For crispy air fryer bacon without stovetop splatter, preheat to 350°F (177°C), cook regular-cut slices for about 10 minutes, and flip them halfway through. The basket contains the grease while hot air browns the bacon, making this an easy way to cook a small breakfast batch. Check early: bacon thickness and air fryer models can change the timing.
Ingredients
- 4 slices regular-cut raw pork bacon
That’s it—bacon brings its own fat and seasoning, so you don’t need oil or cooking spray. Four slices serve two people; cook fewer at once if your basket cannot hold them in a single layer.
How To Make It
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Start with a clean basket and drawer so leftover grease does not heat up and smoke.
- Lay the bacon in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between slices. If the strips are too long, cut them crosswise to fit rather than piling them up.
- Air fry for 5 minutes. Carefully pull out the hot basket and flip each slice with tongs. Cook for about 5 minutes more, checking during the last few minutes. Remove the bacon when it is cooked through and crisp, but not burned; add a minute or two if needed.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Let it stand briefly to finish crisping and drain off excess fat before serving.
Tips
Keep the splatter contained, not the air blocked. Leave the perforations uncovered so air can circulate and fat can drain into the drawer. Do not pour water into the air fryer or add loose paper that could blow toward its heating element.
Expect a little variation. Thin slices may be ready sooner; thick-cut bacon usually takes longer. Check its appearance rather than relying only on the timer. Cook raw bacon fully before eating, and avoid letting it char.
Mind the grease. Some smoke is possible when cooking fatty foods. If you are making another batch, let the appliance cool enough to handle safely and carefully empty accumulated grease according to your model’s instructions. Clean the basket and drawer after use.
Serve the bacon warm alongside eggs, tucked into a sandwich, or crumbled over a breakfast bowl.
