So, we’ve got to talk about bacon. The crispy deliciousness that makes mornings brighter and brunch worth waiting for. But let’s flip the script for a minute. What if I told you there’s a way to cook bacon that’s not just easy but downright amazing? Enter the air fryer. That magical kitchen gadget that turns out perfectly crispy bacon with less mess and hassle. Join me as I explore air fryer bacon like I’m uncovering a family treasure.
Air fryer bacon is nothing more than your good old bacon cooked in an air fryer. It’s like a mini convection oven that circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and making it crispy without needing to drown it in oil. Imagine biting into bacon that’s crunchy around the edges and perfectly rendered, yet without the smoke and splatter of traditional frying. It can make bacon everyday, and I’m super excited to share this magic with you!
Let’s skip the fluff and get straight to the point. You’ll love air fryer bacon because it’s a game changer.
Making air fryer bacon is simple. You don’t need any fancy components. Here’s what you’ll need:
Start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure your bacon is fresh from the fridge. Lay it out so you can see what you’re working with. This will make your life easier as you start the cooking process.
Before you toss the bacon in, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allowing the air fryer to heat up ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately, leading to the crispiest results.
Now comes the fun part! Arrange your bacon strips in the air fryer basket. You don’t want them overlapping too much; give each piece a little room to breathe. This helps with even cooking and achieving maximum crispiness.
If you’re using the maple syrup, drizzle it lightly over the bacon strips. Just a teaspoon is enough to create a delicious glaze without making the bacon overly sweet.
Place the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon. Halfway through, it’s a good idea to check on it. If you want, you can flip the bacon for even cooking.
When the timer goes off, check your bacon. Is it golden and crispy? If you like it a bit more on the crunchy side, give it another minute. Remember, the bacon will continue to cook a tad after you pull it out.
Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease. Let it cool for a minute before diving in.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is simple, but a few tricks can enhance your experience.
Let’s break down the nutrition for traditional bacon:
Bacon does contain sodium and saturated fat, but when cooked in an air fryer, you can drain much of the grease, making for a slightly lighter option.
Absolutely! Once you’ve cooked your air fryer bacon, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat it in the air fryer for a couple of minutes when you’re ready to enjoy it again. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to a month. Just make sure to separate the strips with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
The possibilities are limitless! Here are a few tasty ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Why stick to basic when you can get creative? Here are some fun variations to try with your air fryer bacon:
Air fryer bacon is a revelation. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, delicious bacon without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. From the way it saves time and mess to how it opens the door for countless recipes, this method has changed my breakfast game forever. The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that it adapts to your preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! So, are you ready to give it a shot? Fire up that air fryer and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
So, we’ve got to talk about bacon. The crispy deliciousness that makes mornings brighter and brunch worth waiting for. But let’s flip the script for a minute. What if I told you there’s a way to cook bacon that’s not just easy but downright amazing? Enter the air fryer. That magical kitchen gadget that turns out perfectly crispy bacon with less mess and hassle. Join me as I explore air fryer bacon like I’m uncovering a family treasure.
Servings 5
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is simple, but a few tricks can enhance your experience.
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.