Air fryer bacon is the fastest way to get crispy, perfect bacon slices – with no fat splatter and none of the mess from the pan. Give your slices 8-10 minutes at 180 degrees, and you’ll have crunchy, crispy bacon ready for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious sandwich. If you want to make diced bacon in the air fryer, simply cut the bacon into smaller pieces and shake the basket a couple of times along the way. In this guide, you’ll get all my best tips on time, temperature, and technique – plus inspiration for using your crispy bacon in dishes like bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer or a classic omelette in the air fryer.
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents:
The History of Bacon
The Origin of Bacon
Bacon has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. Its origin can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as Rome and China, where salting meat was a method of preserving it. The Romans were known for their “petaso”, which was salted pork leg cooked with figs and served with wine. In China, there has been documented practice of salting pork as far back as 1500 BC. These early methods laid the foundation for the bacon we know today.
The Evolution of Bacon
Over the centuries, bacon has evolved both in production and use. In medieval Europe, bacon became a staple food for many farming communities, as it was easy to preserve and a reliable source of protein. In the 20th century, industrial methods of meat production became more common, making it accessible to the masses. Modern techniques have refined the salting and smoking process, resulting in the wide variety of bacon types we see today.
I recommend this fresh IPA for our crispy air fryer bacon
Bacon has an intense, salty, and slightly smoky flavour that calls for something with bite and character – and that’s exactly what a good IPA delivers. The bitter, floral hop notes cut through the richness of the bacon and cleanse the palate perfectly, so every bite tastes just as good as the first. I’ve tried many combinations with bacon, but a beer with pronounced hops is my absolute favourite for brunch and snacks. I can warmly recommend the IPA – Can 44cl – a classic Herslev IPA with fruity and aromatic notes that takes your bacon experience to new heights.
Types of Bacon
Cuts of Bacon
It can come from different parts of the pig, each with its own unique flavour and texture. The most common cuts include:
- Streaky bacon:This is the most common type of bacon, known for its fatty, tender texture.
- Back bacon:This type, also known as Canadian bacon, is leaner and comes from the pig’s back. It’s more like ham in consistency.
- Shoulder bacon:Made from pork shoulder, this bacon is leaner than streaky bacon and has a robust flavour.
Varieties of Bacon
There are several different ways bacon can be prepared, resulting in different flavour experiences:
- Smoked:The most common type, where the bacon is smoked with wood chips such as hickory or apple wood, giving a deep smoky flavour.
- Unsmoked:This type is simply salted and not smoked, giving a milder flavour.
- Peppered:Coated with crushed black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Syrup:Bacon sweetened with maple syrup for a unique sweet-and-salty flavour combination.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer – time and temperature
How to get crispy bacon in the air fryer every time
Cooking bacon may seem simple, but there are some best practices to ensure perfect crispiness every time:
- On the stovetop:Place the bacon in a cold pan and heat it slowly. This helps render the fat without burning the bacon. Turn the slices regularly for even cooking.
- In the oven:For larger amounts of bacon, place the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This gives more even cooking and less splatter.
- In the air fryer:For quick cooking with less fat, place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 8-10 minutes.
Try sprinkling a little brown sugar on the bacon before cooking it in the air fryer. It gives a delicious caramelised surface and a fantastic sweet-and-salty flavour combination.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Use your bacon in delicious dishes
Bacon can enhance many dishes by adding flavour and texture. Some creative ways to use bacon include:
- Salads:Add crispy bacon pieces to salads for extra flavour and crunch.
- Sandwiches:Bacon is a classic addition to sandwiches like BLTs (bacon, lettuce, and tomato).
- Starters:Try bacon-wrapped dates or asparagus for a delicious starter.
- Main dishes:Bacon can be used in pasta dishes, as a topping on pizza, or in stews for extra depth and flavour.
Why the air fryer is perfect for bacon
Here are some reasons why the air fryer is ideal for this:
- Healthier alternative:The air fryer doesn’t require extra fats, reducing the amount of oil and fat in your cooking.
- Faster cooking:The meat cooks faster in the air fryer compared to the oven or the pan, saving time.
- Even cooking:The air fryer circulates hot air around the bacon, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly crispy texture.
- Less mess:The air fryer reduces splatter and mess in the kitchen, as the fat collects in the bottom of the basket.
- Flexibility:You can easily cook small or large amounts without compromising on quality.
Health and Nutrition
Nutritional Information
It’s a good source of protein, but it’s also high in fat and sodium. Typical nutritional information for 100 grams of fried bacon includes:
- Calories:About 541 kcal
- Protein:37 grams
- Fat:42 grams (saturated fat 14 grams)
- Sodium:About 1,717 mg
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Rich in protein:Helps build and repair tissue.
- Flavour enhancer:Can make meals more flavourful, which can help increase appetite and the enjoyment of food.
Disadvantages:
- High fat content:Especially saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease.
- High sodium content:Can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed in large amounts.
Conclusion: Air fryer bacon is the easiest method
Air fryer bacon is my preferred method – and for good reason. You avoid the fat splatter, the bacon turns out evenly crispy, and it takes only 8-10 minutes at 180 degrees. Whether you’re making whole slices or diced bacon in the air fryer, the method is the same: place the bacon in a single layer, set the time and temperature, and let the air fryer do the work. Also try using your crispy bacon in a chopped steak with bacon in the air fryer – it’s a sure favourite in our home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bacon should be cooked at 180 degrees in the air fryer to become evenly crispy without burning.
It typically takes 8-10 minutes for regular slices and 10-12 minutes for thick slices or if the basket is full.
Yes, you can use baking paper to make cleaning easier, but it can make the bacon less crispy on the underside, as the air circulation is restricted.
If your air fryer has a powerful fan, you can place a small rack on top of the bacon slices to keep them in place during cooking.
Recipe
Air Fryer Bacon
Cooking Guide
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Step 2:
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Our estimate is based on average food prices for the current year 2026.
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Airfryer size
All our recipes are tested in a Philips Airfryer 2000 Series NA230/00 – 6.2 L
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Shopping list
How to make it
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. (Use a preset, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Place the 200 gram sliced bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even cooking.
- Fry the bacon for 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you want it. Check along the way and flip the slices if needed.Start the online kitchen timer here
- When the bacon is done, take it out with tongs or a fork and place it on paper towel to absorb excess fat.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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