Bacon in the Air Fryer (UK and US Air Fry Bacon)

Do you love bacon? Have you tried cooking bacon in the air fryer?

It's delicious and easy-to-make, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch, snack or added to dinner recipes.

Simply place raw bacon in your air fryer basket, set the timer, and enjoy perfectly crispy bacon in minutes.

There is no mess, no fuss, no grease splatters to clean up, just perfectly cooked bacon!

Jump to:

• Different types of bacon
• How to cook bacon in the air fryer
• Temperature
• Cooking Times
• Streaky bacon in the air fryer
• Is it healthy to cook bacon in an air fryer?
• What to serve with
• 📖 Step by Step Recipe
• More Air Fryer Recipes
• 💬 Reviews

Our air fryer bacon recipe gives you all the advice you need, whether you like thick-sliced bacon or thinner bacon slices.

You can jump straight to the timing here

Air fryer bacon is extra crispy and flavorful, so what are you waiting for? Give air fryer bacon a try today!

Different types of bacon

Bacon is a type of pork typically cured and smoked; it has a rich, salty flavour making it a popular ingredient in many dishes.

There are many different types of bacon. Most are available smoked for a distinctive smoky flavour or uncured bacon for you to add to your taste. Of course, good quality bacon will give the best results.

It is made from pork belly or back cuts and is usually sold in thin slices, although you can get thicker bacon strips. High in saturated fat and calories, so you should eat it in moderation.

However, bacon can be a healthy part of your diet if you choose leaner cuts and cook it healthily.

Back Bacon

The most regular bacon cooked in the UK is back bacon, which is taken from the back of the pig. It is a slice of bacon with less fat than some types.

Cut from the same area as pork chops; just cut into thin or thick-cut bacon. We like to serve our air fryer bacon as breakfast cuisine.

Bacon Medallions

These are small, round slices of bacon cut from the loin, perfect for quick and easy, healthier meals thanks to a higher meat-to-fat ratio.

It's perfect if you don't like bacon fat as it hardly has any! A popular choice for slimming world breakfast or other low-fat diets.

You can make medallions by cutting the excess bacon fat off back bacon slices.

Streaky bacon

This American-style bacon is cut from the belly of the pig; it is very fatty and has a high fat-to-meat ratio.

The amount of fat helps to make super crispy air fryer bacon. The crispiest bacon!!

Try sprinkling brown sugar halfway through cooking to make candied bacon strips, perfect with a stack of pancakes and maple syrup.

Pancetta

Pancetta is Italian bacon made from the belly of the pig (similar cut to American bacon), typically cured in salt and spices.

You can make pancetta slices perfectly crisp or cook diced pancetta to add to all your recipes.

Turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is leaner than pork bacon. Made from turkey meat, it can be a healthy food option for those looking to cut back on fat and calories.

It is less flavourful than pork bacon, but it can be a good option for those who are avoiding pork for religious or dietary reasons.

How to cook bacon in the air fryer

Cooking bacon in the air fryer is easy and will cook faster than other methods!

Place it in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy in minutes.

Temperature

Set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Preheating is recommended if you want super crispy bacon, but not essential.

Do not use parchment paper or liners; you can add a small oil spray if your air fryer is not non-stick.

To make sure the bacon cooks faster and evenly, place it in a single layer on the air fryer basket. This may mean you have to cook in multiple batches.

Cooking Times

Cooking time will vary depending on the type and thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it, but it typically takes 6-10 minutes.

Check on your bacon during cooking, and continue for longer until it is cooked to your desired crispness.

I will give the times to my desired results below, but you can add more or less time to suit your preference?

There is no need to turn the bacon halfway through the cooking process.

Back bacon in the air fryer UK

For thick-cut British back bacon, cook for 8 minutes at 200°C/400°F. There is no need to preheat the air fryer first.

Once cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer onto a kitchen paper towel-lined plate.

Air fried bacon medallions

Medallions take less time to cook in the air fryer, about 6 minutes at 200°C/400°F is perfect.

Streaky bacon in the air fryer

When cooking streaky bacon in the air fryer, I like to preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F first to ensure extra crispy bacon. Cook for 6 minutes.

Most bacon grease will have gathered in the drip tray/ under the fryer basket. But I still like to use paper towels to soak up any excess bacon grease.

Is it healthy to cook bacon in an air fryer?

Bacon cooked in the air fryer has many benefits over traditional cooking methods.

It is a healthier option than traditional pan fry or oven-baked bacon because it is cooked in hot air and not sat in excess grease.

Air fry bacon has less fat and calories than when cooked in a frying pan.

It is also less likely to stick to the pan and burn, so it is less likely to create harmful carcinogens.

So, if you are looking for a healthier option, air fryer bacon is the way to go!

Best air fryer?

We began our air frying journey with the Pro Breeze air fryer from Amazon, which was fine for a budget air fryer.

But we have since switched to the Ninja Dual Air Fryer, which is even better! With two drawers, you can cook different things at the same time.

It also has extra functions, including roasting, baking and dehydrating too!

What to serve with

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast served in bread with ketchup as a bacon sandwich.

Or, as a tasty lunch, bacon-wrapped in puff pastry with cheese, or in sundried tomato puff pastry swirls. Serve alongside our Eggy Bread with Cheese.

Or serve chopped air-fried bacon with our scallops starter or cheesy pasta for dinner.

📖 Step by Step Recipe

So what are you waiting for? Give our crispy air fryer bacon a try today! Let us know if you have any bacon recipe tips!

Bacon is one of the most delicious and versatile foods, enjoyed in England since the Saxon era, the first millennium AD. Read more about the history of bacon.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryer recipes are a great way to enjoy your favourite fried foods without all the unhealthy fat.

We have plenty of recipes to try, including air fryer sausages, chunky chips, spicy wedges, and tandoori chicken kebabs.