How to Cook Bacon in a Ninja Air Fryer for Perfect Results Every Time

Frying bacon on the stovetop can be a splattery messy affair. But cooking it in the Ninja air fryer results in faster crispier, and less messy bacon with little effort.

As a busy mom who loves cooking bacon for breakfast sandwiches BLTs, etc. I was thrilled to discover how perfect the Ninja air fryer is for this task. The enclosed basket means no splatter, and the rapid circulating air crisps up the bacon evenly in minutes.

After much testing, I’ve dialed in the ideal method for how to cook bacon in the Ninja air fryer. Read on for my step-by-step technique, timing, serving ideas, troubleshooting tips, and more!

Why the Ninja Air Fryer Makes the Best Bacon

Here’s why the Ninja air fryer (or any brand air fryer) yields such stellar results when cooking bacon:

• Enhanced Crispiness: The circulating hot air crisps up the bacon far better than in a skillet. You get crunchy texture without burning.

• Cooks Evenly: No more undercooked fatty spots or charred edges. The air flow cooks each slice perfectly evenly.

• Splatter-Free: Unlike the popping grease from stove top cooking, the Ninja air fryer contains any splatter inside the basket.

• Quick Cooking: At 400°F, bacon finishes cooking in as little as 8-10 minutes versus 15-20 minutes in the oven.

• Fewer Dishes: Just the air fryer basket to clean! No greasy pans or trays to scrub.

• Great Flavor: The rapid air flow intensifies the smoky bacon flavor.

Clearly, the Ninja air fryer is a bacon lover’s dream appliance. But getting perfect results requires using the right technique…

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer

Follow my simple step-by-step instructions for crispy, evenly cooked bacon from your Ninja air fryer every time:

1. Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. This gets it nice and hot before adding bacon.

2. Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Lightly grease basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Add Bacon

Add bacon strips to basket in a single layer without overlapping.

4. Air Fry

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping bacon halfway through. I like 10 minutes for crispier bacon.

5. Transfer and Drain

Use tongs to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

That’s all it takes! Let’s get into more detail for each step.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer

Follow these handy tips and tricks for getting the best possible results when using your Ninja air fryer for bacon:

• Use Thick Bacon – Thicker sliced bacon holds up better in the air fryer. Regular thin bacon overcooks quickly.

• Don’t Overlap – Make sure slices lay in a single layer, not touching, so they cook evenly.

• Grease the Basket – A small spray or brush of oil prevents sticking.

• Preheat Properly – Give the air fryer several minutes to fully preheat before adding bacon.

• Adjust Time As Needed – The time range given is a guideline. Adjust up or down depending on your taste.

• Pat Bacon Dry – Drier surfaces get crisper. Gently pat bacon with paper towels before cooking.

• Let Bacon Rest – Allow bacon to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking before serving to set the crispness.

• Watch Heat Setting – If bacon is cooking too fast, lower temp 25°F. Raise it if needed for more crispness.

Follow those air fryer bacon tips and you’ll achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time. Next let’s go over some FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ninja Air Fryer Bacon

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking bacon in the Ninja air fryer:

What temperature should I use to air fry bacon?

I recommend 400°F to start. Adjust between 375-425°F as needed to achieve your preferred level of crispness.

How long does it take to cook bacon in the Ninja air fryer?

At 400°F, expect 8-10 minutes for thinly sliced bacon. Thicker bacon takes 10-12 minutes. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Should you flip the bacon halfway through cooking?

Yes, always flip bacon halfway through for even cooking on both sides. I use tongs to carefully flip each slice.

Is it safe to cook raw bacon in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cooking raw bacon in the air fryer is completely safe when using the recommended time and temperature settings.

How much grease splatters inside the Ninja air fryer when cooking bacon?

Far less than stove top cooking! The small amount of grease that renders out during cooking stays contained inside the air fryer basket.

What’s the best way to clean the air fryer basket after cooking bacon?

I soak a paper towel in hot water and use it to gently wipe out the rendered bacon grease. Then I wash with hot soapy water.

Can you save the bacon grease to reuse after cooking?

You sure can! Carefully pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-safe container. Store in the fridge.

What are some tasty ways to use air fried bacon?

Chop it up for salads, crumble over baked potatoes, make BLTs, use in breakfast burritos, sprinkle on pizza, wrap around shrimp, and so much more!

More Delicious Ways to Use Air Fryer Bacon

Now that you know how quick and easy it is to cook bacon in the Ninja air fryer, here are some of my favorite ways to use up all that crisp, tasty bacon:

• Breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese, and air fried bacon

• Iceberg lettuce BLT wedges with creamy dressing

• Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon pieces

• Bacon, tomato, and avocado sandwich with mayo on toasted bread

• Bacon and blue cheese stuffed burgers – mix crumbled bacon into the patties before cooking

• Pasta carbonara with bacon fat, Parmesan, peas, and air fried bacon crumbles

• Baked potatoes loaded with cheddar, sour cream, scallions and bacon bits

• Bacon wrapped shrimp – just wrap uncooked shrimp with raw bacon and air fry

• Bacon and corn chowder – garnish bowls with crumbled bacon

The possibilities are endless! You’ll never go back to cooking bacon any other way after using your Ninja air fryer.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Bacon Any Time