Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Yes, you can make bacon in the air fryer, and it turns out crisp with far less splatter than a skillet. Most strips cook at 400°F for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness and how crunchy you like it. The key is giving the bacon space and letting the air fryer’s circulating heat render the fat evenly.

Why the Air Fryer Works for Bacon

An air fryer blows hot air around the food, so the fat renders from every side at once. Because the basket is elevated or perforated, grease drips away from the strips instead of sitting in a pan and re-frying them. That is why the bacon ends up flatter and crisper with less cleanup.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (2026): Expert Picks.

How to Make Bacon in the Air Fryer, Step by Step

Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F for three minutes. This helps the bacon begin rendering right away instead of steaming.

  1. Lay the strips in a single layer on the basket or a perforated liner. Leave a small gap between pieces so hot air can reach each one.
  2. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes for regular-cut bacon, or 10 to 12 minutes for thick-cut.
  3. Check at the halfway point. If the strips are curling, you can flip them with tongs, though many home cooks skip this step.
  4. Look for deep golden color and a firm texture. Remove the bacon when it reaches your preferred doneness.
  5. Move the strips to a paper towel-lined plate for about a minute to absorb surface grease.

Adjusting for Thickness and Crispness

For chewier bacon, pull it at 7 to 8 minutes. For shatter-crisp strips, extend cooking by 2 minutes, watching closely near the end because the sugar in cured bacon can darken quickly.

Bacon Timing Reference

The table below gives a starting point. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so treat these as first-batch guidelines.

Bacon Type Temperature Time Texture
Regular cut 400°F 8 to 10 minutes Crisp with slight chew
Thick cut 400°F 10 to 12 minutes Meaty, crisp edges
Extra crispy regular 400°F 11 to 13 minutes Brittle and snappy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the basket, which causes steaming and soft, pale strips.
  • Skipping the paper towel step, which leaves bacon greasy.
  • Walking away during the final minutes, since bacon can go from crisp to burnt quickly.
  • Pouring rendered grease into the basket or drawer. Let it cool and discard it in a container.
  • Using a liner without holes, which traps grease and slows cooking.

A perforated parchment liner makes cleanup easier and keeps the strips from sticking to the basket. View on Amazon

Tongs with a locking mechanism help you flip strips without tearing them. View on Amazon

A splatter guard can help contain grease if you cook thick-cut bacon at higher heat. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for bacon?

Preheating is helpful but not required. A three-minute preheat at 400°F gives more even rendering, especially for thinner strips.

Can I cook bacon from frozen in the air fryer?

It is possible, but separate the strips first and add two to three minutes to the cooking time. Check frequently, since frozen bacon cooks unevenly.

What do I do with the leftover bacon grease?

Let it cool, then pour it into a heatproof jar and store it in the refrigerator. Never pour hot grease down a drain or into the trash while it is liquid.

Conclusion

Making bacon in the air fryer is quick, tidy, and consistent once you know your temperature and timing. Start at 400°F, space the strips, and check near the end. Adjust by a minute or two until the bacon matches your favorite texture.

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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.