Air Fryer Bacon
Crispy and perfectly cooked bacon made quickly and easily in the air fryer. This method reduces mess and delivers consistent results every time.
Reviewed by Savory Trail Test Kitchen · Published August 8, 2026 · Updated August 17, 2026
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy strips without the splatter and cleanup of a skillet. For best results, arrange bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
About this dish
Air fryer bacon is a fast, no-fuss way to cook strips that come out evenly crisp with less mess than stovetop frying. This recipe uses a hot 400°F air fryer and a single layer of bacon, which helps the fat render quickly while keeping the strips from steaming or curling into each other.
Because bacon thickness can vary, the 8 to 10 minute cook time gives you a useful range for both regular and thick-cut slices. Expect crisp edges, rendered fat, and a batch that drains well on paper towels so it’s ready to eat on its own or tuck into breakfast, sandwiches, and salads.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon (regular or thick-cut)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, checking halfway through and rearranging if necessary for even crispiness.
- Remove bacon carefully and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Serve immediately or use in your favorite recipes.
Tips
Please verify the air fryer temperature and cooking time according to your specific model, as air fryer performance can vary.
Variations & substitutions
- Use regular bacon for a faster, crisper result, or thick-cut bacon if you want meatier strips with a slightly longer cook time.
- Cook the bacon a little less for softer strips, then add a minute or two if you want extra crunch.
- Cut the slices in half before cooking if you want smaller pieces for salads, pasta, or baked potatoes.
- Drain the bacon especially well and crumble it for topping eggs, casseroles, or soups.
- Season the cooked bacon lightly with black pepper or a pinch of brown sugar only if you already like those flavors with bacon.
What to serve with
- Serve it with scrambled eggs and toast for a classic breakfast plate.
- Pair it with pancakes or waffles for a sweet-salty brunch.
- Add it to a breakfast sandwich or biscuit for extra crunch and flavor.
- Crumble it over a green salad or wedge salad for a salty topping.
- Use it alongside roasted potatoes or breakfast hash for a heartier meal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook thick-cut bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, this recipe works with regular or thick-cut bacon. Thick-cut slices may need the longer end of the 8 to 10 minute range, and a quick check halfway through helps you adjust for even crispiness.
Do I need to flip the bacon?
Not usually, but checking halfway through and rearranging the slices if needed helps them cook more evenly. If your air fryer runs hot or the slices overlap at all, a little repositioning makes a difference.
How do I store leftover air fryer bacon?
Let the bacon cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best used within a few days and is easy to reheat for breakfast or recipes.
What is the best way to reheat air fryer bacon?
Reheat it in the air fryer for a short time until warmed through and crisp again. A brief reheating works better than the microwave if you want to keep the texture.
Can I make air fryer bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and refrigerate it once cooled. Reheat just before serving so the strips stay crisp instead of softening.
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