Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- 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.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- 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.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
- 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.
Step 4: Add the Maple Syrup (Optional)
- 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.
Step 5: Cooking Time
- 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.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
- 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.
Step 7: Drain & Cool
- 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.
Notes
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is simple, but a few tricks can enhance your experience.
- Experiment with Temperature: If you prefer softer bacon, try cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Thicker bacon will need more time. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Bacon Varieties: Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can also be cooked in the air fryer; however, adjust the time based on the type you choose.
- Season It Up: While maple syrup is fantastic, a sprinkle of black pepper or chili flakes before cooking can add a nice kick.
- Clean Your Air Fryer: After using, let it cool, then wipe down the basket and the drip tray. This will keep your air fryer in excellent shape for future use.
