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Air Fryer Bacon: The Best. Bacon. Ever!

When it comes to breakfast meats, few can compete with the smoky, crispy delight that is bacon. Traditionally, cooking bacon can be a messy affair, involving splatters and sometimes even burnt pieces. However, the emergence of the air fryer has revolutionised the way we approach this beloved ingredient. Let’s explore why air fryer bacon is being hailed as the best bacon ever, and how you too can master this culinary wonder.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have surged in popularity due to their ability to create crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer replicates the crispy texture of deep frying, making it an excellent choice for bacon. Here are just a few compelling reasons to consider cooking bacon in an air fryer:

1. Less Mess: No more grease splatters on your stovetop. The air fryer keeps all the drippings contained, making clean-up a breeze.

2. Crispier Texture: The hot circulating air ensures that each piece of bacon gets evenly cooked, resulting in a consistently crispy texture that is hard to achieve on the stovetop.

3. Healthier Option: While bacon will always be a treat, cooking it in an air fryer allows for some of the fat to drip away, reducing the overall calorie and fat content compared to frying in oil or butter.

4. Quick Cooking Time: Air fryers are efficient, often cutting cooking times significantly. You can have crispy bacon ready in a flash, perfect for those busy mornings.

How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is deceptively simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving bacon perfection:

Ingredients

• Slice of bacon (any variety or thickness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bacon cooks evenly.

2. Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure that each piece cooks uniformly and crisps up nicely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

3. Cook: Air fry the bacon for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. It’s wise to check on it halfway through the cooking time and turn the strips for even browning.

4. Drain and Serve: Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess grease.

5. Savour the Result: Enjoy your air-fried bacon on its own, or incorporate it into a variety of dishes — from a classic full English breakfast to a decadent bacon sandwich, or even as a topping for salads and pasta.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bacon

• Choose the Right Bacon: Thick-cut bacon tends to perform better in air fryers, offering a perfect balance of crispy edges while remaining tender and juicy in the centre.

• Keep an Eye on It: Cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the bacon, so it’s a good idea to monitor it closely, especially during the first attempt.

• Experiment with Flavours: For a twist, consider seasoning your bacon with black pepper, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for a spicy kick before cooking.

• Pairing Suggestions: Air fryer bacon is incredibly versatile. Consider pairing it with avocado toast, crumbling it over a baked potato, or stirring it into a creamy pasta sauce for an elevation in flavour.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a method to create deliciously crispy bacon without the hassle and mess of traditional frying, the air fryer is truly your best friend in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can savour the delightful taste and texture of bacon as it was meant to be enjoyed. So why not give air fryer bacon a try? It might just become your new favourite way to indulge in this iconic breakfast staple. Happy cooking!