Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, delicious bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking. Here's how to do it:
1. **Preheat the Air Fryer**: Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This step helps ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. **Prepare the Bacon**: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your bacon slices. You can lay them flat in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. If you prefer, you can also cut the bacon slices in half to fit more in the basket.
3. **Cook the Bacon**: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the bacon in the basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the bacon, you may need to cook it in batches.
4. **Cooking Time**: Cook the bacon in the air fryer for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of the bacon. It's a good idea to check on the bacon halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed.
5. **Flip the Bacon (Optional)**: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
6. **Check for Doneness**: Once the cooking time is up, check the bacon to make sure it's reached your desired level of crispiness. If it needs a little more time, you can continue cooking it in the air fryer in one-minute increments until it's done to your liking.
7. **Remove and Serve**: Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before serving.
8. **Enjoy**: Serve your crispy air fryer bacon alongside your favorite breakfast dishes, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods since it requires little to no added oil. Plus, the air fryer helps to render the fat, resulting in crispy bacon with less grease.