If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook bacon in an air fryer without ending up with burnt strips or splattered grease, you’re in the right place. Air fryers have changed the way home cooks prepare breakfast, making bacon faster, cleaner, and more consistent. But like anything in the kitchen, timing is everything.
Whether you prefer your bacon soft, chewy, or extra crisp, this guide breaks down the exact time and temperature you need. I’ll also cover best practices, tips for preventing smoke, and a detailed comparison table so you can get perfect results every time.
Why Air Fryer Bacon Works So Well
Air fryer bacon cooks faster and more evenly than stovetop methods because of the rapid hot-air circulation. The fat renders quickly, the strips crisp up beautifully, and you don’t have to stand over a hot pan dodging grease pops.
Here are the biggest advantages:
- Faster than traditional pan-frying
- More consistent crisping
- Less mess and splatter
- Grease drips away from the bacon
- No babysitting required
- Easy cleanup between batches
But the real key to success is knowing the right time and temperature based on the thickness of your bacon.
How Long to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer
The general rule is:
- Regular-cut bacon: 7–10 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 10–12 minutes
- Temperature: 350°F to 400°F
- Lower temps = softer bacon
- Higher temps = crisper bacon
Below is a complete time and temperature chart you can follow.
Air Fryer Bacon Time and Temperature Chart
| Bacon Thickness | Temperature | Time for Softer Bacon | Time for Crispier Bacon |
| Regular-Cut | 350°F (175°C) | 7 minutes | 8–9 minutes |
| Regular-Cut | 400°F (200°C) | 8 minutes | 9–10 minutes |
| Thick-Cut | 350°F (175°C) | 9–10 minutes | 10–12 minutes |
| Thick-Cut | 400°F (200°C) | 10 minutes | 10–12 minutes |
If this is your first time making bacon in your specific air fryer, start with the shortest time recommended, then add a minute or two until it reaches your perfect level of crispness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Air Fryer Bacon
1. Preheat if Recommended
Not all air fryers require preheating, but if yours does, set it to 350°F or 400°F depending on your desired crisp level.
2. Arrange Bacon in a Single Layer
Lay the strips flat in the basket without overlapping.
Tips:
- Cut strips in half if needed.
- Cook in batches for even results.
3. Use the Time and Temperature Chart
Regular-cut bacon cooks quickly. Thick-cut needs a little more time for the fat to render.
4. Flip Halfway (Optional)
Air fryers cook from all directions, so flipping isn’t mandatory. But flipping once at the halfway mark ensures:
- More consistent browning
- Better crispness on both sides
5. Check Doneness Early
Each air fryer heats differently. The first time you cook bacon:
- Start checking 1–2 minutes before it’s “supposed” to be done.
- Add time as needed.
6. Drain and Serve
Place cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess grease before serving.
7. Clean Between Batches
Pour out the grease and wipe the basket to avoid smoking during the next batch.
The Best Temperature for Air Fryer Bacon
Most cooks land somewhere between 350°F and 400°F, but here’s what each range does best.
350°F (175°C)
- Gentle rendering
- Softer, chewier texture
- Perfect for regular breakfast-style bacon
400°F (200°C)
- Faster crisping
- Deeper color
- Ideal for thick-cut or very crispy bacon
If you want bacon that’s crispy around the edges but still meaty in the center, start at 350°F for a few minutes, then finish at 400°F.
How Thickness Affects Air Fryer Bacon Time
The time difference between regular-cut and thick-cut bacon is more than just texture — it’s about fat content.
Regular-Cut Bacon
- Cooks faster
- Needs less monitoring
- Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, salads
Thick-Cut Bacon
- Takes longer for fat to melt
- More prone to curling
- Perfect for burgers, BLTs, and hearty breakfasts
If cooking thick-cut bacon at 400°F, check often so it doesn’t scorch as it gets near the finish line.
Tips for Better Bacon in an Air Fryer
Don’t Overlap the Slices
Overlapping creates uneven cooking, steaming instead of crisping.
Use a Slice of Bread Under the Basket
This absorbs excess grease and reduces smoke.
Don’t Walk Away the First Time
Every model cooks differently. Learn your air fryer once, then it becomes effortless.
Pat Dry Before Serving
Even perfectly cooked bacon benefits from a quick blot.
What to Do if Your Air Fryer Smokes
Bacon grease heats up quickly, and without proper handling, your air fryer may smoke.
Here are ways to prevent that:
- Pour out grease after each batch
- Add a piece of bread under the basket
- Lower the temperature slightly
- Avoid overcrowding
- Clean residue from previous uses
If your air fryer smokes constantly even at lower temperatures, check the heating element for stuck-on grease.
Can You Cook Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer?
Yes, turkey bacon cooks well in an air fryer, and it’s generally leaner.
- Temperature: 360°F
- Time: 5–8 minutes
- No flipping is required unless you want extra crisp edges
Just keep in mind turkey bacon does not render much fat, so it won’t get as crispy as pork bacon.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bacon
Storing
- Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days
- Freeze cooked bacon for up to 1 month
Reheating Options
- Air fryer: 350°F for 2–3 minutes
- Microwave: 10–20 seconds
- Oven: 375°F for 3–5 minutes
The air fryer is hands-down the best option for bringing back crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer for extra crispy results?
Cook at 400°F for 9–12 minutes depending on thickness. Thick-cut may require closer to 12 minutes.
2. Can you put raw bacon directly in the air fryer?
Yes. No foil or special tray is required. Just place the slices in the basket and cook.
3. Should I flip bacon in the air fryer?
It’s optional. Air fryers circulate heat evenly, but flipping once can help achieve an even golden color.
4. Can I stack bacon if I’m cooking a large batch?
Avoid stacking. Overlapping creates steam and prevents crisping. Cook in batches for the best results.
5. What temperature is best for chewy bacon?
For softer, chewy bacon, cook at 350°F for the minimum recommended time in the chart.
Final Thoughts
Knowing exactly how long to cook bacon in an air fryer makes the process simple, predictable, and consistently delicious. Whether you prefer regular or thick-cut, soft or extra crispy, the time-and-temperature chart above ensures perfect bacon every single time. Once you understand your specific air fryer’s quirks, bacon practically cooks itself.