Friedrich Bayer (1 November 1887 – 5 August 1953) was a German lieutenant general during World War II who commanded several divisions.

From mid-March 1941 he took over the newly established 281st Security Division, which he led until October 1941.

Wilhelm von Leeb put him in charge of the extermination of all partisans north of Pskov in August 1941.

From mid-June 1944, he took over command of the 153rd Field Training Division, which was destroyed during the Second Jassy–Kishinev offensive.

Bayer attempted to enter Bulgaria while fleeing Romania, but was taken prisoner by Bulgarian forces.