To provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method which can restrain occurrence of an ink stain and achieve reduction of time for printing in the case of both-side recording. The apparatus includes a setting unit for variably setting a length of time between an end of recording on a first recording side (surface) of a recording medium and a start of recording on a second recording side (reverse side) of the recording medium in accordance with image data for recording on the first recording side of the recording medium.