If you love crispy bacon but don’t want to deal with the mess of frying it in a pan, then cooking it in an air fryer might just become your new favorite method. It’s quick, easy, and leaves you with deliciously crispy bacon without the splatters of grease. Whether you’re cooking regular bacon rashers, thick-cut slices, or even bacon-wrapped jalapeños, the air fryer is a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly how to cook bacon in an air fryer, how long to cook bacon, and even some tips on making bacon-wrapped jalapeños, all while making sure you get that perfect crispy texture every time.
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Why Use an Air Fryer for Bacon?
Air fryers have really taken the kitchen world by storm, and for good reason. When it comes to bacon, using an air fryer means you can get perfectly crispy bacon without having to deal with the mess and grease splatters that come with frying on the stove. The hot air circulates around the bacon, helping it cook evenly and rendering out a lot of the fat—leaving you with bacon that’s not too greasy but still full of flavor. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 1: Preheating Your Air Fryer
Before you get started, don’t forget to preheat your air fryer. This is key to getting that crispy perfection. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the bacon cook evenly and ensures that the fat renders off properly.
Step 2: Cooking the Bacon
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking the bacon!
- Arrange the Bacon Rashers: Place your bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—each piece should have enough space for the air to circulate around it. If you’re cooking a lot of bacon, you might need to cook it in batches. This will ensure that each piece gets crispy.
- Cooking Time: The typical cook time for regular bacon rashers is about 8-10 minutes at 350°F. For thick-cut bacon, it may take 12-15 minutes. Remember, cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon. If you like it extra crispy, you can add a few more minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Check for Crispiness: Every air fryer is a little different, so be sure to check on your bacon after the first 5 minutes. Once the bacon is golden and crispy, it’s ready to come out. If you prefer it extra crispy, cook for another 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t go from crispy to burnt!
- Transfer to a Serving Plate: When the bacon is done, use tongs to transfer it to a serving plate lined with kitchen paper. This will soak up any extra grease and help the bacon stay crispy.
How Long to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
The cook time for bacon in the air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Regular Bacon Rashers: 8-10 minutes at 350°F.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: 12-15 minutes at 350°F. Thicker slices need a little more time to get crispy.
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños: If you’re trying something fun like bacon-wrapped jalapeños, they’ll take about 10-12 minutes. The bacon will crisp up beautifully while the jalapeños stay tender inside.
How to Cook Thick-Cut Bacon in an Air Fryer
If you’re cooking thick-cut bacon, here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange the Bacon: Lay the thick slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 Minutes: Thicker bacon takes a little longer, so set the timer for 12-15 minutes. Check at the 10-minute mark to see if it needs more time. You’ll know it’s done when it’s crisped up but not burnt.
- Transfer to a Plate: Once it’s done, move the bacon to a serving plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up any extra grease.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños in the Air Fryer: A Delicious Snack
If you want to try something a little different, bacon-wrapped jalapeños are a fun and tasty option. Here’s how you can make them:
- Wrap the Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeños in half, remove the seeds, and wrap each half with a slice of bacon.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the wrapped jalapeños in the air fryer basket. Set it to 350°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. The bacon will crisp up, and the jalapeños will stay tender inside.
- Serve: Once they’re done, place them on a serving plate. They’re great as an appetizer or a fun snack!
Tips for Perfect Bacon Every Time
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The air fryer works best when the bacon has room to breathe. If you overcrowd it, you won’t get that crispy texture, and the bacon might not cook evenly.
- Use Kitchen Paper for Cleanup: After cooking, be sure to wipe down the basket with kitchen paper. This helps clean up any grease and keeps your air fryer in good condition.
- Adjust for Desired Crispiness: If you want your bacon extra crispy, cook it for a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Fried Bacon
While bacon isn’t exactly a health food, cooking it in the air fryer can make it a little healthier than traditional frying. The fat renders off during cooking, leaving you with a slightly leaner result. If you’re watching your calorie intake, using an air fryer is a great way to enjoy your bacon without all the excess grease.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to get crispy bacon every time. Whether you’re making regular bacon rashers, thick-cut bacon, or bacon-wrapped jalapeños, the air fryer is your best friend in the kitchen. Just remember to preheat your air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket, and use kitchen paper to absorb excess grease. Once you’ve mastered cooking bacon in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way!
