingredient and deserves a regular spot on the menu. Below I cover how bacon performs on the stove, in the oven, and in the air fryer, plus my simple air fryer method and recipe details.
Cooking bacon on the stove
Pros:
- Great flavor when cooked correctly: start on higher heat then reduce to render fat evenly.
- Easy to collect and reuse bacon grease.
Cons:
- Requires constant attention to flip and move slices for even cooking.
- Pieces can burn or remain undercooked; bacon often curls instead of staying flat.
- Pan capacity limits how much you can cook at once without overcrowding.
Cooking bacon in the oven
Pros:
- Simple cleanup by lining a baking sheet with foil; bacon cooks flat and evenly.
- Requires minimal monitoring and you can cook large batches.
Cons:
- Best results often require an oven-safe rack on the sheet pan.
- Bacon tends to be chewier than pan-fried; it’s tasty but less crisp than frying.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer
Pros:
- No grease splatter.
- Excellent texture: crispy edges with a chewy bite and well-rendered fat, especially if you flip halfway.
- Fast and convenient for busy mornings.
Cons:
- Requires an air fryer and is limited by basket size.
- Some trial and error may be needed to dial in time and temperature for your preference.
How to make this recipe
Air frying bacon is straightforward, though initial batches may require adjustment. I once overcooked a batch on my first attempt but it was still usable chopped into a salad. Follow these basic steps and check often the first time you try it.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap; cutting slices in half helps fit more pieces.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and start with 10 minutes.
- Carefully pull out the basket, flip the bacon, and cook an additional 2–5 minutes depending on how crispy you like it.
It’s easy to pause and check doneness — remove the basket and inspect the bacon at any time to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, thick cut, cut in half
Instructions
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes. Open the compartment, flip the bacon, and cook for another 2–5 minutes depending on how chewy or crispy you prefer.
Nutrition
Calories: 183 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 17 g, Saturated Fat: 6 g, Cholesterol: 29 mg, Sodium: 291 mg, Potassium: 87 mg, Iron: 0.2 mg.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Related recipes
Here are favorite recipes that use bacon:
- Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken
- Holiday Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Bourbon Bacon Brittle
- Bacon Gravy and Biscuits
- Jalapeño Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
- Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
- Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Mini Bacon Jalapeño Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Bacon Jalapeño Fry Sauce
- Stuffed Bacon Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers
- Bacon Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Creamy Butternut Bacon Pasta
If you try this method, adjust the final cook time to match your preferred crispness and the thickness of your bacon. The air fryer makes maintaining consistent texture simple and cleanup quick.