Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Equipment: Air fryer, small ramekins (optional), tongs, parchment paper (optional)

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Ingredients

• For the Bacon:
  • 6 slices of thick-cut bacon (or regular, depending on your preference)
  • Optional: 1 tsp olive oil (for extra crispiness)
• For the Eggs:
  • 4 large eggs (you can adjust the quantity depending on how many you need)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika or a few herbs (such as chives, thyme, or parsley) for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Preheat your air fryer:
   Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 2-3 minutes. This helps ensure that the bacon crisps up nicely from the moment it goes in.
2. Arrange the Bacon:
   Lay the slices of bacon in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are placed in a single layer without overlapping. You can fit 4-6 slices, depending on the size of your air fryer. If necessary, cook in batches.
   • Tip: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the bacon before placing it in the air fryer. This is optional but can give it an extra golden and crisp texture.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   Set the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. The cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your bacon and your preferred level of crispiness.
   • At the 5-minute mark, open the air fryer and use tongs to flip the bacon to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.
   • After the full 10-12 minutes, check the bacon. If it’s crisp to your liking, remove it; if not, add another 1-2 minutes.
4. Drain the Bacon:
   Once your bacon is done, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Set it aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

You have two options for cooking your eggs in the air fryer: baked eggs (in ramekins or silicone cups) or fried eggs (directly in the air fryer basket). Here’s how to do both:

Option 1: Baked Eggs in Ramekins

1. Prepare the ramekins:
   Lightly grease two small ramekins with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This helps prevent the eggs from sticking and allows them to slide out easily once cooked.
2. Crack the Eggs:
   Crack 2 eggs into each ramekin, being careful not to break the yolks. You can also crack the eggs into a small bowl and gently transfer them into the ramekins if you prefer more control.
3. Season the Eggs:
   Season each ramekin with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer (such as a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh herbs). If you like your eggs with a bit of extra richness, you can add a small knob of butter on top.
4. Bake in the Air Fryer:
   Carefully place the ramekins in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on how runny or set you want your yolks to be.
   • For soft yolks: 7 minutes
   • For medium yolks: 8 minutes
   • For firm yolks: 9 minutes

   Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking speed.

5. Serve:
   Once done, remove the ramekins from the air fryer carefully (they’ll be hot). Use a spoon or small knife to loosen the eggs from the sides, and gently slide them out onto your plate.

Option 2: Fried Eggs in the Air Fryer Basket

1. Prepare the Basket:
   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent the eggs from sticking.
2. Crack the Eggs:
   Crack each egg directly into the air fryer basket, making sure to space them out so they don’t run into each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might want to cook one egg at a time or two eggs with enough space between them.
3. Season the Eggs:
   Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or your favorite seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Air Fry the Eggs:
   Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the eggs for 6-8 minutes. The yolk should be set with a slightly runny center at the 6-minute mark, and firmer at 8 minutes.
   • For runny yolks: 6 minutes
   • For medium yolks: 7 minutes
   • For firm yolks: 8 minutes

   Check the eggs after 6 minutes and use a spoon to lift one gently to see if the whites are fully cooked and the yolk is as soft as you want.

5. Serve:
   Gently lift the eggs out of the air fryer using a spatula and place them on your plate.

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Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Place the Bacon:
   Arrange the crispy bacon slices on your plate. You can break them into smaller pieces if you prefer, but many people love to keep the slices whole for a nice presentation.
2. Add the Eggs:
   Place your perfectly cooked eggs next to the bacon. If you made baked eggs in ramekins, slide them gently onto the plate. For fried eggs, just use a spatula to transfer them directly from the basket to the plate.
3. Garnish:
   Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme) or a pinch of smoked paprika to add a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a side of sliced avocado or toast for a more filling breakfast.

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Notes

1. Bacon Thickness: The thickness of the bacon will affect the cooking time. Thick-cut bacon takes a little longer, so check your bacon after 8 minutes and flip it to ensure even cooking.
2. Egg Doneness: Cooking eggs in an air fryer is a bit of an art, as all air fryers heat differently. It’s a good idea to start with shorter cooking times and add more minutes if needed. The eggs will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so aim for them to be slightly less done than you want when you take them out.
3. Cleanup Tip: Bacon can be greasy, so it’s a good idea to place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket under the bacon to catch the drips. This makes cleanup a lot easier.
4. Adding More Variety: You can get creative with your eggs. Add cheese, spinach, or ham for an air-fryer “egg muffin” vibe. Just be mindful of the extra cooking time if you add ingredients that need to be cooked, such as vegetables or meat.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve your bacon and eggs with a side of crispy hash browns, fresh fruit, or a toasted English muffin for a complete breakfast. You can also pair it with a hot cup of coffee or fresh juice.

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Troubleshooting

• Bacon isn’t crispy enough: If your bacon is not as crispy as you’d like, return it to the air fryer for 1-2 more minutes. Bacon crisps up more as it cools, so give it a few moments before you decide it’s not crispy enough.
• Eggs are too runny or too firm: Cooking eggs in the air fryer is a bit of trial and error. If they’re undercooked, add another 1-2 minutes. If they’re overcooked, reduce the time next time by 1 minute.

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Enjoy your easy, quick, and delicious Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs! This breakfast is simple yet satisfying, and the air fryer makes it even easier. Whether you like your bacon crispy or your eggs runny, you’ll get a perfectly cooked meal in under 20 minutes!