Cooking bacon in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy perfectly crispy, evenly cooked strips without the splattering mess of the stovetop. Whether you like your bacon lightly cooked or extra crispy, the air fryer delivers consistent results every time.
Using a reliable model can make the process even smoother thanks to their excellent airflow and non-stick basket designs. This guide covers everything you need to know about cooking bacon in the air fryer.
Why Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?
- Crispier results without adding extra oil
- Even cooking on both sides
- Less mess compared to pan frying
- Faster than using an oven
- Easy cleanup, especially with non-stick baskets
- Fat drips away, making it slightly lighter
Air fryers from Instant Pot, Sheffield, and GreenPan are especially efficient due to their advanced heating and airflow technology.
How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your unit to 180°C for even crisping. Some Salter and Instant Pot air fryers heat up quickly, but preheating still helps.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Place bacon strips in a single layer inside the basket. Slight overlapping is fine as bacon shrinks. Avoid heavy stacking.
3. Cook at 180°C
- Thin-cut bacon: 6–8 minutes
- Regular-cut bacon: 8–10 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 10–12 minutes
4. Check and Adjust
Check halfway to ensure even cooking. Many high-quality models—especially Instant Pot and GreenPan—cook evenly without flipping.
5. Rest and Drain
Remove bacon and place on a paper towel to absorb extra grease.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon
- Avoid very high heat to prevent burnt edges.
- Do not overcrowd the basket—airflow is key.
- Use foil or parchment only if your model allows it.
- Wipe the basket between batches to reduce smoking.
Can You Cook Frozen Bacon in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Start by placing the frozen slices in the basket for 2–3 minutes until they soften. Separate them, then cook following the usual timing guide. Perfect for busy mornings.
Best Air Fryers for Cooking Bacon
Instant Pot Air Fryers
Fast heating, powerful air circulation, and great for evenly crisp bacon.
Salter Air Fryers
Compact, energy-efficient, and ideal for smaller kitchens.
Sheffield Air Fryers
Dependable everyday performance with generous basket capacity.
GreenPan Air Fryers
Healthy ceramic non-stick coating and even airflow distribution.
Explore top-performing models: Shop Air Fryers
Serving Ideas for Air-Fried Bacon
- Eggs and toast
- Breakfast wraps
- Fresh salads
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Pancakes and waffles
Final Thoughts
Air-frying bacon is quick, clean, and foolproof. With a quality air fryer from Instant Pot, Salter, Sheffield, or GreenPan, you’ll enjoy perfectly crisp bacon every time.
Ready to make cooking easier? Browse our full range here: Air Fryers Collection
