Easy Air Fryer Thick Cut Bacon + Video

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Cooking thick cut bacon in the air fryer is quick, easy, and always crispy. Follow the steps below to make the best bacon using only an air fryer!

Pair this air fryer bacon with my air fryer omelet and air fryer breakfast potatoes!

Air fried thick cut slices of bacon glistening with crispy edges on a light gray plate.

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Recipe Video:

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Making bacon in the air fryer is so easy and convenient. Just place the bacon into the air fryer and let it cook. No grease splatter from the stove!
It’s quick. Cooking bacon in the air fryer is like cooking bacon in the oven except it takes half the time.
Enjoy bacon for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. This air fryer bacon can be paired with an air fryer omelet and toast for breakfast or brunch, or you can make my air fryer chicken bacon wraps for an easy dinner. You can also crumble the bacon to make bacon bits for salads.

Cooked thick cut bacon in a black air fryer basket.

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Q&A:

Do you use parchment paper in an air fryer for bacon?

For the best results, do not use parchment paper when air frying bacon.

Do I need to add oil to air fryer to cook air fryer bacon?

No, there is no need to add additional oil as the bacon provides enough as it cooks.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used instead of pork if preferred.

Equipment Needed:

Air Fryer

Ingredients (Full recipe located in recipe card below):

Five slices of thick cut bacon on a rectangular light gray plate on a white marble surface.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Black air fryer panel with a silver dial set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

2. Once the air fryer is ready, add the bacon to the air fryer in a single layer.

Five slices of thick cut bacon in a black air fryer basket on a wood cutting board.

3. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the bacon and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.

Bacon in a black air fryer basket being flipped over with pink and silver tongs halfway through the cooking process and then fully cooked until crispy.

4. Remove the bacon from air fryer and place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess grease.

Bacon on a paper towel covered plate on a wood cutting board.

5. Once cooled, enjoy with your favorite breakfast or dinner recipes!

Air fryer thick cut bacon with crispy edges on a light gray plate.

Air Fryer Bacon Recipes To Try Next:

What To Serve With Air Fryer Bacon:

Bacon can be served up alongside eggs, or my air fryer omelet and air fryer breakfast potatoes. You can also use bacon to make my air fryer chicken bacon ranch wraps or BLT sandwiches. Here are some other side dish ideas for bacon:

Air fryer bacon stacked on top of each other with a focus on the crispy edges.

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a preheated air fryer of 375 degrees Fahrenheit until warm throughout.

Pro Tips:

Cook thick cut bacon for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the perfect combination of crispy and soft. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees for softer bacon and 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees for crispier bacon.
If using regular cut bacon, reduce the cook time to 7 to 9 minutes.
Expect bacon to get crispier as it cools.
The air fryer used to test this recipe was the Instant Vortex Plus 6 quart. Since all air fryers cook differently you may need to adjust the timing slightly depending on what air fryer you use.

Try These Easy Air Fryer Recipes Next!

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