how to cook bacon in instant vortex air fryer

The Complete Guide to Cooking Bacon in the Instant Vortex Air Fryer

As a bacon lover, I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to cook up crispy, delicious bacon. Using a traditional skillet often leaves my kitchen a greasy mess. But then I discovered an amazing trick – cooking bacon in my Instant Vortex Air Fryer!

Air frying bacon results in perfect crispiness and great flavor with way less splatter and hassle The Instant Vortex makes it so simple thanks to its adjustable settings and nonstick, dishwasher safe basket Once you learn proper techniques, you can enjoy quick weekday breakfasts and easy entertaining with air fried bacon.

In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything about cooking bacon in the Instant Vortex air fryer. Let’s get sizzling!

Benefits of the Instant Vortex for Bacon

Here are some of the best things about using the Instant Vortex specifically for cooking bacon:

• Even crispiness thanks to rapid hot air circulation

• Reduced splatter and mess due to contained design

• Adjustable time and temp for customized texture

• Large 5.7 qt basket fits lots of bacon strips

• Nonstick basket and tray make cleanup a breeze

• Dishwasher-safe parts for ultimate convenience

The Instant Vortex was practically designed for crispy foods like bacon. You’ll wonder why you didn’t air fry it sooner!

Choosing the Right Bacon

You can cook most types of bacon in the Instant Vortex, but certain kinds work best:

• Thick cut for maximum crispness

• Good meat-to-fat ratio prevents dryness

• Applewood or hickory smoked for flavor

• Center cut bacon keeps strips flat

• Nitrate/nitrite-free for health benefits

Brands like Applegate, Pederson’s, and Wright provide quality tasty bacon perfect for the Vortex. Avoid super thin or fatty bacon.

Instant Vortex Settings for Bacon

The Instant Vortex has several smart programs. For bacon, use:

• Air Fry mode for all-around crisping

• Adjustable temp range from 300°F to 400°F

• Time control up to 60 minutes if needed

• Basket flip reminder for even cooking

The Vortex makes it easy to customize for your preferred texture – soft or crunchy.

Preparing Bacon for the Instant Vortex

Proper prep is key for air frying bacon right:

• Leave bacon at room temp for faster cooking

• Separate any stuck together slices

• Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture

• Cut in half or thirds if needed for basket space

• Apply any seasonings if desired

Avoid overcrowding for best results. Cook bacon in batches for even cooking.

Step-by-Step Instant Vortex Bacon Recipe

Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Instant Vortex to 375°F.

2. Add bacon slices in a single layer to basket.

3. Cook for 8-12 minutes based on thickness.

4. Flip halfway through for even browning.

5. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.

6. Enjoy your crispy, mess-free bacon!

Adjust time up or down to suit your texture preference. Cook thick bacon closer to 12 minutes.

Flavoring Your Air Fried Bacon

Plain air fried bacon is delicious, but you can also kick up the flavor:

• Fresh cracked black pepper

• Smoked paprika or chili powder

• Maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey

• Cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chipotle

• Onion or garlic powder

• Chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme

Get creative with sweet, spicy, or savory seasonings on your next batch.

More Instant Vortex Bacon Recipe Ideas

Beyond plain bacon slices, try these air fryer recipes:

• Bacon wrapped dates, jalapenos, or shrimp

• BLT salad with crumbled bacon

• Bacon and gruyere quiche

• Candied bacon with brown sugar glaze

• Bacon mac and cheese with crispy bits

• Breakfast sandwich with air fried eggs and bacon

The options are endless for reinventing bacon in the Vortex!

Tips for Crispy, Perfect Bacon Every Time

Follow these pro tips:

• Don’t overload the basket with too much bacon.

• Let bacon come to room temp before cooking.

• Pat slices dry before air frying to prevent steaming.

• Use lower temp for chewy bacon, higher for crispy.

• Cook thick cut bacon 1-2 minutes longer than thin.

• Transfer to paper towels immediately to soak up grease.

It just takes a little practice to master bacon in the Instant Vortex.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your Vortex in top shape:

• Unplug and let cool completely before cleaning.

• Remove and hand wash basket and tray with warm soapy water.

• Use a bacon fat/grease degreaser if needed.

• Dry all parts fully before reassembling.

• Wipe exterior with a soft damp cloth.

Proper care extends the life of your Instant Vortex so you can keep air frying crispy bacon for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are some common FAQs:

How much bacon fits in the Instant Vortex basket?

The 5.7 qt basket holds around 15 strips of average sliced bacon. For thick cut, around 10 strips.

Should I flip the bacon while air frying?

Yes, flip halfway through for evenly browned and crisped bacon. The basket flip reminder alerts you.

Does air fried bacon splatter like in a skillet?

Very minimal splatter since the hot air surrounds the bacon. Any grease drips into the bottom tray.

How does air fried bacon’s fat content compare to pan fried?

Air frying uses less added fat/oil so the bacon retains more of its natural fat than deep frying.

Can I make bacon wrapped foods like scallops or jalapeños?

Absolutely! The air fryer does a great job cooking bacon wrapped appetizers. Just watch cook times.

Is uncured bacon better for air frying than cured?

Both work well, but uncured has less nitrites. Uncured bacon may cook slightly faster than cured.

Cooking bacon in the Instant Vortex Air Fryer delivers crispy, delicious results without the big mess and splatter of the stovetop. In just minutes, you can enjoy perfect bacon for breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, salads, and any recipe. Once you start air frying bacon, you may never go back to the old fashioned skillet again!