How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Set up the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if your model recommends preheating. Lay the bacon in the basket in a single layer. A little overlap is acceptable at the start, especially with long slices, because bacon shrinks as it cooks. Avoid stacking pieces, which can leave the centers soft and prevent even browning. Trim slices if needed so they sit flat without touching the heating element.

Air fryer bacon time and temperature

Cook regular-cut bacon for about 8–11 minutes at 350°F. Thick-cut bacon usually needs 10–14 minutes. Start checking a few minutes before the shorter end of the range, since air fryers vary and slice thickness is not consistent. For very crisp bacon, continue in one-minute increments. The bacon will firm slightly as it cools, so stop when it looks just shy of your ideal texture.

• Regular cut: 8–11 minutes
• Thick cut: 10–14 minutes
• Turn only if your air fryer browns unevenly

Control smoke and grease

Bacon can smoke when grease becomes too hot or collects near the heating element. Keep the temperature moderate rather than using the highest setting, and do not overload the basket. If your model allows it, pause carefully and drain excess grease when the basket has collected a substantial amount. Never add water unless your appliance manual specifically permits it; liquid near hot grease can splatter.

• Use 350°F for a steadier cook
• Check the grease during longer batches
• Keep the air fryer on a heat-safe surface

Drain and serve carefully

Transfer the cooked bacon with tongs to a plate lined with paper towels or a rack set over a tray. Handle it carefully: hot bacon grease can drip from the basket and remains hot after cooking. Let the slices drain for a minute or two before serving. If you are cooking multiple batches, pour or spoon off excess grease between batches only after it has cooled enough to handle safely.

For multiple batches and leftovers

Cook in batches rather than crowding the basket. The second batch may brown a little faster because the air fryer is already hot, so begin checking early. Refrigerate leftover cooked bacon within 2 hours in a covered container and use it within 3–4 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave until hot, watching closely because thin slices can crisp quickly.