Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe

I love starting my day with Air Frying Bacon that is irresistibly crispy and simple to make. Using 12 slices of thick cut bacon and optionally a light spray of cooking spray, my recipe does wonders. This method brings out the rich flavor and delightful crispiness of each slice in an effortless way.

A photo of Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe

I recently experimented with a recipe for Air Fryer Bacon that quickly became my go-to for crispy bacon. Using 12 slices of thick cut bacon really elevates this dish, turning it into an experience that brings out the flavor of meat in the air fryer like nothing else.

I simply placed them in my air fryer and, if needed, gave the basket a light spray of cooking spray to help with sticking. It’s amazing how easily you can go from frying bacon on a stovetop to air frying bacon at home.

This recipe fits perfectly into my collection of 4 Qt Air Fryer Recipes and is a great example of air dry bacon techniques. I’ve also had success using a method similar to cooking in the air fryer as if preparing bacon in air fryer oven setups.

Seriously, if you’re looking for foods to cook in air fryer without too much mess, this air frying bacon technique is a must try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me super crispy bacon in just minutes. I can set up my air fryer, flip the bacon halfway, and then enjoy that perfect crunch without worrying too much about messy splatters on the stove. I also appreciate how simple and straightforward it is; I feel like im cooking like a pro when i see those slices getting that amazing texture. Plus, i like that its a quick way to make breakfast, which is perfect on busy mornings when i dont have a ton of time to waste.

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe

  • Bacon: Thick cut slices deliver a savory, protein packed crunch with a satisfyingly smoky taste.
  • Bacon: High in fat and salt so its an indulgence rather than healthy.
  • Bacon: Offers no fiber so pairing it with veggies makes it a better balanced dish.
  • Cooking spray: Light mist prevents sticking and reduces extra added fat when air frying.
  • Cooking spray: Minimal calories, simple to use, making cleanup quick and easy.
  • Cooking spray: Enhances crispiness by preserving moisture in bacon a bit during cooking.
  • Pair both ingredients smartly to create a mouthwatering, crispy bacon dish in your air fryer.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 12 slices of bacon (thick cut works best for extra crispiness)
  • Optional: a light spray of cooking spray (if your air fryer basket tends to stick)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Lay out the 12 bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they dont overlap.

3. If your basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray.

4. Cook the bacon for about 8 minutes.

5. Carefully open the air fryer and flip each bacon slice over.

6. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.

7. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any extra grease.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty, crispy air fryer bacon!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with basket)
2. Cooking spray (if your basket sticks)
3. Tongs or a spatula (to flip the bacon)
4. Paper towels (to drain the grease)
5. Plate (for serving the bacon)

FAQ

Thick cut bacon is the best option if you want extra crispiness.

It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to get things started right.

Generally, 10 to 15 minutes at around 400°F works fine, but check it a couple of minutes in so it doesn't get overdone.

Yes, flipping the bacon halfway helps it cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.

Only if your air fryer basket tends to stick, otherwise, it's usually not necessary.

Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • Instead of 12 slices of thick cut bacon, you could try using turkey bacon or even Canadian bacon for a different twist. Just keep in mind they might not get as crispy
  • If the air fryer basket sticks, instead of a light spray of cooking spray, you can rub the basket with a bit of oil using a paper towel or a basting brush

Pro Tips

1. If your air fryer basket has any spots that stick, give it an extra light spray sometimes even after preheating to keep those bacon slices sliding smooth.
2. Try to keep an eye on the bacon and adjust the cook time a bit if you notice some pieces are getting too crispy before others its just trial and error until you get the perfect crunch.
3. After flipping, let the bacon sit for a minute before taking it out. It can be really easy to burn yourself cause the grease splatters sometimes unexpected.
4. For extra crispiness, let the bacon rest on paper towels after frying so it gets a chance to drain off more grease and firm up a bit more.

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Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe

My favorite Air Fryer Bacon (Best Crispy Bacon!) Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Air fryer (with basket)
2. Cooking spray (if your basket sticks)
3. Tongs or a spatula (to flip the bacon)
4. Paper towels (to drain the grease)
5. Plate (for serving the bacon)

Ingredients:

  • 12 slices of bacon (thick cut works best for extra crispiness)
  • Optional: a light spray of cooking spray (if your air fryer basket tends to stick)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Lay out the 12 bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they dont overlap.

3. If your basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray.

4. Cook the bacon for about 8 minutes.

5. Carefully open the air fryer and flip each bacon slice over.

6. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.

7. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any extra grease.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty, crispy air fryer bacon!