Air Fryer Bacon

Temperature

350°F

175°C

Time

10 min

4-6 strips

Safe internal

145°F

63°C

Bacon in the air fryer changed my Saturday mornings - no fat spitting all over the stovetop, and it drips away below so it's a little less greasy. There'll be a bit of smoke from the fat, but don't panic, that's normal.

How to air fry bacon

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Add the fresh bacon in a single layer. Okay to overlap slightly.
  3. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
  4. Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Pro tip

Place a piece of bread under the basket to catch grease and stop smoke.

How to tell when it's done

I pull it just before it looks perfectly crisp, because it firms up as it cools. Thin bacon can be ready in eight minutes; the thick-cut wants the full time and maybe a minute more.

Safe internal temperature

Cook to 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.

Converting from an oven recipe

If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 350°F for 10 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.

Air fryer bacon: FAQ

How long does it take to air fry bacon?

Air fry bacon at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 4-6 strips in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.

What temperature do you air fry bacon at?

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for bacon?

A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.

What's the safe internal temperature for bacon?

Cook bacon to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.

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