How to Cook Air Fryer Bacon

Why the Air Fryer Works for Bacon

Cooking bacon on the stovetop often results in a mess of greasy splatters and unevenly cooked strips. While baking bacon in a conventional oven is excellent for large crowds, the air fryer is a useful tool when you are cooking for one or two people (Serious Eats).

Because air fryers are compact convection ovens with circulating fans, they heat up rapidly and cook food efficiently (Serious Eats). When cooking bacon, all the fat collects in the bottom of the basket, making cleanup straightforward (Serious Eats). You can even pair your crispy bacon with other air-fried favorites like air fryer French fries, air fryer Brussels sprouts, or explore other options in our guide to air fryer breakfasts.

Why 350°F Beats 400°F

While conventional oven recipes often call for temperatures between 375°F and 425°F, the high efficiency of an air fryer means you need a lower temperature (Serious Eats).

In testing for Serious Eats, 350°F (175°C) emerged as the ideal temperature for air frying bacon (Serious Eats). Cooking at 350°F offers several distinct advantages:

• Even Rendering: The lower temperature helps to effectively render the pork's fat, making the bacon less greasy (Serious Eats).
• Reduced Smoking: Keeping the temperature at 350°F minimizes the risk of the air fryer smoking, as the bacon is less likely to burn (Serious Eats).
• Consistent Results: Preheating the air fryer for 10 minutes at 350°F ensures that regardless of how quickly your specific air fryer model heats up, the cooking times remain consistent (Serious Eats).

Cooking Times by Cut

The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your bacon and how crunchy you like it. Always flip the bacon slices halfway through the cooking cycle (Serious Eats).

Safe Handling and Storage

Because bacon is a cured meat product, proper food safety practices are essential to prevent foodborne illness (USDA FSIS). Follow these guidelines from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service:

Storage Limits

• Raw Bacon: Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use within 7 days, or freeze at 0°F or below for up to 4 months (USDA FSIS).
• Leftover Cooked Bacon: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal quality (Well Plated), or freeze for up to 1 month (USDA FSIS).

Safe Thawing

Never defrost bacon on the kitchen counter or at room temperature (USDA FSIS). Use one of these three safe methods:

1. In the Refrigerator: Plan ahead for slow thawing. Once thawed, the bacon can remain safely in the fridge for up to 7 days before cooking (USDA FSIS).
2. In Cold Water: Place the bacon in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately once thawed (USDA FSIS).
3. In the Microwave: Use the defrost setting and cook the bacon immediately afterward to prevent bacteria from multiplying in partially warmed areas (USDA FSIS).

Note: It is also entirely safe to cook bacon directly from its frozen state (USDA FSIS).

The Danger of Partial Cooking

Never partially cook or brown raw bacon with the intention of finishing it later in the fridge or air fryer. This allows harmful bacteria to survive and multiply. Always cook bacon completely in one session before removing it from the heat source (USDA FSIS).

Troubleshooting: What Goes Wrong

The Air Fryer is Smoking

If your air fryer begins to smoke, it may be caused by food stuck on the heating element burning (Serious Eats). To prevent this, always thoroughly clean your air fryer after each use. If you are cooking multiple batches of bacon back-to-back, carefully pour out the rendered grease and wipe the basket and pan with a paper towel between batches (Serious Eats).

The Bacon is Pink After Cooking

Do not worry if your cooked bacon still looks pink. Cured meats like bacon often retain a pink hue due to the curing agents used during processing, even after they have reached a safe internal temperature (USDA FSIS). If the bacon is cooked until crisp, it has reached a safe temperature (USDA FSIS).

Quick Answers

Can I cook frozen bacon directly in the air fryer?

Yes, according to the USDA FSIS, it is entirely safe to cook bacon directly from a frozen state without thawing it first (USDA FSIS).

How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?

While the USDA notes that general cooked bacon can keep for 4 to 5 days, we recommend storing air-fried bacon in an airtight container for no more than 2 days to maintain its texture (Well Plated).

Why should I preheat the air fryer for bacon?

Preheating for 10 minutes ensures that different air fryer models start on equal footing, making the recipe's cooking times highly consistent and reliable (Serious Eats).