In recent years, air fryers have become a staple in many household kitchens.
With sales of air fryers continuing to rise, it's clear that people are loving have a new, faster, and healthier way to prepare their meals.
From vegetables to meats like chicken and fish, air fryers can tackle just about anything you throw in its tray. However, food experts have shared one popular food you should really steer clear from cooking in an air fryer: Bacon.
According to dietitian Brenda Peralta, while air fryers offer a convenient way to prepare meals without adding extra oil, cooking bacon in these devices can lead to unexpected accidents and health risks.
In an interview with HuffPost, Peralta - of FeastGood.com - revealed: "Bacon is a fatty food, and when it is cooked in an air fryer, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splatter.
“This can make the bacon difficult to cook evenly, and it can also produce a lot of smoke and odors."
Peralta also stressed the fragility of bacon cooked in an air fryer, warning that the thin strips are susceptible to snapping if handled incorrectly.
So, what is the best way to cook bacon?
Well, let's turn to everybody's favorite foul-mouthed chef, Gordon Ramsay.
According to the Hell's Kitchen star, he believes a "classic American" technique is the best way to bring out the bacon's "smoky and sweet flavors".
In a YouTube tutorial, Ramsay reveals his secret: a simple combination of olive oil, butter, and brown sugar - along with a pinch of salt and pepper - all added to a hot pan before introducing the bacon.
As the strips sizzle, the sugar caramelizes, creating a delectable candied glaze over the savory bacon slices.
Alternatively, for a hassle-free approach, Ramsay suggests baking the bacon in the oven. Lay the strips on a foil-lined sheet pan, sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture, and bake until fragrant and beautifully browned.
Over on TikTok, one person who tried Ramsay's approach was user @thesquatbox, who wrote: “Gordon Ramsay changed my life when it comes to cooking bacon”.
After sharing her results, one person agreed, commenting: "Girl that looks so good, I have to try it." Another added: "Next time I cook bacon I am trying this…yummy!"
So, whoever brings home the bacon in your house, just make sure you're throwing it in a pan or over, and not an air fryer.
