If you’re like me you love bacon but hate the mess and splatter that comes from cooking it in a skillet. Well there’s a better way – using an air fryer! Specifically, the Instant Vortex air fryer makes cooking bacon an absolute breeze.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through how to cook perfect, crispy bacon in the Instant Vortex air fryer every time You’ll learn about prep, cook times, temperature settings, clean up, and troubleshooting tips for air frying bacon Let’s get cooking!
Why Cook Bacon in the Instant Vortex Air Fryer?
There are several great reasons to use the Instant Vortex for cooking your bacon:
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Less mess – The air fryer contains splatter so there’s minimal bacon grease mess.
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Even cooking – The circulating hot air cooks the bacon evenly on all sides. No under or overdone pieces.
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Quick cooking – Bacon cooks fast in the air fryer, ready in just 8-10 minutes. Great for busy mornings.
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Crispy texture – The Vortex makes bacon nice and crispy without drying it out.
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Efficient – You can cook a whole batch of bacon at once in the air fryer.
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Easy cleanup – Grease drips to the bottom of the fryer basket for quick cleanup after.
So if you want fast, crispy, no-mess bacon, the Vortex air fryer is the way to go!
Choosing the Right Bacon for the Vortex Air Fryer
To get the best results when cooking bacon in the Instant Vortex air fryer, you’ll want to choose the right type of bacon:
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Thick-cut – Thick sliced bacon holds up better in the air fryer. More even cooking.
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Quality – Choose high-quality bacon without defects or blemishes for best texture.
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Balanced fat – Pick bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. Too fatty may not cook evenly.
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Flavoring – Any added flavors like maple or hickory work well. Or stick with plain.
You really can’t go wrong with a good thick-cut bacon in the Vortex. The air fryer will make it nice and crispy. Avoid super thin or fatty bacon slices.
Prepping the Bacon for the Instant Vortex
Properly prepping the bacon before air frying is important for good results. Follow these tips:
- Separate any stuck together slices
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Cut slices in half or into strips for shorter cook times
- Season with any spices or herbs if desired
- Lightly coat with oil for added crispness (optional)
Getting the bacon ready before air frying sets you up for perfect texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in the Instant Vortex
Cooking bacon in the Instant Vortex air fryer takes just a few easy steps:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
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Place bacon slices in a single layer in the cooking basket.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping bacon halfway through.
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Remove bacon and drain on paper towel lined plate.
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Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon!
It really couldn’t be much simpler for crispy, delicious air fried bacon using the Vortex.
Time and Temperature Guidance for Air Frying Bacon
The exact time and temp you use will depend on your bacon thickness and crispiness preference:
- Thick cut bacon at 375°F: Cook 8-10 minutes
- Thinner cut bacon at 375°F: Cook 6-8 minutes
- For crisper bacon: Cook at 400°F, adding 1-2 minutes
- For chewier bacon: Drop temp to 350°F, reduce time by 1-2 minutes
Check frequently and remove done pieces early. Better to undercook slightly. You can always add a minute or two if needed.
Flavoring Your Air Fried Bacon
Bacon is already tasty on its own straight from the Instant Vortex, but you can enhance the flavor by:
- Adding fresh cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes
- Sprinkling on garlic or onion powder
- Brushing with maple syrup or brown sugar
- Coating with chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary
Feel free to get creative with seasonings and sauces for your air fried bacon. The possibilities are endless!
Cleaning the Vortex Air Fryer After Cooking Bacon
Since bacon releases a good amount of grease, cleaning the air fryer after cooking is important:
- Allow all parts to fully cool first before cleaning.
- Remove and wash basket and crisping tray in warm soapy water.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe down exterior and interior with a damp cloth.
Clean after each batch of bacon to prevent grease buildup and smoke.
Troubleshooting Bacon Cooked in the Instant Vortex
If your air fried bacon isn’t turning out right, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Bacon not crisp enough? Increase cook time and temperature slightly. Cook in smaller batches.
Bacon too dried out? Lower temp and cook no more than 8 minutes. Check frequently.
Bacon not cooking evenly? Make sure bacon is spread in a single layer, not overlapping.
Smoking or grease dripping? Clean out excess grease before cooking. Use foil liner.
Tweaking the time, temperature, and batch size can help solve common bacon cooking issues with the Vortex.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Bacon
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking bacon in the Instant Vortex air fryer:
Can you cook frozen bacon in it? Yes, but increase cook time. Thaw first for best results.
Do you need to preheat it? Always preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
How much bacon fits? About 10 thick slices or 15 thinner slices in a single layer works best.
What temperature is best? Ideal range is 350°F to 400°F. Adjust as needed.
Get Crispy, Mess-Free Bacon with the Instant Vortex
Thanks to its rapid air circulation, the Instant Vortex air fryer allows you to cook bacon that’s crispy, flavorful, and free of splatter mess. Just throw the slices in and in minutes you’ll have perfect bacon ready for breakfast, sandwiches, salads and any recipe.