Temperature360°F / 180°C
Cook Time6–9 min
Serves2–3
Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. 1Line the air fryer basket with foil with a few holes punched through for drainage. This makes cleanup almost instant — the foil catches most of the drippings.
  2. 2Lay bacon strips in a single layer. Do not overlap strips — they need space for the air to circulate and crisp all sides evenly.
  3. 3Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 6–9 minutes. Start checking at 5 minutes. Bacon goes from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, especially thin-cut bacon.
  4. 4Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool for 1–2 minutes — it continues to crisp up as it rests. The bacon will be more crispy than when you first take it out.
Bacon Thickness & Time Chart
TypeTempTimeNotes
Thin-cut bacon360°F5–7 minCheck at 4 min
Regular-cut bacon360°F6–9 minCheck at 5 min
Thick-cut bacon360°F10–14 minCheck at 8 min
Extra crispy bacon400°F5–7 minWatch closely
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Pro tip: Save the bacon fat! Pour the drippings from the foil liner into a jar. Bacon fat is liquid gold for cooking eggs, searing steaks, or roasting vegetables.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my air fryer bacon chewy instead of crispy?
Bacon that's chewy rather than crispy is usually undercooked. Cook a little longer — each air fryer varies, and your bacon might need the full 8–9 minutes at 360°F for regular-cut.
Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes — add 3–4 minutes to the cook time. At 360°F, frozen regular-cut bacon needs about 10–12 minutes. Thicker frozen bacon may need 14+ minutes.
Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?
No — the hot air circulates evenly, so flipping isn't necessary. Just lay the strips flat and let the air fryer do the work.
How do I prevent a mess in my air fryer?
Line the basket with foil (poke a few drainage holes), and keep the bacon in a single layer without overlapping. The foil catches 90% of the drippings.