How to Cook Perfect Crispy Bacon in a Ninja Air Fryer Oven

Crispy delicious bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. While traditionally fried in a skillet, bacon can also be made in the convenient Ninja air fryer oven. Using an air fryer oven to cook bacon is a great way to achieve tasty crispy bacon with less mess and added health benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips and step-by-step instructions to help you make perfect bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven every time.

Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer Oven

When you cook bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven instead of a pan, there are a few benefits:

• Not as much oil is used because the Ninja air fryer cooks food by quickly moving hot air around instead of using oil. This significantly reduces the amount of fat and calories.

• Quick cooking time The Ninja air fryer oven preheats and cooks food very rapidly meaning you can have crispy bacon in just 10-15 minutes.

• Even cooking: The hot air moves around the bacon and cooks it the same way on all sides. No need to flip and risk sticking.

• Less splatter With less oil there is less bubbling and bacon splatter during cooking. Less mess!

• Consistent results: The air fryer oven settings allow you to perfectly dial in the temperature and time for consistent bacon doneness.

• Hands-off: Simply set the air fryer and let it cook the bacon for you. More time for coffee!

• Versatile: The Ninja air fryer oven can also be used to cook a wide variety of foods from fries to chicken wings.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer Oven

Follow these tips and tricks for getting the best results when cooking bacon in the Ninja air fryer oven:

• Use thin sliced bacon which will cook more evenly. Thick cut bacon may require longer cook times.

• Make sure the bacon lays flat in a single layer and does not overlap to ensure even cooking.

• Let the oven fully preheat before adding the bacon. Starting with a hot oven prevents sticking.

• Set the oven to 400°F which is hot enough to crisp the bacon without burning.

• Cook for 10-15 minutes depending on bacon thickness. Check frequently near the end.

• Flip the bacon halfway during cooking to ensure both sides are evenly crisped.

• Optionally spray bacon lightly with oil to promote even browning.

• Drain bacon on paper towels before serving to absorb excess grease.

• Adjust cook times as needed to dial in your perfect level of bacon crispiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for foolproof bacon every time in your Ninja air fryer oven:

Prep

• Take the bacon out of the packaging and lay flat on a paper towel. Blot gently with additional paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

• Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil or a silpat liner to catch any drippings (optional).

Cook

• Pre-heat the Ninja air fryer oven to 400°F. Allow to fully preheat for 5 minutes.

• Place the bacon slices in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket. Make sure slices do not overlap.

• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and rotate the bacon. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes depending on desired crispness.

• Check frequently as cook time remaining and adjust as needed. Bacon can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Finish

• When finished cooking, remove bacon from oven and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

• Let bacon cool for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow crispness to set.

• Enjoy your hot, crispy bacon on its own or on burgers, in sandwiches, salads and more!

Cooking Different Types of Bacon

The Ninja air fryer oven can accommodate any type of bacon from thin sliced grocery store bacon to thick artisanal cuts:

Thin sliced bacon – This is the quickest cooking option. Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes total, flipping occasionally.

Thick cut bacon – Requires a longer cook time of 12-15 minutes at 400°F to fully crisp the thicker cut.

Turkey or chicken bacon – These leaner bacons cook faster than pork. Cook for 6-10 minutes at 400°F.

Flavored bacon – Maple bacon, applewood smoked, etc. Cook using same times based on thickness.

No matter the type, always watch closely and adjust cook times to preference. Thicker or fattier bacon may need a few extra minutes.

Cooking Bacon from Frozen

You can absolutely cook frozen bacon straight from the freezer in the Ninja air fryer oven. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Follow standard instructions but increase overall cook time to 14-18 minutes, flipping occasionally. This gives time for the bacon to defrost and crisp up.

Useful Tips and Suggestions

• Play with oven temperature – Lower temps around 350°F will slow cooking for thicker cuts. Higher temps up to 425°F speed cooking but watch closely to avoid burning.

• Add smoked paprika, brown sugar or maple syrup to the bag when pre-dredging to add flavor.

• Cook bacon on its own, no mixing with other ingredients which may prevent even crisping.

• Cook bacon first, then use pre-cooked bacon later when cooking things like breakfast tacos or loaded baked potatoes in the Ninja.

• Crumble any leftover bacon to use as a crunchy topping for salads, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, etc.

• Air fryer oven bacon grease can be used for cooking just like pan drippings. Store in the fridge.

• Line the air fryer basket with foil or a liner for easy cleanup. Discard after cooking.

FAQs

Does bacon splatter in the air fryer oven?

There may be some light spattering but much less than pan frying. Use a liner and preheat the oven to prevent this.

Should I flip the bacon during cooking?

Yes, flipping halfway through is recommended to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Can I cook a lot of bacon at once?

Don’t overcrowd. Cook in batches for even cooking. Reheat later in oven or microwave.

How long does cooked bacon last?

Cooked bacon keeps 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen. Reheat frozen bacon in the oven or microwave before serving.

What setting should I use to reheat bacon?

Set oven to 300°F and reheat for 6-8 minutes to warm without over-crisping. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Bacon Anytime

The Ninja air fryer oven offers a convenient, mess-free way to cook delicious crispy bacon quickly any time of day. Follow the tips and instructions in this guide for bacon that is perfectly cooked to your liking every time.

In just minutes you can be enjoying crispy, flavorful bacon on its own or incorporated into breakfast dishes, burgers, sandwiches and more. The possibilities are endless with this versatile kitchen appliance. Give air fried bacon a try today!