Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level? Discover the secret to achieving perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort using your air fryer! In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy mouthwatering, golden slices that are not only delicious but also healthier than traditional frying methods. Whether you're whipping up a hearty breakfast or adding a savory touch to your favorite dishes, this recipe will leave you craving more. Read on to unlock the ultimate guide to cooking bacon that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- Black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Remove bacon from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps render fat while preventing burning.
- Check your air fryer basket and ensure it has a non-stick surface or lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. Depending on air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper over bacon slices for additional flavor.
- Cook bacon for 8-10 minutes, checking periodically. Cooking time may vary slightly based on bacon thickness and air fryer model.
- Halfway through cooking, use tongs to flip bacon slices to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
- Check bacon for desired crispness. Thinner bacon will crisp faster than thick-cut varieties.
- Once bacon reaches desired crispness, carefully remove from air fryer using tongs and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Let bacon rest for 1-2 minutes to cool and further crisp up before serving.
Tips
- Let It Rest: Allow the bacon to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before cooking. This simple step ensures even cooking and helps render the fat perfectly.
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for rendering the fat without burning the bacon, giving you that perfect crispy texture.
- Avoid Sticking: Ensure your air fryer basket has a non-stick surface. If you're unsure, a light spray of cooking oil can help prevent any sticking mishaps.
- Single Layer Magic: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring every slice gets crispy. If you have more bacon than fits, cook in batches!
- Season to Taste: For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper over the bacon before cooking. It adds a delightful touch that enhances the overall taste.
- Keep an Eye on It: Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your bacon and the model of your air fryer. Check the bacon after 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the bacon slices. This step is crucial for achieving that golden crispiness on both sides.
- Know Your Bacon: Thin-cut bacon will cook faster than thick-cut varieties. Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking!
- Drain and Rest: Once the bacon reaches your desired crispness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bacon to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This not only cools it down but also helps it crisp up even more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
