Classic Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
You’ll love this classic crispy air fryer bacon recipe for its perfect crispiness, healthier cooking method, easy cleanup, versatile flavor options, and quick, convenient preparation.
Prep time
5 min
Cook time
8-12 min
Calories
360
Servings
4
Why You’ll Love This Classic Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Perfect Crispiness: The air fryer produces perfectly crispy bacon with a golden brown exterior and a deliciously tender interior. You’ll achieve that ideal balance of crunch and chewiness that bacon lovers crave.
Healthier Option: Cooking bacon in the air fryer significantly reduces the amount of grease and fat compared to traditional frying methods. The excess fat drips away during cooking, resulting in a lighter and healthier bacon without sacrificing any flavor.
Easy Cleanup: Unlike stovetop frying, there’s no splattering grease to clean up afterward. The air fryer basket typically has a non-stick coating that makes cleaning a breeze. Just remove the basket, wash it with soap and water, and you’re done!
Versatile Flavors: While this recipe focuses on classic crispy bacon, the air fryer allows for easy experimentation with flavors. You can customize your bacon by adding black pepper, maple syrup, brown sugar, or your favorite seasonings to create unique taste profiles that suit your preferences.
Quick and Convenient: With the air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked bacon in a fraction of the time it takes to cook it on the stovetop or in the oven. There’s no need to preheat a skillet or wait for the oven to come up to temperature. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the bacon inside, and let it do the work while you attend to other tasks. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy delicious bacon whenever you want it
More Air Fryer Tips & Tricks
How to Make Classic Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
8 Thick-cut bacon slices
Optional: Black pepper, maple syrup, or brown sugar for flavor variation
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your bacon slices. You can optionally sprinkle some black pepper on them for added flavor, or if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can brush them with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the bacon in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon and the thickness of the slices. Keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from burning.
Halfway through the cooking time, flip the bacon slices using tongs to ensure even cooking.
Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease.
Let the bacon cool for a minute or two before serving.
Enjoy your crispy air fryer bacon as a delicious breakfast side dish, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or any other recipes calling for bacon!
Tips and tricks for making Classic Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon slices as they hold their shape better and result in a meatier texture when cooked in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Arrange Bacon in a Single Layer: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Flip the bacon slices halfway through the cooking time using tongs to ensure both sides are evenly crispy.
Drain Excess Grease: After cooking, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease and keep it crispy
Nutrition breakdown ( per serving )
Calories: 90
Fat: 6-8 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Protein: 4-6 g
Sodium: 200-300 mg
*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands and specific measurements used in the recipe. Additionally, if you adjust the serving size or make modifications to the recipe, the nutritional values may change accordingly.