4 Ways to Cook Bacon
User Reviews
5
4 Ways to Cook Bacon
Description
Cooking bacon in the oven involves arranging strips on a foil-lined baking sheet, optionally on a rack, and baking at 400°F until desired crispness is reached, typically 10 to 15 minutes. This method cooks bacon evenly with minimal cleanup.
Stovetop cooking starts with a cold skillet where bacon is placed without overlapping. Cooking over medium heat with frequent flipping allows controlled rendering of fat and browning over 8 to 15 minutes.
Using an air fryer, bacon strips are cooked at 350°F for 7 to 12 minutes depending on thickness, providing a quick and less greasy option.
Microwave cooking involves placing bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe dish, microwaving on high in 30-second intervals until crisp. This method is fastest but requires close attention.
The guide notes cook times vary by bacon thickness and advises draining cooked bacon on paper towels. Leftovers should be refrigerated and are safe up to four days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon (see note 1)
Instructions
To cook bacon in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Set a rack on top if using.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer. Bake until bacon is cooked to your desired doneness (start checking at 10 minutes; I usually bake it for about 15 minutes). Remove from oven and drain on paper towels.
To cook bacon on the stove:
- In a cold skillet, arrange bacon in a single layer (don't let it overlap too much).
- Turn the skillet to medium heat and cook, flipping the pieces often to promote even browning, until they reach your desired doneness (8 to 15 minutes). Remove from oven and drain on paper towels.
To cook bacon in an air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees if your model suggests that (not all air fryers need to be preheated). To the basket of an air fryer, add 5 or 6 strips regular bacon (use the amount the fats, cutting to fit if needed).
- Fry regular bacon for 7 to 10 minutes and thick-cut bacon for 10 to 12 minutes (cook to desired crispiness).
- Remove from air fryer basket and drain on paper towels. Discard any leftover bacon grease in the bottom of the air fryer between batches.
To cook bacon in the microwave:
- Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 layers of paper towels. Add bacon in a single layer and cover with 2 more layers of paper towels.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals as needed for desired doneness.
Notes
- These methods work for all bacon types including regular, thick-cut, turkey, cured, and uncured varieties.
- Cooking times vary with thickness; start checking doneness at the lower time ranges to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Yield estimates: one pound regular bacon has about 16 slices, sufficient for eight two-slice servings; thick-cut has fewer slices per pound.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (2 slices each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2 slices | |
| Calories | 267kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 974mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 286mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 21IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
