Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon

Crispy edges, even browning, and less splatter than stovetop, plus a quick timing chart for regular and thick-cut bacon.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
Crispy bacon strips arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket
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If bacon is the unofficial weekend mascot, the air fryer is the cleanup crew. It cooks bacon evenly, keeps most of the splatter contained, and delivers those crisp edges without you babysitting a pan. You pull out a basket of sizzling strips, and the only "mess" is deciding who gets the crispiest piece.

This is my go-to method for reliable, evenly cooked bacon, whether you like it chewy-ish with a little bend or shatteringly crisp. I'm also including a timing chart for regular and thick-cut bacon, the best time to flip, and my favorite trick for saving bacon grease without making your kitchen smell like a diner for three days.

Freshly cooked bacon strips draining on paper towels with a small container nearby for collecting bacon grease

Why It Works

  • Even cooking: The circulating hot air browns bacon consistently, so you get fewer burnt tips and fewer pale centers.
  • Less mess: It reduces splatter compared to stovetop cooking, and most grease stays contained in the drawer or drip tray.
  • Hands-off and repeatable: Once you know your air fryer, you can dial in chewy to extra-crispy in minutes.
  • Easy grease saving: The drippings collect neatly in the bottom, making it simple to strain and store.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

How to Store Cooked Bacon

  • Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 4 days. Layer between paper towels if you want it to stay drier.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked bacon in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. (Great for quick breakfast sandwiches.)
  • Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes until hot and crisp again. Or microwave on a paper towel for 15 to 30 seconds per slice.

How to Save Bacon Grease

Let the grease cool in the air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully pour it into a heatproof measuring cup through a fine-mesh strainer. Store in a jar with a lid. Strain well for best quality.

  • Fridge: Best quality within 1 to 3 months.
  • Freezer: Best quality within 3 to 6 months.
  • When to toss it: Discard if it smells rancid or looks off.
  • How to use it: Sauté onions for soup, fry eggs, crisp potatoes, or start a roux for gravy.

Quick Cleanup Tip

Once the unit is cool, wipe out the drawer or drip tray and wash the basket or tray promptly. Bacon grease is way easier to remove while it's still fresh.

Common Questions

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

It helps with consistency, especially for thick-cut bacon. If your air fryer runs hot, you can skip preheating and add 1 to 2 minutes to the cook time. Either way, check early the first time you try it.

Do I have to flip the bacon?

Most air fryers cook more evenly if you flip once halfway through. If your air fryer has strong top heat, flipping prevents the top from crisping faster than the bottom.

Why is my air fryer smoking?

Smoke usually comes from bacon fat hitting a hot surface, or from built-up grease left behind from prior cooking. Try one or more of these: cook at 350°F instead of 400°F, avoid overcrowding, and clean the basket, drawer, and drip tray regularly.

Water trick (sometimes): Some air fryers allow you to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the drawer or drip pan under the basket/tray to reduce smoking. Only do this if your model's manual allows it, and never pour water into the basket or near the heating element.

Can I stack bacon in the air fryer?

No stacking if you want it evenly crisp. A little overlap is fine in small spots, but the more you overlap, the more steaming you get. Cook in batches for best results.

How do I keep bacon flat in the air fryer?

It'll curl a bit. For flatter strips, use thick-cut bacon and flip halfway through. You can also place a small air-fryer-safe rack on top if your model includes one.

How many slices fit?

It depends on your basket, but a typical 5 to 6 qt basket fits about 6 to 8 slices in a mostly single layer. If you have to layer a lot, you're better off doing a second batch.

What about oven-style air fryers?

Use the air fry tray or a sheet with a rack if you have one. Put a lined drip tray underneath to catch fat (foil works well). Keep bacon in a single layer and rotate trays if your unit has hot spots.

What about turkey bacon?

Turkey bacon is leaner and cooks faster. Start at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, and start checking at 4 to 5 minutes since brands vary. Watch closely because it can go from perfect to too crisp quickly.

I used to cook bacon the classic way, which is a nice way of saying I used to clean bacon grease off the stove like it was a second job. The first time I tried air fryer bacon, I opened the basket and had that "wait, that's it?" moment. Crisp edges, even browning, and the kitchen didn't look like a crime scene. Now it's my default for weekday breakfasts and for any sandwich situation where bacon is doing the heavy lifting.