Reheating bacon rashers in an air fryer takes just 2-3 minutes at 180°C, giving you perfectly crispy results without drying out the meat. This method beats microwaving hands down, preserving that irresistible texture we all love in properly cooked bacon. Whether you're dealing with leftovers from breakfast or pre-cooked bacon for meal prep, your air fryer is the secret weapon for bringing it back to life.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the bacon rashers, crisping them up evenly without the need for additional oil. Unlike microwaving which can leave bacon soggy or unevenly heated, the air fryer gives you consistent results every time. It's particularly good for thicker cut bacon rashers that need that extra crispness. Many users at airfryerrecipe.co.uk report this as their go-to method for bacon revival.
Another advantage is speed - while oven reheating might take 10-15 minutes, the air fryer does the job in a fraction of the time. The compact size also means it heats up faster than a conventional oven, making it more energy efficient for small batches. If you're reheating bacon rashers as part of meal prep for sandwiches or salads, the air fryer keeps your kitchen routine streamlined.
180°C (350°F) is the sweet spot for reheating bacon rashers in an air fryer. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the fat and warm the meat through without burning or drying it out. Some air fryer models might have a specific "reheat" setting which works perfectly for this task. Check your manual or explore the air fryer conversion chart if you're adapting from conventional oven instructions.
Start by arranging your leftover bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping will prevent even crisping, so work in batches if needed. For best results, place a trivet or liner at the bottom to catch any drips and make cleaning easier - we recommend checking out the air fryer cleaner options for maintenance.
Set your air fryer to 180°C and cook for 2-3 minutes. Check halfway through and flip the rashers if needed. Thicker cuts might need an extra minute, while very thin rashers could be done in 90 seconds. The bacon should sizzle slightly and become crisp without becoming brittle. Serve immediately for the best texture.
For extra crispy results, pat the bacon rashers dry with kitchen paper before reheating to remove excess moisture. If you're reheating a large batch, keep cooked rashers warm in a low oven while you finish the rest. Bacon reheated in an air fryer makes perfect additions to our air fryer recipes like sandwiches, salads, or breakfast platters.
Many people wonder if you can reheat bacon rashers that have been refrigerated overnight. The answer is yes - the air fryer method works perfectly for next-day bacon. Just be sure to store your cooked bacon properly in an airtight container in the fridge first. The USDA recommends consuming reheated bacon within 4 days of initial cooking for food safety.
Another frequent concern is whether reheated bacon will be as good as fresh. While nothing beats freshly cooked bacon, the air fryer comes remarkably close - often better than the original if you prefer crispier texture. For those watching their diet, reheating in an air fryer actually helps render out more fat, making it slightly healthier than the first cook.
While the air fryer is our top choice, you can also reheat bacon rashers in a conventional oven at 190°C for about 10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat. However, these methods take longer and don't always produce as consistent results. The microwave should be your last resort as it tends to make bacon rubbery. For more breakfast inspiration, browse our breakfast category at airfryerrecipe.co.uk.
