This recipe has been tested in the following air fryer models (affiliate links): Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer, Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL Air Fryer and Cosori Pro II. Cooking time can vary with your specific model.

 

 

Don't preheat! Starting with a cold air fryer helps even more of the fat render off, which in turn gives you even crispier bacon. Make sure the bacon fits. Slice the bacon strips in half if needed, as I did here. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. It's fine if the bacon slices overlap slightly, but you shouldn't have multiple layers. If you're making a lot, cook them in batches. If you air fryer starts to smoke, don't panic! This is due to fat collecting in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Just add a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to avoid the fat burning. Cook time can vary. Both with different air fryers and with the exact bacon you choose. Below are some guidelines. For crispy bacon: air fry 5-6 minutes. For less crispy bacon: air fry 4-5 minutes. For thick cut bacon: air fry 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).