You'll love this air fryer bacon made in the Cosori air fryer. This is our new favorite way to get the best bacon that our whole family loves.
Never shy away from making bacon because of the time and mess by cooking it in an air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time to get crispy bacon or chewy bacon while keeping grease splatters contained.
The best part of making air fryer bacon is that I can get other things done while the bacon cooks. Whether it's eggs and pancakes, or just slicing some tomatoes for BLT's, I have my hands free.
Using an air fryer is a total game-changer! Try these other air frying recipes that were all made with the Cosori air fryer: Bang Bang Cauliflower, Hot Dogs, and Fresh and Frozen Hash Browns.
Why this recipe works
No mess - excess grease stays in the air fryer basket where it can easily be poured out and used to make my bacon grease gravy recipe
Use any type of bacon - regular or thick cut bacon
Easy clean up - just pour off the grease for later use and pop the fryer basket in the dishwasher
Crispy or chewy - air frying makes it easier to control the cooking process so everyone in the family can get the kind of texture they like
Ingredients
Bacon - I used regular bacon slices
Instructions
Scroll to bottom of post for printable recipe card.
This air fryer bacon recipe was made using the Cosori 5.8 QT basket style air fryer.
Preheating isn't necessary for this recipe.
- Line 5 bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The slices will be slightly longer than the basket, so just fold the edges upward a bit.
- Cook bacon at 350 degrees F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until desired crispness. Cook thick cut bacon for 11 to 13 minutes.
There is no need to turn bacon over at the halfway point, but you can if you so desire. Use a pair of tongs (silicone tips) for best results.
- Remove cooked bacon and let drain on a paper towel. Pour rendered bacon grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket to a separate container for later use or discard in the trash can (not the sink) once it has cooled off.
Quick facts
It's not necessary to preheat the air fryer to cook bacon making it a quick and easy cooking method
Yes, it's absolutely safe to cook bacon in the air fryer. The key is to cook the bacon at a lower temperature that is lower than the smoke point of bacon fat.
Both methods make delicious bacon, but using an air fryer requires no preheating and is allows for better control over how well done the finished product will be.
Yes, you can follow the same instructions for turkey bacon.
Top tips
Cook time can and will vary according to your model and size of your air fryer. If your air fryer bacon isn't cooked to desired crispness, continue cooking in one to two minute increments until perfect.
The thickness of the bacon will determine the cooking time. Thicker bacon will need more time, thinner bacon will need less time.
If you need more than 5 pieces of bacon, cook in batches. Be sure to pour off bacon fat between batches.
If you don't plan to keep the excess grease, you can place a piece of bread (or two) in the bottom of your air fryer to help absorb the fat.
How to store
Cooked bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to one month in the freezer in an airtight container.
Once cooled, store bacon fat tightly covered in the refrigerated for up to 6 months. To freeze, place in a freezer safe container and keep for up to nine months.
Tip: the best way to freeze bacon fat is in ice cube trays or small sized portions for easy access.
How to use cooked bacon
- Chicken - easily top this crockpot creamy ranch chicken
- Soups - perfect topping for this pumpkin apple soup
- Breakfast - a nice addition to these veggie egg cups
- Side Dishes - a classic topping for baked potatoes
Air Fryer Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon regular or thick cut
Instructions
- Line 5 bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The slices will be slightly longer than the basket, so just fold the edges upward a bit.
- Cook bacon at 350 degrees F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until desired crispness. Cook thick cut bacon for 11 to 13 minutes.
- If undercooked, continue cooking in 2 minute increments. It's better to under cook than over cook.
- Remove cooked bacon and let drain on a paper towel. Pour rendered bacon grease from the bottom of the air fryer basket to a separate container for later use or discard in the trash can (not the sink) once it has cooled off.
Notes
- Cook time can and will vary according to your model and size of your air fryer. If bacon isn't cooked to desired crispness, continue cooking in one to two minute increments until perfect.
- The thickness of the bacon will determine the cooking time. Thicker bacon will need more time, thinner bacon will need less time.
- If you need more than 5 pieces of bacon, cook in batches. Be sure to pour off bacon fat between batches.
- If you don't plan to keep the excess grease, you can place a piece of bread (or two) in the bottom of your air fryer to help absorb the fat.
Did you make the recipe? Share a tip here!