Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

To fry bacon in an air fryer, you set the basket to about 400°F, lay the strips in a single layer, and cook for roughly 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are crisp. The air fryer circulates hot air around every strip, so you get even browning without flipping or standing over a skillet. The method also keeps most of the grease out of your kitchen.

Why the Air Fryer Works Well for Bacon

Bacon has a lot of fat that renders as it heats. In a skillet, that fat pools and the strips can curl, steam, or burn in spots. In an air fryer, the rendered fat drips into the basket tray, and the strips stay flat and evenly exposed to heat. Thick-cut bacon takes longer, while thin-cut bacon can go from crisp to brittle in a minute or two, so watch it near the end.

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How to Fry Bacon in an Air Fryer Step by Step

Most home cooks can get reliable results by following the same basic sequence each time.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Lay the bacon in a single layer on the basket or a perforated liner, leaving small gaps between strips.
  3. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes for regular-cut bacon, or 10 to 12 minutes for thick-cut.
  4. Check the strips. If they still look pale or floppy, cook in 1-minute intervals.
  5. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Crisp continues to develop for a minute after cooking.

Choosing the Right Temperature

Set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F. At 350°F, bacon cooks more gently and is less likely to splatter, but it takes a few minutes longer. At 400°F, you get a faster, crisper result. Most people will be happy with 375°F as a middle ground.

Handling the Grease

Pull the drawer partway out after about half the cooking time and check for pooled fat. Carefully tip it into a heatproof container. Don’t let grease sit in the bottom of the basket, since it can smoke and make the bacon taste bitter.

Quick Reference: Bacon Times by Cut

Bacon Type Temperature Approximate Time
Thin-cut 375°F 5 to 7 minutes
Regular-cut 375°F 7 to 9 minutes
Thick-cut 375°F 10 to 13 minutes

Times vary by air fryer size and wattage, so treat these as starting points. For a fuller breakdown, see How Long to Air Fryer Bacon: Times for Crispy Results Every Time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the basket. Overlapping strips steam instead of crisping, so cook in batches if needed.
  • Skipping the preheat. A cold basket can leave the fat soft and the bacon chewy.
  • Walking away during the final minutes. Thin strips can darken quickly once the fat has rendered.
  • Leaving bacon in the basket after cooking. Move it to a plate right away so it doesn’t steam and lose its crunch.
  • Forgetting to clean the drawer. Built-up grease can smoke at high heat the next time you cook.
  • Perforated parchment liners help keep bacon from sticking to the basket and make cleanup faster. View on Amazon
  • Silicone-tipped tongs let you rotate and move strips without scratching a nonstick basket. View on Amazon
  • A heatproof grease container gives you a safe place to pour off rendered fat. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?

Usually not. Hot air reaches both sides through the perforated basket, so most bacon browns evenly without flipping. If one side looks paler than the other near the end, you can turn the strips with tongs.

Can I cook bacon from frozen?

It’s not recommended for strips, since they can stick together and cook unevenly. Thaw bacon in the refrigerator first, then separate the strips before cooking.

Is it safe to cook bacon in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as you keep the basket clean, avoid overheating rendered fat, and never leave the appliance unattended for long periods. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual for your model.

Conclusion

Frying bacon in an air fryer takes about 10 minutes of active effort and produces consistently crisp strips with less mess. Start at 375°F, adjust for thickness, and drain on paper towels when done. Once you find your ideal time, you can make a full batch with almost no attention.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home cooking with appliances guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.