This Air Fryer Bacon is the solution to all those times you just need a few slices of crispy bacon and don’t really feel like pulling out the frying pan or heating up the oven. The air fryer makes it virtually effortless and mess-free to make a few slices of bacon in just 10 minutes. I love this method when I just need bacon for one or two people or a few slices to add to a sandwich or salad.
Sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast…all made better with a bit of bacon! I think that’s just a fact of life, right? But sometimes, when I just want a few slices of bacon only for me, or a recipe calls for a small amount, I don’t want to go through the hassle of frying it on the stovetop or turning on the oven. That’s why I love this air fryer bacon recipe so much. It results in the same ultra crispy bacon without the work or the mess, in just 10 minutes. Or cook it for less time for chewier bacon. It’s a bacon-lover’s dream!
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Don’t crowd the air fryer. I can easily fit 5 slices of bacon in my air fryer. If yours is a different size, you may be able to fit less/more. If needed, the strips can be cut in half. They should not overlap at all.
- Make what you need. One of the things I love about cooking bacon in the air fryer is that you can make as many slices as you’ll need. If you only need 3 or 4, just make that many.
- Use regular bacon. For this recipe, use regular bacon – not thick-cut bacon. That would have a different cook time and not end up as crispy.
- Air fry time. The air frying time for this recipe can vary depending on the thickness of your bacon, how well you like it done, and the style of your air fryer.
- Prevent grease splatter. In an air fryer basket, place a little water in the chamber underneath the basket. In an air fryer toaster oven, use a drip tray or piece of foil under the crisper. Both options will prevent the bacon from splattering grease and smoking (especially in the air fryer oven.)
Air Fryer Bacon
Ingredients
- 5 slices regular bacon
Instructions
- I don't ever preheat my air fryer, but you can if you want to.Place the bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping. Cut the strips in half if needed to fit.
- Prevent grease splatter and smoking (optional): If you have a regular air fryer with a basket, place a little water in the chamber underneath the basket. If you have an air fryer toaster oven, use a drip tray or a piece of foil under the crisper tray.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes (for extra crispy bacon, air fry an additional 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, for softer bacon air fry for 7 minutes.)
- Enjoy as desired!
Nutrition
Other Notes
Ways To Use Air Fryer Bacon
I can’t even begin to think of all the ways to use this crispy air fryer bacon! It makes a great addition to breakfast, with other dishes like scrambled eggs and sheet pan pancakes. Then you have the savory sandwiches…think a classic BLT, our family-favorite Bird Dog sandwich, or BEACH sandwiches.
Since this recipe makes just a few slices of bacon, it’s also a great option when you need crumbled bacon as a topping for salads, like a wedge salad, dips, and even pizza.
Proper Storage
I recommend making only as many slices of bacon as you’ll need. Refrigerating bacon causes it to lose its crunchy texture. However, any extras can be stored in a ziploc bag in the fridge for a day or so. Reheat in the air fryer for a minute or 2 to crisp back up just.
More Bacon Recipes To Try
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon Crackers
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Bacon and Broccoli Pasta
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
