Air Fryer Bacon

Crisp streaky bacon is a simple breakfast favourite and a useful savoury extra for sandwiches, burgers, salads and brunch plates. Cooking it in the air fryer gives the rashers direct circulating heat, helping the fat render and the edges brown without the splatter of a frying pan. The result can be taken from lightly crisp to deeply browned depending on thickness and preference, with just a brief drain on kitchen paper before serving. A little black pepper sharpens the salty richness, while smoked paprika can add a deeper, smoky finish.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style American-style breakfast
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast cooking: The air fryer’s direct circulating heat cooks bacon quickly, with very little active work.
  • Crisp edges: Turning the rashers partway through helps both sides brown evenly and render their fat.
  • Simple ingredients: Streaky bacon needs little more than heat, with black pepper or smoked paprika as optional finishing touches.

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Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: Bacon is at its best just after cooking, while the edges are crisp and the fat is still glossy.
  • Adjust for thickness: Thinner rashers may be ready sooner, while thicker bacon needs a little longer to brown and crisp.

Common mistakes

  • Do not overlap the rashers: A single layer allows hot air to circulate properly, helping the bacon cook evenly rather than steam.
  • Watch for smoking: If excess fat starts to smoke, pause cooking and carefully pour it off before continuing.

Texture tips

  • For crisper bacon: Cook for the longer end of the suggested time, checking closely near the end so the rashers do not over-brown.
  • Remember it firms as it rests: Bacon continues to crisp slightly after it leaves the air fryer, especially once drained on kitchen paper.

Ingredient notes

  • Use streaky rashers: Streaky bacon has enough fat to render well in the air fryer, giving a crisp edge and savoury finish.
  • Season after cooking: Black pepper or smoked paprika works best as a finishing touch, so the seasoning stays aromatic rather than scorching.

Equipment you'll need

Air fryer Tongs
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 2 minutes. Arrange the bacon in a single layer in the basket, trimming to fit if needed.
  2. Air fry for 6 minutes, then turn the rashers with tongs. Air fry for 2 to 4 minutes more, until browned and as crisp as you like.
  3. Lift the bacon out and drain briefly on kitchen paper. Finish with black pepper, if using, and serve straight away.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Cooking time varies with rasher thickness, so start checking at 8 minutes total for thinner bacon and 10 minutes for thicker rashers.
  • If the bacon begins to smoke, pause and carefully pour off excess fat, then continue cooking.

Substitutions

  • Replace Black pepper with Smoked paprika for a smoky finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Bacon is best served straight away. If you have leftovers, cool and refrigerate in an airtight container, then reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 2 to 3 minutes until piping hot.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 12min (2min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Air fryer Tongs

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1 cup ≈ 110.4 g
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