You know those mornings when you’re half-asleep, stumbling to the kitchen, and just need breakfast to magically appear? That’s exactly why I fell in love with making Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs. I discovered this trick one chaotic Tuesday when my kids were running late for school and I hadn’t even had coffee yet. Seven minutes later – yes, seven! – we were sitting down to crispy bacon and perfectly runny eggs. No greasy stovetop splatters, no watching the skillet like a hawk. Just toss everything in the air fryer basket and let it work its magic while you pour that much-needed cup of coffee.
What makes this method so brilliant is how it transforms the classic bacon-and-eggs breakfast into something almost effortless. The air fryer gives you that ideal crispiness without the mess, and the eggs cook up beautifully right alongside. I’ve made this probably a hundred times since that first desperate morning, and it never fails to feel like a little kitchen miracle. Whether it’s a rushed weekday or a lazy Sunday, this recipe has become my go-to for good reason – it just works.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs Recipe
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked bacon and eggs any other way. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Speed demon breakfast: From fridge to plate in under 12 minutes – even on your sleepiest mornings
- No babysitting required: Unlike stovetop cooking, you don’t have to stand there flipping and worrying about burning
- Crispy bacon perfection: The air fryer gives you that ideal crunch without the grease splatters all over your stove
- Eggs exactly how you like them: Runny yolks or firm – you control the doneness with just a minute or two difference
- Almost no cleanup: Just one basket to wash (or use parchment for zero cleanup!)
It’s become my secret weapon for impressing breakfast guests too – they never believe how easy it was to make something that looks and tastes this good!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 4 slices of bacon: Regular-cut works best (thick-cut may need extra time). I prefer applewood smoked for that extra flavor punch!
- 2 large eggs: Cold straight from the fridge is fine – no need to temper them first
Salt and pepper to taste: I’m generous with the pepper – it makes the eggs sing
Cooking spray (optional): Just a quick spritz prevents egg sticking. My aunt swears by avocado oil spray
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, just the classic bacon-and-egg combo done the smart way. I sometimes add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to my eggs if I’m feeling fancy, but honestly, they’re perfect just like this.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
Don’t let the simplicity fool you – there’s a little technique to getting this perfect. Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how the air fryer transforms basic ingredients into breakfast magic. I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to!
Step 1: Preheat and Arrange Bacon
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! I preheat mine to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. While it’s warming up, lay your bacon slices in a single layer in the basket. No overlapping – that’s crucial! If the slices touch, they’ll steam instead of getting crispy. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I got lazy one morning. The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so don’t worry if they look crowded at first.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Now the fun begins! Cook the bacon for 5 minutes, then flip each slice with tongs. You’ll already see it starting to crisp up beautifully. Cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on how crispy you like it – I go the full 5 because I’m all about that crunch. Watch closely during the last minute though – it can go from perfect to overdone in seconds! For extra crispy bacon (my husband’s favorite), add an extra minute or two, but keep an eye on it.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels (this keeps it crisp). Now for the eggs – give the basket a quick spray with cooking spray if your air fryer tends to stick. Crack your eggs right into the basket, leaving space between them. They’ll spread a bit, so don’t crowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes for gorgeous runny yolks (my kids love dipping their bacon in them), or 5-6 minutes if you prefer firm yolks. The whites should be completely set either way. I usually peek at the 3-minute mark to check progress – every air fryer is a little different!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfect results every single time. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Know your air fryer: Cooking times vary slightly between models. Start checking bacon a minute early until you learn yours – my sister’s needs 2 minutes less than mine!
- Silicone egg molds are game-changers: They keep eggs perfectly round and make cleanup a breeze. I resisted buying them at first, but wow – worth every penny.
- Listen for the sizzle: When you first put the bacon in, you should hear immediate sizzling. If not, your air fryer might need more preheating.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Trying to cram everything in at once leads to uneven cooking – another lesson from my early fails!
The best part? Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll develop your own little tricks too. That’s when you know a recipe has truly become yours!
Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s so fun to play with variations! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling creative:
- Cheese lover’s twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the eggs during the last minute of cooking – it melts into gooey perfection
- Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes on the eggs adds a nice kick (my teenage son’s current obsession)
- Avocado upgrade: Serve with sliced avocado and everything bagel seasoning – makes it feel like a fancy brunch
- Maple glaze: Brush bacon with a tiny bit of maple syrup before cooking for sweet-savory magic
The basic recipe is perfect as-is, but these little tweaks keep breakfast exciting. What variations will you try first? If you are looking for other crispy air fryer recipes, check out this guide on crispy air fryer onion petals.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
This breakfast is fantastic on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out when I want something extra: crispy toast for scooping up those yolks, fresh berries for a sweet contrast, or quick air-fried hash browns (just add 5 minutes to your cook time). My kids go wild when I serve it with mini pancakes on the side – breakfast of champions!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
Leftovers? No problem! Store cooked bacon and eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave (it makes eggs rubbery – yuck!) and pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes. The bacon regains its crispiness beautifully, and the eggs warm through without overcooking. Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, undercook the eggs slightly – they’ll finish perfectly when reheated! For more meal prep ideas, see how to make mini individual meatloaf.
Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs Nutrition Information
Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving (2 slices bacon + 1 egg) – keep in mind these are estimates since bacon thickness and egg sizes can vary. You’re looking at about 250 calories, 20g protein, and just 1g carbs. It’s my favorite low-carb breakfast that actually keeps me full until lunch! The numbers will change if you add cheese or other toppings, but this basic version is a protein powerhouse with minimal sugar (zero grams – woohoo!).
FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs
Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. I actually prefer thick-cut on weekends when I’m not in a rush – it gets this amazing meaty-chewy-crispy texture that regular bacon can’t match. Keep an eye on it though, as the extra thickness means it can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
How do I prevent the eggs from sticking to the basket?
Two tricks I swear by: either give the basket a quick spray with cooking spray before adding the eggs (avocado oil works great), or use those handy silicone egg molds. My neighbor laughed when I bought them, but now she won’t make air fryer eggs without them! If you do get some sticking, a soft nylon brush and warm soapy water cleans it right up.
Can I cook the bacon and eggs together at the same time?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. The bacon grease splatters can make the eggs greasy, and timing them perfectly is tricky. I tried this exactly once – ended up with rubbery eggs and undercooked bacon. Not my finest kitchen moment! The extra 5 minutes for separate cooking makes all the difference.
Why does my bacon cook unevenly in the air fryer?
This drove me crazy until I figured it out! Make sure your bacon slices aren’t overlapping at all, and rotate the basket halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots (most do). Also, patting the bacon dry with paper towels before cooking helps it crisp up evenly. My mom’s trick? She slightly folds the fatty ends under so they cook at the same rate as the lean parts.
Now that you’re armed with all my hard-earned bacon-and-egg wisdom, it’s your turn! Try this recipe tomorrow morning and tag me with your results – I love seeing your breakfast creations!
Print
7-Minute Air Fryer Bacon and Eggs – Crispy Perfection!
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and easy breakfast recipe for crispy bacon and perfectly cooked eggs using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the bacon for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray if needed.
- Crack the eggs into the basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook the eggs for 3-4 minutes for runny yolks or 5-6 minutes for firm yolks.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve with the bacon.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Use silicone egg molds for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American