Listen up, bacon lovers! If you haven’t tried making crispy bacon in an air fryer yet, you’re missing out on the easiest, least-messy breakfast hack ever. I’m serious – in just 10 minutes flat, you’ll have perfectly crisp strips with none of that oven splatter or stovetop grease fireworks. My secret? Regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut) cooks faster and gets that ideal crunch without turning into jerky. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the old ways!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon
- Lightning fast: Done in 10 minutes flat while your coffee brews
- Zero greasy mess: No oil splatters all over your stove (or your favorite shirt)
- Perfect crunch every time: No more half-soggy, half-burnt bacon strips
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy: Just flip once and let the air fryer work its magic
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Extra Crispy
Here’s all you need for perfect crispy bacon – I’m serious, it’s embarrassingly simple:
- 8 slices regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut – trust me, this makes all the difference for that ideal crunch)
- Optional: Quick spritz of cooking spray (I use Pam, but any will do) to prevent any sticking
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep – just good ol’ bacon ready to transform into crispy perfection.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Extra Crispy
Okay, let’s get down to business! Making bacon in the air fryer is so simple, but there are a few key steps that’ll take your bacon from good to oh-my-goodness crispy perfection. Follow these steps exactly, and you’ll be biting into the best bacon of your life in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
First things first – preheat that baby! Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 3 minutes. I know it’s tempting to skip this step (I’ve been there!), but trust me, this ensures even cooking from the very first second your bacon hits the basket. No cold spots means no chewy surprises!
Step 2: Arrange Bacon Properly
Now for the fun part – loading up the bacon! Grab your tongs (seriously, use tongs unless you want greasy fingers) and lay those beautiful strips in a single layer. A little overlap at the edges is fine, but don’t stack them – we want that hot air circulating around every inch of bacon. If you’re worried about sticking, a quick spritz of cooking spray on the basket never hurts.
Step 3: Cook and Flip
Set your timer for 8 minutes total, but here’s the secret – at the 4-minute mark, pause and flip those strips. You’ll hear that glorious sizzle! This flip is crucial for that all-over crispiness. Careful when opening the basket – that grease is hot! I may or may not have learned this the hard way…
Step 4: Drain and Serve
When that timer dings, immediately transfer your crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Don’t skip this step – those paper towels will soak up any excess grease, leaving you with perfectly crisp (not greasy) bacon. Serve it up while it’s still piping hot and listen for the compliments to roll in!
Expert Tips for Extra Crispy Results
Want pro-level crispy bacon every single time? These are my tried-and-true tricks that make all the difference:
- Shake it up: After flipping at the 4-minute mark, give the basket a gentle shake to rearrange the bacon. This helps every bit get evenly crispy – no soft spots allowed!
- Eagle eyes at 7 minutes: Start checking doneness a minute early. Bacon can go from perfect to overdone FAST in that last minute. Look for that deep golden color with no white fat spots remaining.
- Parchment paper hack: Use perforated parchment (the kind with holes) for zero sticking and the easiest cleanup ever. Just lift it out with the bacon when done – no scrubbing required!
Air Fryer Bacon Extra Crispy FAQ
Can you cook thick-cut bacon in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just add 2 extra minutes to the cooking time. I love using thick-cut on weekends when I want that meatier bite. The key is to check it at the 9-minute mark – sometimes those fatty edges need a little more crisping up.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you somehow have bacon left over (rare in my house!), pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I’ll often make extra just for this – cold crispy bacon makes the best salad topper!
Can you reheat air fryer bacon?
You bet! Two minutes at 350°F in the air fryer brings it right back to crispy perfection. No soggy microwave bacon here! Just watch it closely – reheated bacon can go from warm to burnt in seconds.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bacon
Oh, the possibilities are endless with this crispy bacon! My absolute favorite is crumbling it over creamy avocado toast with a sprinkle of chili flakes – breakfast heaven. Of course, you can’t go wrong with classic BLTs or adding it to fluffy scrambled eggs. For dinner parties, I love chopping it up to top baked potatoes or spinach salads. And don’t even get me started on how amazing it is in a grilled cheese!
Nutrition Information
Okay, let’s talk nutrition – because let’s be real, we’re eating bacon for the taste, but it’s nice to know what we’re working with! These estimates are for a 2-slice serving, but keep in mind values can vary slightly depending on your bacon brand (I usually go for Wright or Hormel).
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
Not too shabby for such a delicious treat, right? The air fryer method actually helps reduce some of the grease compared to pan-frying, so you’re getting all the flavor with slightly less guilt! For more information on how cooking methods affect nutrient retention, you can check out resources on National Institutes of Health.
Rate This Air Fryer Bacon Extra Crispy Recipe
Did this recipe give you the crispiest bacon of your life? I’d love to hear! Drop a star rating below and tell me about your results. Don’t forget to tag me on social media when you share your perfect bacon pics – I live for those crispy success stories! If you are looking for other great air fryer recipes, check out this air fryer honey garlic pork chops recipe.
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10-Minute Air Fryer Bacon Extra Crispy – Life Changing!
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Make extra crispy bacon quickly and easily using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket for best crispiness.
- Adjust time slightly for preferred doneness.
- Use a splatter guard if needed.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American