Updated 10 August 2026 · Written by Daniel Wright
Cook bacon in an air fryer for about 7 to 10 minutes at 350 to 400 F, no flipping needed. Thin bacon takes around 7 to 8 minutes, and thick-cut around 10 to 12. Because bacon is fatty, add a little water to the drawer beneath the basket to catch the grease and stop the air fryer from smoking.
Air-fry bacon at 350 to 400 F: thin 7 to 8 min, thick 10 to 12 min. Add water below the basket to prevent smoking.
Times by Thickness
- Thin-cut bacon: about 7 to 8 minutes at 350 to 400 F.
- Regular bacon: about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Thick-cut bacon: about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Check near the end and cook to your preferred crispness; no flipping needed.
Avoiding Smoke
Bacon renders a lot of fat, which can drip onto the hot element and smoke. Pour a little water into the drawer under the basket to catch the grease, lay the bacon in a single layer, and drain rendered fat between batches. If your air fryer smokes often, see why air fryers smoke, and clean it regularly following how to clean an air fryer.
Air Fryer Bacon Times
| Bacon | Time at 350 to 400 F |
|---|---|
| Thin-cut | 7 to 8 min |
| Regular | 8 to 10 min |
| Thick-cut | 10 to 12 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you flip bacon in an air fryer?
No flipping is needed. The circulating hot air cooks both sides. Just lay it in a single layer and check near the end for your preferred crispness.
Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking bacon?
Bacon fat drips onto the hot heating element and burns. Add a little water to the drawer under the basket to catch the grease and reduce smoke.
