how to cook bacon in air fryer

If you love bacon, then you need to try cooking it in the air fryer! Air fryers are great kitchen gadgets that allow you to cook your favorite fried foods using a fraction of the oil. Bacon is no exception—it cooks perfectly in the air fryer with no mess and no fuss. In this blog, we’ll share some proven tips and tricks to help you cook delicious bacon in the air fryer.

1. Choose the Right Bacon
The type of bacon you choose is important for air frying. Thick cut bacon works best because it doesn’t shrink as much during cooking. It also has more fat, which helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Avoid “low sodium” or “turkey” bacon, as they tend to dry out in the air fryer.

2. Preheat the air fryer
Just like the oven, you should preheat the air fryer before cooking the bacon. Preheating helps ensure that the bacon is evenly cooked and crispy. Set air fryer to 400°F and heat for 2-3 minutes.

3. Try Layering
One way to get perfectly cooked bacon in the air fryer is to use the layering method. Simply place a layer of bacon on the bottom of the air fryer basket, then add another layer perpendicular to the first layer. This helps the bacon cook more evenly as the grease drips between the layers.

4. Use Parchment Paper
To make cleanup a breeze, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before cooking the bacon. Just cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket and place the bacon on top. The parchment paper will catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze.

5. Flip the bacon
To ensure the bacon is crisped evenly on both sides, flip it over during cooking. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully turn each piece of bacon over. Depending on the thickness of the bacon, it may take 8-10 minutes to cook to perfection.

6. Drain the grease
To avoid ending up with greasy bacon, it’s important to drain excess fat that builds up in the air fryer basket. After flipping the bacon, use tongs or a spatula to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Paper towels will absorb any remaining oil.

7. Customize your seasoning
Once the bacon is cooked, you can customize the seasoning to your liking. Sprinkle some black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Or try brushing it with some maple syrup or hot sauce for a sweet or spicy kick.

Cooking bacon in the air fryer is a game changer! It’s quick, easy, and produces perfectly crispy bacon without the mess. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, these tips and tricks will help you whip up great-tasting bacon every time. So try it out and enjoy!