How Long To Cook Bacon Medallions In Air Fryer

Do you love bacon but hate the mess and grease that comes with cooking it on the stovetop? Then you need to try cooking bacon medallions in an air fryer! Not only does it eliminate the need for oil, but it also cooks the bacon to crispy perfection. But how long should you cook bacon medallions in an air fryer? Let’s find out!

The cooking time for bacon medallions in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. As a general rule of thumb, you should cook bacon medallions in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. This will result in bacon that is crispy on the edges and still slightly chewy in the middle.

If you prefer your bacon medallions on the crispier side, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it’s always a good idea to check on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from burning.

Now that you know how long to cook bacon medallions in an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious, crispy bacon without the hassle of frying it on the stovetop. Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches or adding bacon to your favorite dishes, cooking bacon medallions in an air fryer is quick, easy, and mess-free!

What are Bacon Medallions

Bacon medallions are slices of bacon that have been trimmed of excess fat, making them a leaner option compared to regular bacon slices. They are often used as a healthier alternative for those who enjoy the taste of bacon but want to reduce their fat intake. Bacon medallions are typically cut from the loin or back of the pig, resulting in a meatier and leaner texture.

These medallions are a popular choice for individuals following specific diets or looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast classics like eggs and bacon to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The absence of excess fat allows the smoky and savory flavors of the bacon to shine through, while still providing a rich taste.

To cook bacon medallions in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to the desired temperature and arrange the medallions in a single layer. Cook for a few minutes on each side until they reach your desired crispiness. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the medallions and the air fryer model you are using. It is important to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your fat intake or simply try something different, bacon medallions offer a tasty and versatile option that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Their leaner profile makes them a great choice for those who want to indulge in the smoky goodness of bacon without the guilt.

How to Choose Bacon Medallions for Cooking

When it comes to cooking bacon medallions in an air fryer, choosing the right bacon is important to ensure the best taste and texture. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect bacon medallions:

1. Thickness: Look for bacon medallions that are thickly sliced. Thicker bacon will hold up better during cooking and provide a meatier bite.

2. Lean vs. Fatty: Consider whether you prefer leaner or fattier bacon. Leaner bacon will have less fat and may cook up slightly crispier. Fattier bacon will have more moisture and flavor.

3. Smoked or Unsmoked: Decide whether you want smoked or unsmoked bacon. Smoked bacon will have a rich, smoky flavor, while unsmoked bacon will have a milder taste.

4. Quality: Choose bacon medallions made from high-quality pork. Look for bacon that is free from additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients for a more natural and delicious flavor.

5. Package Date: Check the package date to ensure freshness. Bacon medallions should ideally be cooked within a few days of purchase for the best taste and texture.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your bacon medallions are perfect for cooking in an air fryer. Experiment with different types and flavors of bacon to find your favorite combination of taste and texture. Enjoy!

Preparing Bacon Medallions for Air Frying

Before cooking bacon medallions in an air fryer, it is essential to properly prepare them for optimal results. Follow these simple steps to ensure your bacon medallions turn out crispy and delicious:

Step 1: Choose the Right Bacon Medallions

When selecting bacon medallions, look for ones that are thick-cut and have a good balance of lean meat and fat. This will help to ensure that the bacon remains juicy and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This is typically around 400°F (200°C) but may vary depending on your specific air fryer model. Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure that the bacon medallions cook evenly and quickly.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon Medallions

Place the bacon medallions in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not overlapping. This allows for adequate air circulation, resulting in crispy bacon. Optionally, you can line the basket or tray with parchment paper to make the cleaning process easier.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon Medallions

Place the loaded air fryer basket or tray into the preheated air fryer. Set the cooking time according to your desired level of crispiness. For medium-crisp bacon, cook for about 10-12 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, you may need to add a few more minutes.

Step 5: Flip and Monitor

After cooking for about half of the recommended time, flip the bacon medallions to ensure even cooking on both sides. Keep a close eye on the bacon’s progress, adjusting the cooking time as needed to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once the bacon medallions have reached your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Now that you know how to prepare bacon medallions for air frying, you can enjoy deliciously crispy bacon that’s cooked to perfection every time!

How Long to Cook Bacon Medallions in an Air Fryer

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook bacon medallions, an air fryer is your best bet. Air frying allows you to enjoy crispy, delicious bacon without the excess grease of traditional frying methods. Plus, it’s a healthier option as the excess fats drip away during cooking. So, how long should you cook bacon medallions in an air fryer?

Preparation

Before cooking your bacon medallions, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer. This step ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispiness. Set the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for bacon medallions in an air fryer can vary depending on their thickness and desired level of crispness. However, as a general guideline, it usually takes around 8-10 minutes to cook bacon medallions in an air fryer.

If you prefer your bacon to be slightly chewy, you can reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes. On the other hand, if you like your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind that bacon can quickly go from crispy to burnt, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it during the cooking process.

Remember to flip the bacon medallions halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a fork. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Bacon medallions cooked in an air fryer make a delicious addition to breakfast sandwiches, salads, or even as a tasty snack on their own. Give it a try, and you’ll never go back to frying bacon in a pan again!

Tips for Cooking Bacon Medallions in an Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer: Just like cooking bacon in a skillet, preheating the air fryer will help ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating your specific air fryer model.

2. Use the right temperature: Most air fryers have a temperature range of 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). For bacon medallions, a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) works well. Adjust the temperature as needed based on your preference for crispiness.

3. Arrange the bacon in a single layer: Lay the bacon medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the bacon from cooking evenly. You may need to cook the bacon in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. Flip halfway through: To ensure that both sides of the bacon medallions get crispy, flip them over halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the bacon.

5. Check for doneness: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the air fryer model. Start with a cooking time of around 8-10 minutes and check the bacon for desired crispness. Add more time if needed, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Drain excess grease: After the bacon medallions are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and drain any excess grease on a paper towel or wire rack. This will help remove any excess grease and make the bacon slightly healthier.

7. Serve and enjoy: Once the bacon medallions have cooled slightly, serve them alongside your favorite breakfast dish or use them in recipes that call for cooked bacon. Enjoy the delicious, crispy bacon made in your air fryer!

Serving and Storing Bacon Medallions

Once your bacon medallions are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Whether you’re using them as a tasty breakfast side dish or incorporating them into your favorite recipes, there are several ways to serve these succulent bacon medallions.

One simple and delicious way to enjoy the bacon medallions is straight out of the air fryer. The medallions will be crispy on the outside with a tender and juicy center, making them perfect for biting into. Serve them as a standalone dish or alongside other breakfast favorites like eggs and toast.

If you’re looking to incorporate the bacon medallions into a recipe, they can add a burst of smoky flavor to any dish. Crumble them up and sprinkle them over salads for an extra crunch, or use them as a topping for burgers and sandwiches for an indulgent twist. The options are endless!

When it comes to storing leftover bacon medallions, it’s important to properly store them to maintain their freshness and flavor. Allow the medallions to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Place a layer of parchment paper between each medallion to prevent them from sticking together.

Refrigerate the bacon medallions and consume them within 2-3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Simply place the medallions in a freezer-safe bag or container and label them with the date. Frozen bacon medallions can be stored for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating or using them in recipes.

Remember, proper storage and handling practices are key to keeping your bacon medallions safe to eat. Whether you enjoy them straight out of the air fryer or use them in your favorite recipes, these delicious bacon medallions are sure to be a hit!

Q&A

What are bacon medallions?

Bacon medallions are thick slices of bacon that are cut into circular shapes.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, providing a crispy texture similar to deep frying without the need for excessive oil.

How long should I cook bacon medallions in an air fryer?

The cooking time for bacon medallions in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and personal preference. However, a general guideline is to cook them for 10-12 minutes at 200°C (400°F), flipping them halfway through for even cooking.