If you’re a meat fan, the smell of bacon on a weekend morning is hard to resist. But with crispy, salty deliciousness comes great responsibility. Namely washing up a greasy frying pan.

But what if we told you there's a way to make fried bacon better? More crispy, quicker to prepare and far less faff? Bring on the air fryers. Yes, we told you that air fryers are good for gammon. But they’re great for bacon!

We'll walk you through everything you need to know about air fryer bacon, from why it's such a game-changer to how to achieve that ideal crunch every time.

Why use an air fryer for bacon?

Let's face it, cooking bacon can be messy. Whether it’s splattering grease, uneven cooking and the constant need to flip – it's enough to make anyone reach for the cereal. But air frying bacon changes everything. When you cook bacon in an air fryer, it can be a much cleaner, faster and often healthier method.

For one thing, most air fryer baskets can go straight into the dishwasher once you’re done with them. And forget any starter oil. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking while excess fat drips away, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon without it swimming in hot oil. Plus, you can forget about wiping greasy stovetops and focus on more important things in life - like what sauce to put in your bacon butty. (The answer is obviously HP Sauce).

How to choose the right bacon

Before you start air frying bacon, it's crucial to select the right kind. Fortunately you can’t go too far wrong. Thick cut back bacon works wonders in the air fryer, as it holds up well to the circulating heat. It’s actually much easier to cook than in a pan, because every part gets cooked evenly - so there’s no mix of undercooked and burnt which can often be the problem with back bacon. Yuck!

If you want to go for a more American style, streaky bacon works brilliantly for that dry crunch. And here’s the good news. Even low fat bacon medallions do well in an air fryer. It’s all about that hot circulating air - which can even crisp up bacon with a low fat content. A little low cal cooking spray can help brown it up too.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start, a little prep goes a long way. First, make sure your air fryer is clean and dry. Some fryers benefit from a light spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking, but be cautious – too much oil can cause smoking. If your air fryer has a drip tray, line it with foil for easier cleanup.

Step-by-step guide to air frying bacon

Ready to dive in? Here's how to ace air fried bacon:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).

2. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd. You’ll want to make sure that the hot air has access to every bit of your bacon.

3. Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispiness.

4. Halfway through, flip the bacon for even cooking.

5. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Cooking times and temperatures

How long to cook bacon in air fryer? The answer depends on a few factors. Generally, air fry bacon at 200°C (390°F) for 8-12 minutes.

For thin-cut bacon, start checking at 8 minutes. Thick-cut might need the full 12 minutes or even a bit more. Remember, bacon continues to crisp up after cooking, so it's okay if it looks slightly underdone. The beauty of the air fryer is its consistency – once you find your perfect settings, you can repeat it time after time without a second thought.

Tips for perfect air fryer bacon

Want to be an air fryer high flyer? Want to bring home the bacon? Try these pro tips:

• Pat the bacon dry before cooking for extra crispiness. Moisture is not your friend.

• Always preheat. Just like with real frying, making sure that the air fryer is already hot will help you get crispier bacon.

• If you have a smaller air fryer basket, cut the bacon into smaller pieces to fit the basket better. Remember: each piece needs that hot air treatment.

• Experiment with different seasonings – a sprinkle of brown sugar, paprika or black pepper can add a tasty twist.

• Don't forget to either shake the basket or flip the bacon halfway through cooking.

• If you're cooking multiple batches, pour out the accumulated grease between rounds to prevent smoking.

Serving suggestions

Now that you've mastered how to cook bacon in air fryer, let's talk serving. The classic BLT is always a winner, but why not get creative? Crumble your crispy bacon over a salad, wrap it around asparagus spears, or use it to top a gourmet burger. For a sweet and savoury treat, try dipping air fryer bacon in maple syrup.

And if you want the ultimate bacony treat - combine it with avocado in a bagel with chilli jam. It’ll change your life. Well, your Saturday mornings anyway.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Let's be honest – leftover bacon is a rare occurrence. But if you find yourself with extra, proper storage is key. Once cooled, store your air fryer bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This method keeps the bacon crispy without drying it out.

But let’s be honest. You’re not going to reheat it are you? You’re just going to stand at the fridge and eat it straight out of the tupperware.

What’s next?

If you feel inspired by a little air fryer cookery, why not try out Jack Monroe’s air fryer roast chicken? Or you can shop around with some of the best air fryers on the market.