Quick answer: To cook bacon in air fryer, heat it to 400°F (200°C), lay the slices in one layer, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Thick-cut bacon needs 10 to 12 minutes. Check it at 7 minutes, then rest it on paper towels.
Read on for the full time chart, what you can and cannot do, how to stop smoke, and how to store and reheat bacon.
How to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer
Do you love bacon but hate the mess? An air fryer can help. It cooks bacon fast. It makes the bacon crispy. And there is no grease all over your stove.
In this post, you will learn how to cook bacon in air fryer step by step. You will also learn how long to cook bacon in air fryer, what you can do, what you should not do, how to stop smoke, and how to store and reheat bacon. You will not need to visit any other website.
Do not have an air fryer yet? See our list of the best digital air fryers to pick one that fits your kitchen.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Bacon?
An air fryer blows hot air all around the food. The fat melts and drips down. The bacon turns crisp.
- It is fast. Most bacon is ready in 8 to 12 minutes.
- The bacon is crispy and even.
- There is no oil splatter on your stove.
- Cleanup is easy.
- You do not need to add any oil.
What You Need
- Bacon slices
- An air fryer (basket type or oven type). An oven-style model, like the ones in our best countertop air fryer oven combos, can hold more slices at once.
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- A plate
- A heat-safe jar for the grease
- Optional: perforated air fryer parchment paper
How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer: Step by Step
Step 1: Heat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for 3 minutes. This step is optional, but it helps the bacon cook evenly.
Step 2: Lay the bacon in the basket. Place the slices in one layer. Do not stack them. A little overlap on the edges is okay. If the slices are too long, cut them in half.
Step 3: Cook the bacon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. For thick bacon, cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Check the bacon. At about 7 minutes, open the basket and look. Air fryers are not all the same. Some are strong. Some are slow. You may need to add or remove a minute or two.
Step 5: Flip if needed. If one side looks lighter, flip the slices with tongs. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Step 6: Rest the bacon on paper towels. Move the bacon to a plate with paper towels. The extra grease will soak in. The bacon gets crispier as it cools for a minute.
Step 7: Pour out the grease. Wait until the grease is cool. Pour it into a jar or a can. Do not pour it down the sink. It can block your pipes.
Safety note: Raw bacon is not ready to eat. The USDA says bacon is heat-treated but not fully cooked, so it must stay in the fridge or freezer and be cooked before you eat it. Read the official guidance on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
How Long to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer
The time depends on the heat, the bacon thickness, and your air fryer. Use this chart as a guide. The 400°F column is highlighted because it is the most popular setting.
| Bacon Type | 350°F (175°C) | 375°F (190°C) | 400°F (200°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular bacon | 10–12 min | 9–10 min | 8–10 min |
| Thick-cut bacon | 12–15 min | 11–13 min | 10–12 min |
| Turkey bacon | 7–10 min | 6–8 min | 5–7 min |
| Frozen bacon (separated) | 12–15 min | 10–12 min | 9–11 min |
Always look at the bacon before the time is over. It can burn fast at the end.
How Long to Cook Bacon in Air Fryer at 400
Many people ask this, so here is a clear answer. At 400°F (200°C):
- Regular bacon: 8 to 10 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 10 to 12 minutes
- Turkey bacon: 5 to 7 minutes
400°F is the best heat if you want very crispy bacon. But it is also hotter, so bacon can burn quickly. Check it often after the 7-minute mark. If you want chewy bacon, use 350°F (175°C) instead.
What You Can Do and What You Cannot Do
Here is a simple guide. Green is safe to do. Red is something to avoid.
| ✔ You Can | ✘ You Cannot / Should Not |
|---|---|
| Cook bacon straight from the fridge. No need to wait. | Stack the slices. They cook unevenly. Some parts stay raw and some burn. |
| Cook frozen bacon. Cook at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, pull the slices apart, then finish cooking. | Fill the basket too much. Hot air must move around the bacon. |
| Cook turkey bacon. It has less fat, so it may need a light spray of oil. | Use loose parchment paper. It can fly up and touch the heating part. Use only perforated parchment and keep it weighed down with food. |
| Cook thick-cut bacon. Just add 2 to 3 minutes. | Use wax paper. It can melt or burn. |
| Cook bacon in batches. Wipe out the extra grease between batches. | Leave the air fryer alone. Bacon fat can smoke or even catch fire if it gets too hot. |
| Season the bacon with black pepper, brown sugar, or a little maple syrup. Add sugar in the last 3 minutes so it does not burn. | Let old grease build up. Old grease causes a lot of smoke. |
| Save the bacon grease to cook eggs or veggies. Keep it in the fridge. | Pour hot grease into the trash or sink. Let it cool first. |
| Use any type of air fryer. Basket and oven-style models both work well. | Skip checking. Every air fryer cooks a little different. |
Tips for Crispy Bacon Every Time
- Use the same thickness. Slices of different thickness cook at different speeds.
- Do not overcrowd. One layer gives the best crunch.
- Pat the bacon dry. If it is wet, it will not crisp well.
- Add a little water in the bottom. For drawer-style air fryers, put 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in the bottom drawer, under the basket. This can cut down on smoke.
- Clean the drawer between batches. This keeps smoke low.
- Learn your air fryer. Note the time that works best and use it every time.
How to Stop Smoke
Bacon makes smoke in an air fryer. This is normal, but you can reduce it:
- Use 375°F instead of 400°F.
- Pour out the grease between batches.
- Wipe the drawer clean before you start.
- Add a little water under the basket.
- Keep the air fryer in a place with room around it for air.
If you see a lot of smoke, turn it off and let it cool.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
| Problem | Easy Fix |
|---|---|
| Bacon is burnt | The heat was too high or the time too long. Lower the heat to 350°F or cook for less time. |
| Bacon is not crispy | Cook it 1 to 2 more minutes. Also make sure you did not stack the slices. |
| Cooked in some parts, raw in others | The slices were overlapping or different sizes. Cook in one layer and flip halfway. |
| Bacon is too dry | You cooked it too long. Try a lower heat and check earlier. |
| Bacon curls up | This is normal. Push the slices flat with tongs when you flip them. |
| Bacon flies around in the basket | A strong fan can lift thin slices. Place a small oven-safe rack on top, or fold the slices so they stay in place. |
| Too much smoke | Lower the heat to 375°F, clean the drawer, and add a little water under the basket. |
How to Store Bacon
| Type | Fridge (40°F / 4°C or below) | Freezer (0°F / -18°C or below) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw bacon | About 7 days | About 1 month for best quality |
| Cooked bacon (leftovers) | 3 to 4 days | About 1 month for best quality |
- Cooked bacon: Let it cool, then put it in a sealed container in the fridge within 2 hours.
- Freezing: Place the slices in a freezer bag with paper between them so they do not stick.
- Raw bacon: Keep it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to cook it.
These times follow the USDA cold food storage chart. Freezing keeps food safe, so freezer times are only for quality.
How to Reheat Bacon in an Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bacon for 2 to 3 minutes. It will be hot and crisp again. The USDA says leftovers should be reheated to 165°F, so make sure the bacon is steaming hot all the way through.
How to Clean the Air Fryer After Bacon
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool.
- Pour the grease into a jar.
- Wipe the basket and drawer with a paper towel.
- Wash them with warm water and dish soap.
- Dry them well before you use them again.
Clean it right after cooking. Old grease is hard to remove. For a deeper clean, follow our guide on the best way to clean an air fryer.
Simple Ways to Use Air Fryer Bacon
- Bacon and egg sandwich
- Bacon on burgers
- Chopped bacon on salad
- Crumbled bacon on baked potatoes
- Bacon in breakfast wraps
- Bacon pieces on pasta
Looking for more dinner ideas? See our best air fryer meals and these juicy air fryer pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook bacon in air fryer?
Most bacon takes 8 to 12 minutes at 350°F to 400°F. Thick bacon takes a little longer. At 400°F, regular bacon takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?
Not always. Flipping helps if your air fryer cooks unevenly. Flip once, halfway through.
Do I need to add oil?
No. Bacon has enough fat of its own. Only turkey bacon may need a light spray of oil.
Can I cook bacon in an air fryer without smoke?
It is hard to avoid smoke fully. But a lower heat, a clean drawer, and a little water under the basket can help a lot.
Can I put foil in the air fryer?
Yes, in small pieces, but only if it does not block the airflow and does not touch the heating part. Perforated parchment is a safer choice.
Is air fryer bacon healthier?
It has less grease on the plate since the fat drips away. But it is still bacon, so enjoy it in small amounts.
Can I cook bacon and eggs together?
It is better to cook them one at a time. Bacon makes a lot of grease and can ruin the eggs.
Why is my air fryer bacon chewy?
The heat may be too low or the time too short. Try 400°F and add 1 to 2 minutes.
How many slices of bacon can I cook at once?
It depends on the size of your air fryer. Most small baskets hold 4 to 6 slices in one layer. Large oven-style air fryers hold more.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Keep cooked bacon in a sealed container and eat it within 3 to 4 days. You can freeze it for about 1 month for best quality.
Is it safe to eat bacon that is only a little cooked?
No. The USDA says bacon is not ready to eat and must be cooked before you eat it. Cook it until it is crisp and fully done.
Final Words
Now you know how to cook bacon in air fryer. Lay the slices in one layer, set the heat to 400°F, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check it near the end. Let it rest on paper towels, and enjoy.
Remember the main points: do not stack the bacon, do not leave it alone, and clean the drawer between batches. With a little practice, you will get crispy bacon every time.
Try it today, and let us know in the comments how your bacon turned out!
