How To Properly Reheat Bacon In The Air Fryer

Attempting to reheat bacon can often lead to a splattering mess, with pieces that quickly burn to an acrid crisp. That's why Food Republic sought advice from Clare Andrews, author of "The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals," which releases on November 7, 2024. According to her, the air fryer is definitely the best way to go, but you do need to stay vigilant when using it.

First, Andrews recommends setting the air fryer to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit — lower than the temperature used for cooking raw bacon. Since the bacon is already cooked, blasting it at a higher heat can cause it to burn quickly. Also, this isn't a situation where you can set a timer and let it air fry without oversight. "Cook the bacon for two to four minutes," Andrew suggests, "checking after two minutes to avoid overcooking and turning each piece." A small pair of tongs from a restaurant supply store is ideal for flipping the hot and slippery strips.

"Be careful[,] as bacon can crisp up quickly in an air fryer, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning," Andrews warns. Once the residual fat is bubbling and the bacon looks refreshed, remove it from the air fryer ASAP. It's better to take it out just a touch before it's fully done — the strips will crisp up slightly as they sit out.

Overall, reheating bacon in the air fryer should take about five minutes or so, though Clare Andrews notes that the total cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. "Arrange the bacon so each piece is not overlapping to ensure even reheating," she told Food Republic.

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of bacon you plan to warm up, you may need to do multiple batches. If so, draining the drip tray between rounds is a good idea to prevent excessive smoking.

Bacon reheated in the air fryer turns out very similar to the freshly cooked stuff, making it perfect for salads, sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes, omelets, and more. For a seriously delicious dip or breakfast taco topping, try adding bacon to guacamole for a salty crunch. Whip up a big batch of oven-roasted bacon at the beginning of the week, and use your air fryer to easily reheat a few slices whenever the craving strikes.