Air Fryer Bacon (Crispy Easy Perfectly Cooked)

Air fryer bacon is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking or the need for excessive oil. Here’s a simple recipe and some key notes for making crispy, perfectly cooked bacon in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bacon strips (as many as you need)
• Optional: Paper towels for blotting excess grease

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This typically takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
2. Arrange the Bacon:
   • Lay the bacon strips flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overlap them to ensure even cooking.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • Cook the bacon at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of the bacon.
   • Check the bacon at the 5-minute mark to see how it’s progressing. Some air fryers may cook faster than others, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it.
4. Flip the Bacon (Optional):
   • If your air fryer bacon isn’t cooking evenly, you can flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time. This step may not be necessary for all air fryers.
5. Check for Doneness:
   • Continue to cook the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep in mind that the bacon will continue to crisp up slightly after you remove it from the air fryer.
6. Remove and Drain (Optional):
   • If you want to reduce the grease content, carefully remove the bacon from the air fryer using tongs or a fork and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the crispy air fryer bacon immediately while it’s still hot. It’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty side dish.

Notes:

1. Bacon Thickness: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Thicker bacon will take a bit longer to cook to the desired level of crispiness.
2. Bacon Varieties: You can use regular, turkey, or even vegan bacon in the air fryer. The key is to adjust the cooking time according to the type and thickness of bacon you’re using.
3. Bacon Quality: High-quality bacon tends to yield better results, as it typically contains less water, resulting in crispier bacon.
4. Cleanup: Air fryers are known for easy cleanup, but bacon can produce a lot of grease. Make sure to empty the drip tray or grease pan after each use to avoid smoke or flare-ups during subsequent cooking sessions.