Air fryer bacon hits that sweet spot of crispy edges and a tender middle that makes every bite satisfying. It delivers the same great taste you expect from cooking bacon the old way, minus the splatter on the stove or the extra time in the oven. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy morning or throwing together weekend snacks, this crispy bacon fits perfectly on breakfast plates next to eggs, tucked into sandwiches for lunch, or chopped up in salads.
Key ingredients & substitutions
- Bacon: the only ingredient that matters here. Regular or thick-cut both work. Turkey bacon is a leaner swap, it crisps faster, so pull it a minute or two early.
You’ll need an air fryer basket, a pair of tongs, and a paper towel-lined plate if you want to catch the grease: nothing else.
How to make air fryer bacon
- Load the basket. Add the bacon strips in a single layer, no overlap. Work in batches if they don’t all fit, crowding is what stops bacon from crisping.
- Cook. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 7 minutes.
- Flip halfway. Use tongs to flip the strips around the 3-4 minute mark so both sides crisp evenly.
- Check for doneness. Look for deep golden-brown edges. Thicker cuts might need another 1-2 minutes.
- Drain and serve. Lift the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to catch the extra grease, then serve immediately while it’s hot and crisp.
Tips for Getting It Right
Bacon that comes out chewy or unevenly cooked almost always comes down to crowding: overlapping strips steam instead of crisp. Give them room and the rest takes care of itself.
- Single layer only. Strips need space around them for air to circulate.
- Watch the thickness. Thick-cut needs 1-2 extra minutes; regular slices can go past crisp into brittle if left the full 7.
- Flip on time. Halfway through, not sooner, for even color both sides.
- Basket smoking a lot? Wipe out grease buildup between batches, or drop to 375°F.
- Drain right away. Don’t let bacon sit in its own grease, move it to a fresh paper towel if it’s been a few minutes.
Variations
- Thick-Cut: add 1-2 minutes for meatier slices that stay juicy inside.
- Turkey Bacon: same 400°F, but check at 5 minutes, it crisps faster and can dry out.
- Extra Crispy: cook 1 minute longer and flip again at the end.
- Maple-Glazed: a light drizzle of maple syrup halfway through cooking for a sweet-salty finish.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Bacon
- Starch: Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
- Salad: Broccoli Salad
- Bread: Homemade Cottage Cheese Bread
- Eggs: Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: cool completely, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: layer between parchment paper, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: best in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes. In a hurry, microwave in 10-second bursts on a paper towel-lined plate, it works but won’t be quite as crisp.
Frequently asked questions
High heat plus rendered fat can cause smoke, especially with fattier cuts. Wipe out grease between batches, or drop to 375°F and add a splash of water to the bottom tray if your model allows it.
Yes, add a couple of extra minutes and flip carefully. Fresh or thawed still crisps more evenly.
Keep strips in a true single layer with no overlap, and check at 6 minutes rather than waiting the full 7.
Cook it 1-2 minutes longer, or try 410°F next time. Thickness makes the biggest difference.
Not for this recipe. Starting from cold lets the fat render evenly without burning the edges too fast.
Bacon is cured, so it’s safe once cooked through, but aim for golden, crisp edges. Give pale pieces another minute if you’re unsure.
More air fryer breakfast recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
- Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Toast
- Air Fryer Sausage Links
- Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Patties
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.
Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon
Instructions
- Add the strips of bacon to the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches if they don't all fit.8 strips bacon
- Cook at 200°C/400°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs.
- Carefully remove the bacon from the air fryer basket with tongs, and enjoy!
Notes
- Single layer, no overlap.
- Flip at the halfway mark.
- Thick-cut: add 1-2 minutes.
- Smoking a lot? Wipe the basket, drop to 375°F.
- Drain on paper towel immediately.
Storage
- Fridge: up to 4 days, airtight container.
- Freezer: up to 2 months, parchment between layers.
- Reheat: air fryer, 350°F, 1-2 minutes.