How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air-Fryer Bacon
Updated: Dec. 22, 2022
Save your pans, stovetop and sink from bacon grease by cooking this breakfast staple in an air fryer.
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Bacon lovers know that cooking bacon on the stovetop is a hassle. The hot oil sizzles and pops, spattering all over you as well as your stovetop, and cleanup afterward is no easy feat. You could bake bacon in the oven, but nothing is faster than air-fryer bacon.
In 10 minutes, an air fryer makes bacon that’s perfectly crispy on the edges and chewy on the inside. Once you know how to cook bacon in an air fryer, you’ll never go back!
How to Make Air-Fryer Bacon
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer: This Cosori air fryer is large enough for big batches but compact enough to fit on your countertop. It earned rave reviews from our Test Kitchen, too. Bonus: These are the best air-fryer accessories to go with it.
- Air fryer rack: Use a metal rack to elevate the bacon . (Just be sure the rack will fit in your air fryer before you purchase!)
- Kitchen tongs: Tongs with silicone tips are perfect for transferring bacon slices to and from the air fryer.
Psst: This is the best bacon, according to our Test Kitchen pros.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a rack in the air fryer basket. You may need to tear or bend the pieces of bacon to get them to fit.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
Air-fry bacon for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip each bacon slice with tongs, then continue air-frying for another 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Serve the bacon
Once cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove the bacon with kitchen tongs. Serve bacon with breakfast, in a BLT-inspired recipe or crumbled over a salad.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Bacon
Cook the bacon in batches
Depending on the size of your air fryer and how much bacon you’re cooking, you may need to air-fry in batches. Just be sure to wipe down the air fryer between batches to prevent smoking and clean the air fryer when you’re all done.
Add extra time to air-fry frozen bacon
You can cook frozen bacon in the air fryer, but it takes an extra 3 to 4 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, separate the slices, spread them out on the air fryer rack and cook as directed above.
Reheat leftover bacon at 375°F
Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge or up to 4 months in the freezer. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place the bacon in an air fryer preheated to 375° and warm for about 5 minutes or until crispy.
Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida Here are some of our other air-fryer recipes that you need to try!
Air-Fryer Corn Dogs
Bring your favorite state fair food home to you! All you need is your air fryer, a package of frozen corn dogs and 10 minutes to recreate this fan-favorite snack in your kitchen.
Air-Fryer Brownies
This small-batch fudgy air-fryer dessert comes together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Garlic Bread
This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don't have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor
Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It's just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Preheating your air fryer, like in this recipe, is one of our favorite air-fryer tips. Here are some of our other air-fryer hacks!
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Air-Fried Butternut Squash Tacos
Butternut squash tossed with southwest spices makes a great base for vegetarian tacos. I'm always looking for easy and healthy dinners for my family, and this dish is delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Air-Fryer Bacon
Save your pans, stovetop and sink from bacon grease by cooking this breakfast staple in an air fryer. Nothing is easier—and less greasy—than this air-fryer bacon recipe.
Air-Fryer Onion Crescent Rolls
French fried onions aren't just for green bean casserole. Sprinkle them onto crescent roll dough before rolling up and you'll end up with a crunchy treat inside flaky pastry. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Air-Fryer Pork Chops
These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They're low in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Air-Fried Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Ooey gooey, cheesy mozzarella sticks taste even better in an air fryer. To air fry frozen mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and then load the fryer with mozzarella sticks in a single layer once it's warmed up. Spray with cooking spray and cook for two minutes, flip and spray once more, then cook for another two to three minutes.
Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
This is a wonderful alternative to boiling eggs on the stovetop. These air-fryer hard-boiled eggs are just as easy and super quick—a perfect way to put your air fryer to use! —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor Hard-boiled eggs are one of our favorite things to make in an air fryer. They're not the only type of egg you can make in your air-fryer. Next, learn how to make a poached egg in the air fryer. Here are eight things you can make in an air fryer...and six that you can't.
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges
We all know that almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Air-Fryer Quesadillas
I like to make these air-fryer quesadillas for party appetizers. Just cut them into thinner triangles. You can also switch up the cheese and the salsa to suit your taste. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak
This quick and easy air-fryer steak recipe is restaurant quality. It's about to become a staple at your house! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Buffalo Bites
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Air-Fried Frozen Salmon Fillets
Popping frozen salmon fillets into your air fryer makes for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner. Air-fry your fillets for five minutes at 320°F, then flip and cook for 360°F for another three to five minutes (or until the salmon flakes easily).
Air-Fryer Corn on the Cob
If it's too chilly to stand out by the grill, make this air-fryer corn recipe inside instead! You'll love that it only takes 10 minutes, too.
Air-Fryer Breaded Shrimp
These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won't even miss the fat! Eat them alone with cocktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that's hard to resist.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
Air-Fryer Meat loaf
If you're looking for a hearty meal perfect for two, then look no further. This air-fryer meat loaf cooks quickly. Plus, it's easy to double for sandwiches the next day. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Air-Fryer Latkes
Hot, crispy potato latkes are such a treat, but who wants to deal with all the oil and grease? I tried making air-fryer latkes and they came out just as good without all the cleanup. —Nancy Salinas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Air-Fryer Fish Tacos
These crispy air-fryer fish tacos are good enough to challenge the best food truck. I love that the fish is deliciously guilt-free because it’s air-fried instead of deep-fried. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
Air-Fried Frozen Meatballs
To turn a handful of frozen meatballs into a warm appetizer or snack, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway while cooking.
Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
This air-fryer chicken thighs recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Okra with Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika gives this air-fryer okra even more roasty oomph. When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona
Air-Fryer Pretzel-Crusted Catfish
I love the flavor of this air-fryer catfish recipe. I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Air-Fryer Ham and Brie Pastries
Fancy appetizers don't have to be difficult. In fact, this one proves it's easy to make something to looks impressive. You can make them ahead of time and pop them into the air fryer just as your guests arrive. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Air-Fried Frozen Veggie Burgers
Crisp up one to two veggie burgers in your air fryer at a time. Cook at 350°F for five minutes, flip, then keep 'em cooking for another five minutes. Voila!
Air-Fryer Asparagus
This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
You can't go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips
This air-fryer tortilla chips recipe provides the same crunchiness and taste as traditional chips, but cuts down on all that grease. Make a batch to dip into homemade guac or salsa for an afternoon pick-me-up snack.
Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Air-Fryer Tuna Burgers
My family was accustomed to traditional beef burgers before trying these fried tuna patties. At first they were hesitant, but all skepticism disappeared after one bite of this delicious air-fryer recipe. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Air-Fried Frozen Egg Rolls
Give frozen egg rolls that tantalizing restaurant-quality flavor and crunch by cooking them in your air fryer. Before placing them in the fryer, brush each roll with beaten egg. Then, cook at 320°F for seven minutes, then flip, brush with egg wash and cook the other side for another seven minutes until they come out golden.
Air-Fryer Acorn Squash Slices
This air-fryer acorn squash recipe was adapted from the one my passed down from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. I make it in my air fryer whenever I'm feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas For another quick and easy air fryer side, learn how to make tater tots in your air fryer.
Air-Fryer Cod
This air-fryer cod recipe will convert even the biggest fish skeptic. It's healthy and delicious—no breading needed! —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Frozen Breakfast Pastries
A pastry with a crispy, crunchy, tender, flaky crust can be ready in just eight minutes. To cook, cut a piece of parchment to fit the basket of your air fryer. Spray with cooking oil and place one or two frozen strudels in the basket. Cook for five minutes at 350°F, flip and then cook for an additional three minutes until golden.
Air-Fried Radishes
Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin
I originally developed this air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe to cook on the stove and finish in the oven, but you can make it even quicker in an air fryer—and it's just as tasty. —Lynn Faria, Southington, Connecticut
Air-Fryer Eggs Lorraine
Whenever I'm looking to impress overnight guests, this is the recipe I serve for breakfast. It's easy to assemble and cooks quickly in the air fryer. —Sandra Woolard, DeLand, Florida
Air-Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
When rhubarb starts popping up in gardens and at farmers markets, I like to prepare these quick and simple air-fryer bone-in pork chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
Air-Fried Frozen Bread Dough
Yup, you can even make breads, like dinner rolls and cinnamon buns, in your air fryer! Just take out your frozen bread dough, shape it and then cook for 15 minutes.
Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Apple Chips
Swap out the potato chips for a crunchy snack that's healthier for you. These air-fryer apple chips are nutritious and delicious! Oh, and super simple to make. These air-fryer stuffed peppers are another easy and healthy air-fryer snack.
Air-Fryer Brats with Beer
These air-fryer brats are a nod to my German heritage. I serve them with a green vegetable and some french fries or mashed potatoes on the side. For a deeper sauce flavor, try using a lager or stout beer. —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas
Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Air-Fryer Bacon Crescent Rolls
The mouthwatering aroma of warm bacon from these three-ingredient crescent rolls will draw folks to the table. Air-fryer recipes like this one are fun for children to prepare, and these are such a cinch to assemble with precooked bacon. —Jane Nearing, Indianapolis, Indiana
Chili-Lime Air-Fried Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! These air-fried chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Air-Fryer Scallops
I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. With the crunchy breading, these air-fryer scallops are the best you'll ever have. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Air-Fryer Mocha Pudding Cakes
These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for two. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up and pop them in my air fryer for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia
Air-Fried Frozen Puff Pastry Bites
Prepare puff pastry bites for your next party by cutting a sheet of puff pastry into two-inch squares. Place a few tablespoons of your preferred filling on the puff pastry and then fold over into a triangle and pinch the edges closed. Then, bake them at 390°F for about 10 minutes.
Breaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash
Air-fryer summer squash is beautifully crisp. You don't have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Air-Fryer Red Potatoes
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Originally Published: June 22, 2021
