Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
This foolproof air fryer bacon recipe delivers perfectly crispy strips every time with minimal mess and effort. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or adding crunch to salads and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 10-13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8–12 classic bacon strips (about 12 oz / 340g)
- OR 6–8 thick-cut bacon strips (about 12 oz / 340g)
- Optional: maple, peppered, or applewood smoked bacon
- Optional: pinch of brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, or pure maple syrup for flavor variations
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes (if required).
- Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping. Cut strips in half if needed to fit.
- Air fry bacon for 7-10 minutes: classic bacon takes 7-8 minutes, thick-cut needs 9-10 minutes. Flip strips halfway through using tongs.
- Check for doneness: bacon should be golden brown and crispy. Add 1-2 minutes if needed.
- Transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and pat gently to soak up excess grease.
- Let bacon cool for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Repeat with remaining bacon, pouring out excess grease between batches.
- Troubleshooting: If bacon curls or overlaps, press down gently with tongs after flipping. Rotate strips if browning is uneven.
Notes
For best results, use fresh bacon and pat dry before cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Blotting bacon after cooking ensures extra crispiness. For flavor variations, sprinkle bacon with brown sugar, pepper, or smoked paprika before air frying, or drizzle with maple syrup mid-cook. Bacon is best served hot but can be kept warm in a low oven on a rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 strips per servi
- Calories: 45
- Sodium: 175
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: air fryer bacon, crispy bacon, breakfast, brunch, easy bacon recipe, keto, low carb, gluten free, quick breakfast