Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Bacon (No Mess, All Flavor)
Learn how to make perfectly crispy bacon in your air fryer with no mess and minimal cleanup. Get golden, evenly cooked strips in under 10 minutes.
If you love crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the stovetop splatter, your air fryer is about to be your new best friend. 🥓 In just minutes, you can have perfectly golden strips with minimal cleanup—no greasy pan, no flipping, just pure bacon bliss.
Why Make Bacon in the Air Fryer?
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is faster, cleaner, and gives you a perfectly crispy texture thanks to convection cooking. The hot air circulates evenly, rendering fat while keeping the meat tender. Bonus: The excess grease drips away, so you get that crunch without the mess.
What You'll Need
- 6–8 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper or maple syrup for flavor
Perfectly crispy bacon in the air fryer basket - golden, evenly cooked, and ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer in the basket. Slight overlap is fine—bacon will shrink as it cooks.
- Cook:
- Regular cut: 7–8 minutes for crispy, 9 minutes for extra crispy
- Thick cut: 9–10 minutes for crispy, 11 minutes for extra crispy
- Check halfway through and rearrange slices if needed.
- Remove & drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you're making multiple batches, carefully pour out excess grease between rounds to avoid smoke.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet & Savory: Brush with maple syrup in the last 2 minutes
- Peppery Kick: Sprinkle black pepper before cooking
- Smoky Heat: Dust with smoked paprika or chili powder
Cleaning Tip
Once the basket cools, use paper towels to soak up leftover grease before washing. This makes cleanup a breeze.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?
A: Nope! The circulating air cooks it evenly without flipping.
Q: Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
A: Yes—just separate slices as they thaw and add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What's the best temperature for air fryer bacon?
A: 350°F (175°C) gives the perfect balance of crispiness without burning.
Ready to Try It?
Next time you're craving bacon, skip the skillet and let your air fryer do the work. You'll have perfect strips in under 10 minutes—and your kitchen will smell amazing without the mess. ✅