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Air Fryer Bacon (Crispy & Easy!)
- Category: Popular |
Looking for the quickest way to make perfectly crispy bacon with less mess? This air fryer bacon recipe is your new go-to! Using the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer, you can cook streaky or back bacon to crispy perfection in minutes... no flipping required!
How long does bacon take in the air fryer?
Streaky bacon takes about 6–8 minutes, while back bacon takes 8–10 minutes at 200°C. Timing depends on thickness and how crispy you like it.
Should I preheat the air fryer for bacon?
Yes, preheating to 200°C helps the bacon cook evenly and start crisping right away. Most air fryers only need 2–3 minutes to preheat.
Can I cook frozen bacon in the air fryer?
Yes, but it’s best to separate the rashers first. Cook at 180°C for 3–4 minutes to defrost slightly, then increase to 200°C for 6–8 minutes. Always check it’s cooked through.
Do I need to flip bacon in the air fryer?
Not always. The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer and other dual-airflow models usually crisp both sides well. Flip halfway if you’re using a single-drawer model or want super even results.
Will the air fryer get greasy or smoke?
Some bacon grease may splatter, but it’s minimal. If you’re getting smoke, try placing a slice of bread or a little water in the bottom drawer to absorb fat and prevent it from burning.
What’s the best type of bacon for the air fryer?
Streaky bacon gets the crispiest. Back bacon works too, especially if you prefer a leaner option – just cook it slightly longer.
Can I cook more than one layer of bacon at once?
It’s best to cook in a single layer for maximum crispiness. If cooking a big batch, do it in two rounds or use a rack if your air fryer supports it.
Is air fryer bacon healthier than frying?
Yes – you don’t need oil, and a lot of the fat renders out during cooking. Patting it with kitchen roll afterwards reduces grease even more.
Method
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (or use the air fry setting if preheating is automatic on your model).
Step 2
Lay the bacon in a single layer in the Ninja Megazone drawer – no overlap for maximum crispness.
Step 3
Air fry streaky bacon for 6–8 minutes or back bacon for 8–10 minutes (you can adjust timing based on your preferred crisp level)
Step 4
This is optional, but you can flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking (but not necessary with the Ninja’s air circulation!)
Step 5
When the bacon is cooked, remove from the air fryer and place on a piece of kitchen roll to absorb excess fat. Let rest for 1–2 minutes (this allows the bacon to crisp up as it cools).
Ingredients
6–8 rashers of streaky bacon OR 4-6 rashers of back bacon (smoked or unsmoked, your preference)
