Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and the ability to cook food with less oil. One of the most beloved foods that people like to cook in an air fryer is bacon. However, many people have struggled with getting their bacon to cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy. The key to achieving such results lies in keeping the bacon flat while it cooks. In this article, we will explore various techniques and tips on how to keep bacon flat in the air fryer for perfectly crispy results.
Choose the Right Type of Bacon
Thickness Matters
When it comes to cooking bacon in an air fryer, the thickness of the bacon plays a crucial role. Thin-cut bacon tends to cook more quickly and becomes crispier than thick-cut bacon. Therefore, if you prefer your bacon to have a crispy texture, opt for thin-cut bacon.
Center-Cut Bacon
Another great option is to choose center-cut bacon. Center-cut bacon comes from the middle of the pork belly and contains less fat compared to regular bacon. This type of bacon tends to stay flat as it cooks, resulting in a more even and crispy outcome.
Preparation is Key
Check the Bacon Strips
Before cooking bacon in the air fryer, it’s essential to examine the strips for any curling. Curling occurs when the bacon hasn’t been properly stored or has been left out at room temperature for an extended period. If you notice any curling, gently straighten the bacon strips using your fingers or the back of a knife.
Trim Excess Fat
Removing excess fat from the bacon strips can also help in keeping them flat during the cooking process. Simply take a knife and trim off any chunks of fat on the edges of the bacon. While some fat is necessary for flavor, removing excess fat can prevent the bacon from curling up or becoming too greasy.
Utilize a Bacon Press or Weight
What is a Bacon Press?
A bacon press is a kitchen tool specially designed to keep bacon flat while it cooks. It typically consists of a heavy, flat plate with a handle. Using a bacon press helps prevent bacon from curling or shrinking, resulting in even and crispy bacon. You can find various types of bacon presses online or at kitchen supply stores.
Alternate Weights
If you don’t have a bacon press, you can use a substitute weight, such as a cast-iron skillet or a heavy oven-safe dish, to achieve similar results. Simply place the weight on top of the bacon strips in the air fryer basket to keep them flat. Remember to use oven mitts or kitchen tongs to handle the hot weight when removing it.
Secure Bacon with Toothpicks
Prevent Curling with Toothpicks
Another effective method to keep bacon flat in the air fryer is by securing it with toothpicks. This technique is particularly useful when cooking bacon-wrapped items or if your bacon has a tendency to curl up. Gently stretch the bacon strip and insert a toothpick through the end, securing it to the air fryer basket or the food you’re cooking.
Remove Toothpicks Carefully
When the cooking process is complete, be cautious when removing the toothpicks from the bacon. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, and then use kitchen tongs or a fork to extract the toothpick without damaging the bacon strips.
Blanch the Bacon
What is Blanching?
Blanching is a cooking technique that involves quickly scalding food items in boiling water, followed by an immediate plunge into ice water. Blanching bacon prior to air frying can help reduce its fat content, resulting in flatter and crispier bacon strips.
Steps to Blanch Bacon
To blanch bacon, bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully drop the bacon strips in. Allow the bacon to boil for approximately 2 minutes, then immediately remove it and place it in a bowl of ice water. Once the bacon has cooled, pat it dry with paper towels and proceed to cook it in the air fryer.
Proper Arrangement in the Air Fryer
Single Layering
To ensure even cooking and prevent the bacon from sticking together, it’s important to arrange the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the bacon strips, as this can result in uneven cooking, with some parts remaining undercooked or soggy.
Use Parchment Paper
Another tip is to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the bacon on it. The parchment paper prevents the bacon from sticking to the basket, making it easier to remove and less likely to tear.
Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature
Follow the Recipe Guidelines
Each air fryer model and recipe may vary slightly in terms of recommended cooking time and temperature for bacon. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your air fryer’s manufacturer or the recipe you’re using. This will help you achieve the desired level of crispiness without burning the bacon.
Flip the Bacon Strips
For even cooking, consider flipping the bacon strips halfway through the cooking process. This allows both sides of the bacon to come into direct contact with the hot air, resulting in consistent crispness throughout.
In conclusion, keeping bacon flat in the air fryer is achievable with some simple techniques. By choosing the right type of bacon, preparing it correctly, using weights or bacon presses, securing it with toothpicks, blanching it, arranging it properly in the air fryer, and monitoring the cooking time and temperature, you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon every time. So go ahead, experiment with these tips, and savor the deliciousness of flat and crispy air-fried bacon!