Is it better to cook bacon on the stove or air fryer?

Author: Dr. Percy Bruen Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

Air frying bacon not only yields delicious results, it is an easy, no-mess affair. The air fryer heats bacon evenly while draining excess fat for that great crispy texture. Plus, unlike stovetop or oven cooking, the air fryer requires no added fat. You can also save the rendered bacon grease for other cooking purposes.

Is it better to cook bacon in the pan or air fryer?

Frying bacon in the air fryer faster, healthier, and cleaner alternative to preparing it in a skillet. One of the things I dislike most about cooking bacon in a skillet is the mess from grease splatters. Air fryers reduce bacon grease splatters because any grease is contained in the bottom of the air fryer.

Is an air fryer better than a stove?

Air fryers require significantly less oil than ovens, resulting in fewer calories and fat. Additionally, air fryers are more efficient than ovens, as they cook food faster and more evenly. As such, air fryers are undeniably a healthier option than ovens, and it is highly recommended to use them instead.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?

  • Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, and tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.

Why is Airfryer not healthy?

The Bottom Line. Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.

15 Foods That are BETTER in the Air Fryer (and 5 that Aren't)

How long would you cook bacon in an air fryer?

Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Lay bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer; some overlap is okay. Fry for 8 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until bacon is crisp, about 7 minutes more.

Should you put water in the bottom of an air fryer when cooking bacon?

THIS IS IMPORTANT! Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket before you cook the bacon. This will prevent the rendered bacon fat from creating smoke.

What is the healthiest way to cook bacon?

Cooked on a rack

If you have an ovenproof rack then this can be used to cook bacon evenly in the oven and allows the fat to drip off making it a slightly healthier method.

Can you fry an egg in an air fryer?

Frying an egg in an air fryer is much easier than you might imagine with this simple air fryer fried egg recipe. Simply crack your eggs into a small skillet, or metal heatproof dish, season and air fry! Try it served with smashed avocado, buttery toast and chopped chives.

What is the downside of air fryers?

Price: Air fryers can be expensive, especially if you choose a high-end model. Dimensions: Air fryers can be bulky, so it is important to make sure you have the space to place them in your kitchen. Cooking time: In some cases, cooking time in an air fryer may be longer than in a conventional oven.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

What is replacing air fryers?

Ditch your air fryer and replace it with a countertop oven | CNN.

Does bacon need to be flipped in air fryer?

Does Bacon need to be flipped in the air fryer? Since the air circulates, there's no need to flip the bacon halfway. It will be perfectly crispy on both sides.

Which way is better to cook bacon?

Conclusion. The absolute best way to cook bacon depends entirely on how you like your bacon—though some methods produce more consistent results than others. If you love bacon with some good chew and crispiness around the edges, opt for baking it in the oven on a rimmed sheet pan with no parchment lining.

Can bacon grease catch fire in an air fryer?

The uneven cooking of bacon in an air fryer not only affects taste but also raises health concerns, as improperly cooked bacon could result in food poisoning. As well as this, the build-up of grease from the bacon can turn air fryers into a fire hazard.

How to get bacon the crispiest?

About This Method: Martha Stewart's technique promises a “spatter-free” way to get “perfectly crispy bacon.” You simply line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, arrange the bacon on top, and bake at 400°F until it is crisped to your liking.

How many times a week should you eat bacon?

This is equivalent to two or three rashers of bacon or a little over two slices of roast lamb, beef or pork (with each about the size of half a slice of bread). In light of the more recent evidence, it's best to reduce your intake of all processed meats to once every couple of weeks.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best bacon?

While a pan is on, he simply heats olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper and butter in a pan before adding the bacon. After the bacon begins to sizzle in the pan, Gordon Ramsay explains why this method helps create tastier bacon. He said: “As it cooks, it becomes irresistibly caramelised and golden brown.”

Should you cook bacon in an air fryer?

But if you're looking to curtail a greasy mess, we suggest going with the oven method, especially for large batches. If you do still want to cook bacon in your air fryer, you'll want to avoid cooking it for too long at high temperatures.

Why put water in bottom of air fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer can create steam, which keeps the inside of the food tender while allowing the outside to crisp up. For baked goods, such as pastries or bread, a little water can mimic the humid environment of a traditional oven, giving a softer texture or a better rise.

Is bacon in the air fryer messy?

Crispy Bacon and Less Grease, Every Time

Air fryers ensure perfectly crispy and evenly cooked bacon without the fat. The straightforward cooking process minimizes mess, for a hassle-free—and hands-free—experience.

How to cook an egg in an air fryer?

Heat the air-fryer to 180C. Put the eggs in the air-fryer basket and cook, in one layer, for 8-14 mins – nearer to 8 mins will be soft-boiled, while 14 mins will be hard-boiled.

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