It seems like just about everyone nowadays owns an air fryer. These little gadgets have totally revolutionized the way we cook, whether it’s crisping up frozen oven fries or preparing an entire BBQ feast right on our kitchen countertop. And let’s not forget, they’re cheaper to run than an oven – and in the midst of this blistering cost-of-living crisis, who doesn’t want to save a few bucks?

But hold on, before you get too excited, there might be a few more rules to air fryer cooking than we originally thought. Turns out, bacon lovers should think twice before attempting to cook their favorite breakfast treat in an air fryer. And trust us, avoiding potential disasters and messy clean-ups is definitely a plus.

Dietitian Brenda Peralta has warned that cooking bacon in an air fryer may not be the best idea. Due to the high fat content in bacon, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splattering. Not only can this make it difficult to cook bacon evenly, but it can also result in a lot of smoke and unpleasant odors. And let’s not forget the risk of food poisoning if the bacon is cooked unevenly.

Aside from the potential risks, cooking bacon in an air fryer may also not give you the desired aesthetic outcome. Bacon strips are delicate and flipping or removing them from the air fryer basket without breaking them can be a challenge. Additionally, if you’re cooking bacon for a group of friends, the small size of the air fryer basket may not be sufficient to accommodate a large quantity of bacon, which can be inconvenient.

So, it’s probably best to avoid cooking bacon in an air fryer. However, there are still plenty of other delicious foods that are a perfect match for these wonderful devices. According to dietitian Brenda, Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, falafel, and breaded chicken are some examples of foods that thrive in air fryers.

While bacon may not be on the menu when it comes to air fryer cooking, there are still many other options to explore and enjoy. So go ahead, embrace the versatility of your air fryer and discover new tasty creations that will make your taste buds dance with joy.