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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
12min
Total Time
4 people
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget
Cost
120 kcal
Calories
Video
Note: This video is from YouTube and does not belong to us. All rights go to its original creator. Watch on YouTube
Ingredients
4
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- Black pepper to taste (optional)
- Maple syrup for brushing (optional)
- Brown sugar for sprinkling (optional for candied version)
Instructions
1
Preheat your air fryer to 375F
2
Cut bacon slices in half if needed to fit your air fryer basket
3
Place bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap
4
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through
5
For extra crispy bacon, add 1-2 minutes to cooking time
6
Remove bacon with tongs and place on paper towel-lined plate
7
Let rest for 1 minute to crisp up further
8
Pour excess grease from air fryer basket between batches
9
Repeat process with remaining bacon
Troubleshooting
If bacon is not crispy enough, add 1-2 minutes cooking time
If bacon is burning, reduce temperature by 25F
If bacon is curling too much, use an air fryer rack to keep it flat
If smoke occurs, clean air fryer basket and reduce temperature
If bacon sticks to basket, spray with non-stick cooking spray before cooking
Recipe Variations
Peppered bacon: Add coarse black pepper before cooking Maple bacon: Brush with pure maple syrup Candied bacon: Sprinkle with brown sugar Spicy bacon: Add cayenne pepper before cooking BBQ bacon: Brush with BBQ sauce in last 2 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with eggs and toast for classic breakfast Crumble over salads for added protein and crunch Use in BLT sandwiches Add to breakfast burritos Serve alongside pancakes or waffles
Nutrition Facts
120
Calories
7g
Protein
9g
Fat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the air fryer basket Not flipping the bacon halfway through cooking Setting temperature too high causing burning Not preheating the air fryer Neglecting to pour out excess grease between batches
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bacon take in an air fryer?
8-10 minutes at 375F, flipping halfway through cooking time
Do you need to flip bacon in air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness
How do you keep bacon from smoking in air fryer?
Empty grease between batches and ensure temperature isn't too high
Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, but add 2-3 minutes to cooking time and separate pieces before cooking
How do you make bacon extra crispy in air fryer?
Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time and ensure bacon isn't overlapping
Can I cook thick-cut bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time for thick-cut bacon
How do you clean the air fryer after cooking bacon?
Let cool, then wash with warm soapy water or place basket in dishwasher if dishwasher-safe
Can I cook a whole package of bacon at once?
Cook in batches for best results to avoid overcrowding
What temperature should I cook bacon at in air fryer?
375F is optimal for most bacon types
How do I store leftover air fryer bacon?
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reviews
Xavier T.
Mar 23, 2026
Perfect crispy bacon every time! No more messy stovetop cooking.
Yuki M.
Mar 23, 2026
Love how quick and easy this method is. Less greasy than pan-frying.
Zara P.
Apr 14, 2026
Game-changer for breakfast meal prep! Bacon comes out perfectly crisp.
Winston R.
Mar 27, 2026
Great results with minimal cleanup. Will never cook bacon another way.
Victoria L.
Apr 11, 2026
The best bacon I've ever made at home. So crispy and evenly cooked!
