How to Cook Perfect Bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer Oven Every Time

As a bacon enthusiast, I was thrilled when I got my Ninja air fryer oven. I quickly realized it makes cooking bacon so easy and mess-free! The combination of airflow and heating elements crisps up bacon perfectly in just minutes.

After plenty of testing, I’ve dialed in the ideal technique for how to cook bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven. The results are fast, consistent, and foolproof – exactly what you want on busy mornings.

Read on for my step-by-step method, top tips, timing guidance, serving ideas, and answers to common questions about cooking bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven.

Why the Ninja Air Fryer Oven Excels at Cooking Bacon

Here’s why you should take advantage of your Ninja air fryer oven’s bacon cooking abilities

• Even Crisping – The dual heating system crisps the bacon all over without burning it. No more limp fatty spots.

• Quick Cooking – At 400°F, bacon finishes in 10-12 minutes. Much faster than the oven.

• No Preheating – Unlike the oven, the Ninja air fryer oven cooks immediately without needing to preheat.

• No Splatter – The enclosed design contains grease splatters for a cleaner cooking process.

• Fewer Dishes – Simply wipe out the cooking tray when done. No submerging pans in sink water.

• Great Flavor – Rapid airflow intensifies the delicious smoky, salty bacon flavor.

• Consistency – Takes the guesswork out of getting perfect texture and doneness every time.

Clearly, the Ninja air fryer oven offers major advantages for cooking bacon over other methods. But what’s the best process? Let’s go over it step-by-step.

How to Cook Bacon Step-by-Step in the Ninja Air Fryer Oven

Follow these simple steps for flawless bacon using your Ninja air fryer oven:

1. Prepare Baking Tray

Cover tray with foil or use Ninja cooking tray. Optional to lightly grease with oil or spray.

2. Preheat (Optional)

If desired, preheat air fryer oven to 400°F. This isn’t required but speeds cooking.

3. Add Bacon

Arrange raw bacon strips in a single layer on the tray without overlapping.

4. Cook Bacon

Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes based on desired crispness, flipping bacon halfway through.

5. Remove and Drain

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

That’s really all there is to it! The air fryer oven does the work for you. Now for some tips to perfect the process.

Tips for Foolproof Bacon Every Time

Implement these handy tips for the best possible bacon when using your Ninja air fryer oven:

• Chill the bacon for flatter results.

• Use thick cut or center cut bacon so it holds up better.

• Don’t overload the tray. Leave space between slices.

• Flip the bacon gently to avoid brittle edges.

• Add 1-2 minutes if using extra thick bacon.

• Allow bacon to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking to solidify crispiness.

• Lower temp 25°F if bacon is getting too dark. Increase if you want it crispier.

• Blot bacon after cooking to absorb excess grease.

By following those guidelines, you’ll get perfect texture and flavor every single time, regardless of the type of bacon you use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ninja Air Fryer Oven Bacon

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

Should you preheat the Ninja air fryer oven before cooking bacon?

Preheating isn’t necessary but does speed up cooking by a couple minutes. I often add bacon to a cold oven then turn it on.

What temperature should you cook bacon at in the Ninja air fryer oven?

I recommend 400°F. Adjust between 375-425°F based on your bacon thickness and desired level of crispness.

How long does bacon take in the Ninja air fryer oven?

Expect 10-12 minutes for regular sliced bacon at 400°F. Thicker cuts take 12-15 minutes. Timings vary slightly by oven.

Is it necessary to flip the bacon during cooking?

Yes, always flip halfway through for even cooking on both sides. Use tongs to gently flip.

Does cooking bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven make a mess?

Hardly any! Unlike the stovetop, the enclosed oven contains nearly all splatter for easy clean-up.

What are some delicious ways to use bacon cooked in the air fryer oven?

Chop it up for salads, crumble over baked potatoes, make BLTs, add to burger patties, wrap around shrimp, mix into dips, etc. So versatile!

More Tasty Recipes to Make with Perfect Air Fryer Oven Bacon

Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use bacon cooked in the Ninja air fryer oven:

• Pasta Carbonara – Chop up bacon and mix with peas, Parmesan, garlic, egg, and black pepper. Toss with hot pasta.

• Loaded Baked Potatoes – Top russet potatoes with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions, and barbecue sauce.

• Brussels Sprouts and Bacon – Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and air fry. Mix in crumbled bacon after cooking.

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps – Top flour tortillas with chopped cooked chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, and ranch.

• Beef Chili – Cook ground beef with onions and spices. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and bacon bits. Top with cheese and scallions.

• Bacon Egg Breakfast Sandwiches – Cook eggs in bacon grease. Sandwich with cheese and bacon between toasted English muffins.

The possibilities are endless with a Ninja air fryer oven stocked with cooked bacon at the ready!

Enjoy Foolproof Bacon Any Day