Bacon
Perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon made effortlessly in the air fryer. No splatter, no mess — just golden, crunchy strips ready in minutes. The air fryer circulates hot air around every strip for consistent crispiness without flipping, making this the easiest and cleanest way to cook bacon at home.
4 servings · Prep 2 min · Cook 10 min · Total 12 min
American · Side Dish · Breakfast
Ingredients
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12 slice bacon thick-cut or regular, your preference- regular
1 tsp black pepper freshly ground, optional for extra flavor
1 tsp brown sugar for a sweet-savory glaze, optional
0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional, adds smoky depth
0.25 tsp garlic powder optional, for savory boost
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a spicy kick
1 tsp maple syrup optional, drizzle over strips before cooking for candied bacon
1 tsp Dijon mustard optional, brush lightly for a tangy glaze
Equipment
Oven
Air Fryer
Pie Dish
Paper Towel
Basket
Plates
Tongs
Instructions
- Preheat your #[Air Fryer] to ![375°F] for ~[3 minutes]. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Lay the @[Bacon] strips in a single layer in the #[Air Fryer] basket. Do not overlap — work in batches if needed. If desired, sprinkle with @[Black Pepper], @[Smoked Paprika], @[Garlic Powder], or @[Cayenne Pepper], or brush lightly with @[Maple Syrup] or @[Dijon Mustard] for a flavored variation.
- Air fry at ![375°F] for ~[8–10 minutes]. For regular-cut @[Bacon], check at ~[8 minutes]. For thick-cut @[Bacon], cook the full ~[10 minutes] or up to ~[12 minutes]. No flipping is needed — the circulating air crisps both sides evenly. Watch closely in the last ~[2 minutes] to reach your preferred level of crispiness.
- Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked @[Bacon] to a plate lined with #[Paper Towel]. Let it rest for ~[1–2 minutes] — it will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools. Serve immediately.
