Air Fryer Bacon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

• 8 slicesthick-cut bacon — regular-cut works — start checking 2 minutes earlier
• 1/4 cupwater — poured under the basket, not on the bacon — this is the anti-smoke trick

Method

1. 01

   Pour the water into the bottom of the drawer, under the basket. It keeps the rendered fat below its smoke point so your kitchen doesn't turn into a diner at closing time. Do not skip this with thick-cut bacon.

2. 02

   Lay the slices flat in a single layer, edges touching but not stacked. Cut slices in half if your basket is round — folded bacon cooks unevenly at the bend.

3. 03

   Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for chewy-crisp, 10-12 for shattering. No flip needed; the air does both sides. Check at 8 minutes the first time — brands and cuts vary wildly.

4. 04

   Move the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate with tongs the moment it's a shade lighter than you want; it keeps crisping for a minute off the heat.

5. 05

   Let the drawer cool, then pour the fat-and-water through a strainer if you want to keep the fat (you do). Chilled, the bacon fat lifts right off the water layer.