Breville Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

So you’re craving something crispy, salty, and utterly divine, but the thought of oil splatters all over your kitchen makes you want to just order a pizza? Yeah, I feel you. Who wants to deal with the aftermath of stovetop bacon when there’s a better, cleaner, and frankly, more genius way? Enter your trusty Breville Air Fryer, ready to transform humble bacon into pure, unadulterated perfection without the usual mess and fuss. Get ready to have your bacon-loving mind blown!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real: cooking bacon in an air fryer isn’t just a hack; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. First off, it’s virtually mess-free. No more grease flying onto your stove, counters, or even your ceiling (how does that even happen?!). Your kitchen will thank you, and your future self will thank you when cleanup takes about 30 seconds instead of 30 minutes. Second, the crispiness! Oh, the glorious, even crispiness you get from an air fryer is unparalleled. Every single strip is cooked to perfection, not soggy in the middle or burnt on the edges. It’s consistent, it’s idiot-proof, and frankly, it makes you look like a culinary wizard with minimal effort. Plus, your significant other/roommate/pet will think you’re a genius. You’re welcome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Your Favorite Bacon: Thick-cut, thin-cut, fancy artisanal, or the budget stuff that still tastes like heaven. Whatever your heart (and stomach) desires.
• Your Breville Air Fryer: Because, well, that’s what we’re here for! Make sure it’s plugged in, unless you’re trying to achieve raw bacon, which is… a choice.
• Tongs (optional, but highly recommended): Unless you enjoy burnt fingertips. Just sayin’.
• Paper Towels (for blotting, if you’re feeling fancy): To soak up any excess grease, because even perfect bacon has its oily moments. Or skip it, live a little!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Bacon: Lay out your bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Seriously, don’t overcrowd it, people! We want crispy, not steamed, bacon. Think of it like a spa day for your bacon—give it space. You’ll likely need to do this in batches.
2. Preheat for Perfection: Pop the basket back in and preheat your Breville Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). Give it about 5 minutes to get nice and hot. **Don’t skip this part!** A hot start is essential for that glorious crisp.
3. Fry It Up! Once preheated, cook the bacon for 10-15 minutes. Now, here’s the *key*: **flip the bacon halfway through** (around 5-7 minutes). This ensures even cooking and maximum crisp factor. Thicker bacon might need a minute or two more, thinner less. Keep an eye on it, because air fryers are fast!
4. Check for Crispiness: Bacon done-ness is a personal journey. Once it’s reached your preferred level of golden-brown perfection and crispiness, carefully remove it with your trusty tongs.
5. Blot and Devour: Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Or, if you’re a rebel, just eat it straight away. No judgment here. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: Trying to fit too much bacon in one go. It’s not a clown car, folks! Overcrowding leads to sad, chewy bacon instead of happy, crispy bacon. Do it in batches, IMO.
• Not Preheating: Thinking you can just chuck it in cold. Nope! A hot start is essential for that perfect crisp. **Preheat your air fryer!** It’s not a suggestion, it’s a command.
• Forgetting to Flip: Leaving it to cook on one side. You’ll end up with one perfectly crispy side and one… less-than-perfect side. Give it a flip, give it some love.
• Walking Away for Too Long: Air fryers are fast! Don’t wander off to binge-watch another episode. Bacon can go from perfect to burnt in a blink. Stay close, my friend.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to mix it up? Turkey bacon works great too, though it might need slightly less time (think 8-12 minutes). Plant-based bacon strips? Absolutely! Just check the package for specific cooking times as they can vary wildly. FYI, some might not get *quite* as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious and satisfy that savory craving.

Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of **black pepper** before cooking is divine. Or for a sweet and savory kick, a light dusting of **brown sugar** or a brush of **maple syrup** (in the last few minutes of cooking, carefully!) will change your life. Just be careful with sticky glazes, as they can burn quickly.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?

  Nope! Bacon releases its own glorious fat, so no need for extra oil. In fact, adding spray can sometimes make the basket harder to clean. Save your PAM for something else.

• Can I cook a whole pack of bacon at once?

  Unless you have a commercial-sized air fryer, probably not. Remember our rule: **single layer**! Cook in batches for best results. Patience, young Jedi.

• How do I clean up the grease?

  Let the air fryer cool down, then carefully pour out any accumulated grease. Wipe the basket and drawer with a paper towel, then wash with warm, soapy water. Easy peasy! Many Breville air fryer baskets are also dishwasher safe, double-check your model!

• My bacon isn’t getting crispy, what gives?

  Are you overcrowding it? Did you preheat? Did you flip it? These are usually the culprits! Also, make sure your bacon isn’t super thin, which can sometimes just crisp up and then burn quickly. Experiment a little!

• Can I reuse the bacon fat?

  Absolutely! Liquid gold! Strain it into a heat-proof jar and keep it in the fridge. It’s fantastic for cooking eggs, veggies, or even popcorn. Seriously, try it.

• What if I only have a regular oven?

  While this article is for air fryers, you can totally do bacon in a regular oven! Lay it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Still less messy than a pan!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Perfectly crispy, effortlessly delicious bacon, all thanks to your trusty Breville Air Fryer. Gone are the days of grease-splattered kitchens and unevenly cooked strips. You’ve unlocked a new level of breakfast (or anytime!) bliss. Go forth and conquer your breakfast, brunch, or even just a random Tuesday afternoon craving. Now go impress someone—or just yourself, because let’s be real, you deserve it—with your new culinary superpower. You’ve earned it!