Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. If your model runs hot or tends to smoke, start at 330–340°F instead.

2. 2

   Lay 8–10 bacon slices in a single layer in the basket — a little overlap is okay, stacking isn't. Grind on black pepper if you like. Work in batches for a full package.

3. 3

   Air fry 8–10 minutes for regular slices, or 10–12 for thick-cut. Check at 7–8 minutes and cook to your preferred crispness — bacon firms a bit more as it cools.

4. 4

   Transfer to paper towels to drain. Wipe or pour off excess fat between batches if the basket's swimming (never pour hot grease down the drain).

5. 5

   Serve with eggs, toast, BLTs, or crumbled over a salad. You want evenly crisp bacon with rendered fat — not chewy underdone strips or bitter charcoal edges.