Preheat air fryer to 370° Fahrenheit. While air fryer preheats, line large plate with layers of paper towels. For crispier bacon, place wire cooling rack over paper towels.
Once air fryer is preheated, remove basket. Optional: Line bottom of air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Add bacon strips to air fryer basket in single layer. Work in batches as needed to prevent stacking or overlapping bacon strips. If folding bacon to fit in basket, don't fold each bacon strip more than once.
Place air fryer basket in preheated air fryer. Fry bacon 5 minutes, then remove basket and check doneness. Use tongs to reposition bacon strips in basket if needed.
Return basket to air fryer and fry bacon 5 to 10 minutes more depending on desired doneness (see Notes). Check doneness every 2 to 3 minutes to avoid burning.
When desired doneness is achieved, remove air fryer basket and transfer bacon to plate lined with paper towels, or to wire cooling rack over paper towels.
Let basket cool slightly, then carefully wipe out grease to prevent smoking. Repeat steps above until all bacon has been cooked as desired. Serve warm.