The Secret to the Best Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is crisp, fast, and perfect for a small batch: thick cut slices in a single layer at 400°F for 6 to 10 minutes, turned once.
Air fryer bacon is crisp, fast, and perfect for a small batch. Thick cut slices of America's Best Applewood Smoked Dry Cured Bacon or Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon cook in 6 to 10 minutes at 400°F.
Air fryer bacon recipe: thick cut, 400°F, 6 to 10 minutes
Inspired by Mississippi State University Extension's All about Air Fryers guide. Cook as many slices as fit in one layer; a 24 oz pack takes a few batches.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Lay the slices in the basket in a single layer, not overlapping.
- Cook 6 to 10 minutes, turning the slices once halfway through.
- Check at 6 minutes and cook to the crispness you like. Around 8 minutes gives crisp edges with a meaty center.
- Move the slices to a paper towel lined plate. Empty the grease from the drawer before the next batch.
Air fryer bacon time chart
| Bacon | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cut | 400°F | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Thick cut (ours) | 400°F | 6 to 10 minutes |
| Oven, thick cut | 400°F from a cold start | 18 to 25 minutes |
For a whole pack at once, see bacon in the oven.
Keeping the air fryer smoke free
Bacon renders fat into the drawer under a hot element. Empty the drawer between batches, and add a little water or a slice of bread to the drawer to catch the drips. Keep clear space behind the air fryer for air flow.
Draining and reheating
Drain on paper towels. Refrigerate extras in a covered container and reheat in the air fryer for a minute to bring back the crisp.
Questions people ask about air fryer bacon
How long does it take for bacon to cook in an air fryer?
5 to 7 minutes at 400°F for regular cut and 6 to 10 minutes for thick cut, turned once.
Can I air fry bacon at 400 degrees?
Yes. 400°F is the right temperature for both regular and thick cut.
How do I stop my air fryer from smoking with bacon?
Empty the drip drawer between batches and add a little water or a slice of bread to the drawer.
What are common mistakes when air frying bacon?
Skipping the preheat, overfilling the basket, forgetting to turn the slices, and leaving fat in the drawer.
400°F, one layer, turn once. Heritage Duroc pork, raised crate free with no antibiotics ever on family farms, fed a vegetarian diet, and Prop 12 certified.
Order the Heritage Duroc Cured & Uncured Bacon Box: three 24 oz packs of America's Best Applewood Smoked Dry Cured Bacon and three of Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon.