Craving crispy bacon without the splatter? The air fryer cooks bacon fast with less mess and better texture than the pan. Here’s how to do it right — from thick-cut to regular strips.
Quick Answer: Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 7–10 minutes. Thin bacon cooks faster; thick-cut takes longer. Always check for doneness early, as cook time varies by air fryer.
Why Air Frying Bacon Works: Air frying renders bacon evenly and quickly. Fat drains away from the strips, leaving you with crisp, golden pieces and less grease to clean up. It’s also faster than the oven and less messy than the stove.
Best Temperature for Bacon
350°F is ideal. It crisps without burning and reduces smoke from excess grease.
Time Chart by Cut
| Bacon Type | Time at 350°F | Tips |
| Thin Cut | 6-8 minutes | Check early to avoid over-crisping |
| Regular Cut | 8-10 minutes | No flipping needed |
| Thick Cut | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway for best texture |
| Turkey Bacon | 5-7 minutes | Cooks faster, less grease |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Set temp to 350°F.
- Cook for 6–12 minutes based on thickness.
- Flip halfway if using thick-cut bacon.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain and crisp up further.
Tips for Best Results
- Line the bottom tray with parchment or bread slices to catch grease.
- Don’t overcrowd—air needs to circulate.
- For less mess, use a splatter shield or rack if your air fryer includes one.
* Air fryer bacon is obviously delicious, but it’s still processed meat and should be eaten in moderation. Learn more about the health impacts of bacon in a medically reviewed overview from WebMD.
You Might Also Like: Air fried salmon for breakfast!
FAQs
Can I cook a full pack at once?
No, cook in batches for best results. Overlapping strips won’t cook evenly.