The Artistry of Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Just the smell of bacon alone is enough to tantalize taste buds and draw a crowd in the kitchen. It’s because the rich, smoky flavor of bacon is the perfect addition to any meal. However, there’s nothing more disappointing than undercooking or burning your bacon. That’s why we’re sharing a different way that’s growing in popularity without the mess and fewer calories. It’s time to learn how to cook bacon in an air fryer.

The Perks of Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer

Why is the buzz about how to air fry bacon growing? It’s simple – it’s a healthier and cleaner method than traditional frying, and it delivers perfectly crispy bacon every time. Let’s dive into the benefits of knowing how to cook bacon in an air fryer.

1.  Air frying results in crispy, less greasy bacon. The hot air in the air fryer crisps the bacon and drains excess oil, giving you the perfect balance between crunch and flavor without the oily residue. It’s a win-win situation for bacon lovers.
2. Air frying results in an easy clean-up. Grease splatter is contained and you can simply pour out the excess.
3. Air frying still smells the kitchen with the glorious scent of bacon. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of perfectly cooked bacon. Whether you eat it by the slice, add it to your eggs or use it to jazz up your desserts, an air fryer is an excellent option to prepare your bacon.
4. Air frying makes it easy to cook for one or two. Instead of cooking the whole pack of bacon and heating up your entire kitchen for a few slices, grab a few slices and pop them in the air fryer to easily cook just what you need. No longer feel inclined to cook up the whole pack.

Master the Timing of How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Timing is everything when it comes to how to cook bacon in an air fryer. However, the cook time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon slices, your preferred level of crispiness, and the specific model of your air fryer.

Here are suggested cooking instructions for different bacon thicknesses:

• Regular-sliced bacon: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place slices in air fryer and cook 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through the cook cycle.
• Thick/Extra Thick-sliced bacon: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place slices in air fryer and cook 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through the cook cycle.

If you prefer softer bacon, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. If you like your bacon extra crispy, add a minute or two to the cooking time. Just remember to keep a close eye on your bacon towards the end to avoid burning it.

Recipe for Success: Essential Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

Here are some final tips to help you master how to air fry bacon.

1. Choose the right bacon: Thick-cut slices (or Jones Extra Thick Cut Bacon) are perfect for air frying as they maintain the texture during the cooking process. Choose bacon with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor.

2. Prevent smoke and splatter: Preheating your air fryer before cooking helps to render some of the fat and reduces smoking. Place a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil at the bottom of the air fryer basket to catch any drippings and prevent splatter.

3. Use the correct number of slices: Do not place more than four slices at a time in the air fryer due to the size of the cooking drawer; you’ll get overlapping which often causes uneven cooking. 

4. Enhance bacon flavor: You can sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, or even a hint of maple syrup on your bacon for added flavor. Just be mindful of the salt content if your bacon is already seasoned.

5. Check the bacon often: During the cooking process, it’s important to check the bacon. Use tongs to lift a slice of bacon and examine its color and texture. It should be golden brown and crispy, but not overly dark or burnt. If it needs more time, simply return it to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

With these tips in your arsenal, you’re all set to master how to cook bacon in an air fryer. Enjoy!

Learn more about why Jones Dry Aged Bacon is so special here.

Jones Dry Aged Bacon is available in the following 12-ounce package size varieties:

• Dry Aged, Cherrywood Smoked Extra Thick Bacon Slices
• Dry Aged, Uncured, No Sugar, Hickory Smoked Extra Thick Bacon Slices
• Dry Aged, Cherrywood Smoked Bacon Slices

Check the Jones Product Finder to locate a store near you that sells Jones Bacon and other premium Jones products.