Yes, you can absolutely cook bacon in an air fryer. It's one of the most popular methods for achieving crispy results without the mess of stovetop splatter or oven grease.

Why Air Fryer Bacon Works So Well

Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, rendering fat from the bacon while crisping the edges evenly—often in under 10 minutes. This beats traditional frying by reducing smoke and cleanup, as excess fat drips away. Home cooks rave about it being a game-changer for breakfast routines.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Follow these reliable steps compiled from top recipes—adjust based on your air fryer model and bacon thickness:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. No preheat? Just add 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
  1. Arrange bacon in a single layer in the basket—cut strips in half if needed to fit without heavy overlapping. Twisting slightly helps them stay flat.
  1. Air fry regular bacon for 7-9 minutes, thick-cut for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispness; check at the lower end to avoid overcooking.
  1. Drain and rest on paper towels to absorb extra fat. Discard drip tray grease between batches.

Pro Tip: Place bread slices under the basket to soak up grease for easier cleanup.

Timing by Bacon Type

Bacon Type| Temperature| Time Range| Notes 35
---|---|---|---
Thin/Regular| 350°F| 6-9 minutes| Flip at 6 minutes; ideal for chewy-crisp.
Thick-Cut| 350°F| 10-12 minutes| More time for fat render; very crispy.
Turkey Bacon| 350°F| 5-7 minutes| Less fat; monitor closely.

Multiple Viewpoints from Cooks and Forums

  • Pros from recipe sites: "Ultra crispy, no splatter—best way ever!" Many note it's healthier as less fat is retained.
  • Reddit/forum takes: Users love it at 325-350°F for 10-14 minutes to avoid smoke alarms; some skip preheat to save energy. One thread debates "yes or no"—overwhelmingly yes for ease.
  • Potential cons: Thick bacon may curl (snip fat layer); no parchment paper needed or recommended.

Trending Context and Tips

As of early 2026, air fryer bacon remains a viral staple on food blogs and TikTok, with updates emphasizing 350°F max to match bacon's smoke point. For extra flavor, try seasoning with black pepper pre-cook. Always use fresh bacon for best results—no oil required.

TL;DR: Preheat to 350°F, single layer 7-12 minutes, flip halfway—crispy perfection every time.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.