Bacon has been one of the staples in my kitchen; I especially love my bacon crispy. But cooking frozen bacon in an air fryer has been my go-to method and a game changer as it always gives delicious crispy bacon.
There are days I forget to thaw my bacon in the fridge overnight and want to fix a quick breakfast in the morning. However, I have since found that using the air fryer is the easiest way to cook my frozen bacon in less time, with no need to defrost.
I have tried oven-baked bacon and microwave bacon but prefer the mess-free air fry bacon. Also, this method provides an easy cleanup with less grease.
Ingredients for crispy air fryer bacon:
- 1 package of bacon Frozen bacon slices – The only ingredient needed. Any type of bacon can be used.
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of cold water or a slice of bread to the bottom of the air fryer
Step 2 – Cook the bacon: Drop the frozen bacon in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes to allow the bacon to defrost; flip the halfway through to make separating the slices of bacon easier.
Step 3 – Arrange Bacon: Use the kitchen tongs to gently separate the frozen bacon strips into individual pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure you don’t overcrowd when cooking. You can cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
Step 4 – Cooking Time: Cook for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the bacon to ensure it cooks evenly with kitchen tongs.
Step 5 – Check for Crispiness: After 10 minutes, check the bacon. If it’s not as crispy as desired, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
Serve: Once cooked to your liking, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve hot.
Why you will love this easy air fryer bacon recipe
This method works for both thick-cut bacon and thin cuts; add 5-6 minutes for thicker cuts.
The air fryer cooking method gives less mess and perfect bacon each time!
My PRO tips for the crispiest bacon
Add 1/2 cup of water or a piece of bread to the bottom of the basket before cooking to prevent smoking from the bacon grease.
Cook your bacon at a lower temperature to avoid smoking. I suggest cooking at 360°F (182°C). The smoke point of bacon fat is at 374 degrees f
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; place the bacon pieces evenly. You can cook in batches.
Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQs About Cooking Frozen Bacon in an Air Fryer
Do I need to thaw the bacon before air-frying it?
No, you can cook it straight from frozen. If your air fryer has the defrost setting, you can use it.
Should I use oil spray on the bacon?
It’s unnecessary, as bacon already contains fat that helps it cook. I usually skip this step for a much healthier bacon.
Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, this also helps to reduce the amount of fat and helps with having a clean air fryer
How do I know when the bacon is done?
Look for a golden-brown color and desired crispiness.
Can I reheat cooked bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, for a few minutes at 360°F.
Is air-fried bacon healthier?
It can be, as it allows fat to drip off the bacon.
4 Reasons Why Using an Air Fryer is the Better Option
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying reduces the amount of fat compared to traditional frying, making it a healthier option.
- Convenience: Cooking directly from frozen saves time and effort in meal preparation.
- Consistent Crispiness: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Easy Clean-Up: Air fryers typically have non-stick surfaces, and many components are dishwasher safe, simplifying the clean-up process.
Crispy Frozen Bacon in air fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
- kitchen tongs
Ingredients
1 package of Frozen bacon slices
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the bacon: Drop the frozen bacon in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes
- Arrange Bacon: Use the kitchen tongs to gently separate the frozen bacon strips into individual pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cooking Time: Cook for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the bacon to ensure it cooks evenly with kitchen tongs.
- Check for Crispiness: After 10 minutes, check the bacon. If it’s not as crispy as desired, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooked to your liking, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve hot.
Ideas of what to serve with frozen Bacon in air fryer
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with crumbled bacon, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese.
- Bacon and Eggs in a Basket: Cut a hole in a slice of bread, fry it in a pan, and cook an egg in the middle, adding bacon on the side.
I hope you love this easy Frozen Bacon in-air fryer recipe. When you make yours, kindly share your experience with me.
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
