Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer bacon in just 10 minutes! This quick and easy method gives you evenly cooked bacon every time—no flipping, no splatter, and minimal cleanup.
With its crunchy texture and bold, savory flavor, air fryer bacon can totally elevate any dish. Whether you’re making breakfast, topping salads, or adding a flavorful crunch to your favorite low-carb meals, this method is a must-try.
Once you see how simple it is to make bacon in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to stovetop or oven-baked again.
How many times have you craved that perfectly crispy bacon you see in food blogs, magazines, or movies? You know—the kind that’s evenly cooked, golden, and crackly with every bite. If you’ve tried pan-frying bacon and ended up with uneven, greasy strips or a splattered stovetop, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
The good news? There’s a better way. Making crispy bacon in the air fryer is a total game-changer. It’s quick, mess-free, and gives you that perfect crisp every time without the hassle. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, adding it to your favorite breakfast plate, or using it to elevate a salad or sandwich, air fryer bacon is the way to go. It’s not only easier—it’s also healthier since the excess fat drips away while cooking.
- 1 Why You Should Try This Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
- 2 How To Cook Bacon In The Air Fryer
- 3 Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
- 4 How Long To Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
- 5 Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Bacon
- 6 Storing Ideas for Air Fryer Bacon
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Recipes with Crispy Bacon
- 9 Air Fryer Bacon
Why You Should Try This Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
- Quick and Easy – This recipe takes just 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy mornings or a last-minute addition to your meal.
- No Flipping Required – The air fryer does all the work. No need to hover over the stove or worry about burning it.
- Mess-Free Cooking – Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and hot oil splatters. The air fryer keeps things clean and contained.
- Perfectly Crispy Every Time – Get evenly cooked, golden, crispy bacon with a satisfying crunch—no more undercooked or overdone pieces.
- Make Ahead Friendly – Cook a batch in advance and store it for meal prep, snacks, or quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Healthier Option – The excess grease drips away during cooking, making it a cleaner and slightly leaner way to enjoy bacon.
- Works With All Types of Bacon – Whether you’re using thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon, this method delivers consistent results.
- Perfect for Keto and Low-Carb Diets – Naturally low in carbs and high in fat, this bacon recipe fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
How To Cook Bacon In The Air Fryer
Making crispy bacon in the air fryer is incredibly simple and fast. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to pan-frying! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer (optional): Some models work best when preheated to 350°F (175°C), though it’s not always necessary.
- Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If the strips are too long, cut them in half so they fit without overlapping.
- Air fry the bacon: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Thinner slices cook faster, while thick-cut bacon might need an extra minute or two.
- Drain the grease: Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra grease.
- Serve and enjoy: That’s it! Crispy, flavorful bacon ready to enjoy with breakfast, in salads, or as a snack.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
- Cook in a Single Layer. Always place the bacon slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. If needed, cook in batches.
- Choose High-Quality Bacon. Use good-quality bacon with a balanced meat-to-fat ratio. This helps the bacon get crisp without becoming too greasy or chewy.
- Add Water to Prevent Smoke. To reduce smoke while cooking, especially when making larger batches, add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer. It helps catch the grease before it starts smoking.
- Keep an Eye on Cook Time. Every air fryer is different, so start checking around the 8-minute mark. Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster than thick-cut, so adjust the time accordingly based on your preferences.
- Cut Bacon in Half (if needed). If your bacon strips are too long to fit in the basket, cut them in half before air frying. This helps them cook more evenly and fit better.
- Don’t Overcrowd. Air needs to circulate around the bacon for that perfect crisp. Overcrowding will result in unevenly cooked bacon.
- Drain Excess Grease. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels right away to drain off extra grease and help it crisp up even more.
- Make Ahead for Busy Mornings. You can air fry bacon in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick, crispy bite whenever you need it.
How Long To Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
The cooking time for air fryer bacon can vary depending on a few key factors:
Bacon Thickness
- Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook than regular or thin-cut slices.
- Thin bacon: 6–8 minutes
- Regular bacon: 8–10 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 10–12 minutes
Preferred Crispiness
- If you like your bacon extra crispy, let it cook on the higher end of the time range.
- For softer or chewier bacon, cook it for less time and check frequently after the 6-minute mark.
🔹 Air Fryer Model
- Different air fryer models may vary slightly in cooking time due to basket size and heat distribution. It’s a good idea to check on the bacon during the first cook and adjust as needed for future batches.
- Tip: Always start checking a couple of minutes before the estimated cook time ends to avoid overcooking. Once you find your perfect time, it’s easy to repeat!
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Bacon
Crispy air fryer bacon is one of the most versatile low-carb ingredients you can have on hand. Here are some easy and tasty ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Breakfast: Pair it with scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or keto waffles for a quick, satisfying start to your day.
- Crumble as a Topping: Crumbled bacon adds incredible crunch and flavor to soups, salads, casseroles, or even roasted veggies.
- Bacon in Sandwiches or Wraps: Layer it into a low-carb sandwich, lettuce wrap, or breakfast burrito for added texture and flavor.
- Snack on It: Store the cooked bacon in an airtight container and enjoy it as a quick protein-packed snack—perfect for movie night or mid-day cravings.
Whether you’re keeping it simple or using it as a topping, air fryer bacon adds a delicious crunch and salty bite to so many keto-friendly meals.
Storing Ideas for Air Fryer Bacon
Knowing how to store air fryer bacon the right way means you’ll always have crispy, ready-to-eat bacon for quick meals and snacks.
- Fridge – Once your bacon is completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts or adding to salads and wraps throughout the week.
- Freezer – Yes, you can freeze air-fried bacon! Let the cooked bacon cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave for 15–30 seconds or pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy.
This makes meal prep with bacon super easy—cook a batch ahead and enjoy that perfect crisp any time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bacon Ok For Keto Diet?
Bacon is definitely one of the best food to eat while following a ketogenic diet because it is low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein.
Although most packaged bacon is fairly low in carbohydrates, it’s always a good idea to read the labels before buying it because some types of bacon can be cured in sugar.
What Is An Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen tool that uses convection to cook food by swirling hot air around it. The convection oven has been scaled down for this appliance.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Sure, you can use your favorite type of bacon you like.
Should I Spray The Air Fryer Basket?
Before adding the bacon, there is no need to grease the basket.
Recipes with Crispy Bacon
Air Fryer Bacon
Description
Ingredients
- 12 slices Bacon or as many strips and thickness as you like
Instructions
- Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If the slices are too long, feel free to cut them in half so they fit better and cook evenly.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the bacon for 8–10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Thinner slices may cook faster, while thicker cuts might need a minute or two longer.
- Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess grease.
- Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Crispy, flavorful bacon in just minutes. Serve it hot or let it cool and store for later.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.