Cooking bacon can be a simple yet nuanced process, depending on the desired texture and the method you choose. Here are several ways to cook bacon, each with its own advantages and tips.
Cooking Bacon on the Stove
This is one of the most traditional methods for cooking bacon.
Steps:
Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium to high heat[1][4][5].
Arrange the Bacon: Place 5-6 pieces of bacon in the skillet, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping can prevent even cooking.
Cook the Bacon: Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for a perfectly cooked piece of bacon. For a rubbery piece, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, and for a crispy piece, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side[1][4].
Flip and Cook: Flip the bacon over and continue cooking until it reaches your desired doneness. Be sure to flip the pieces often to promote even browning[4][5].
Drain Excess Grease: Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease[1][4][5].
Cooking Bacon in the Oven
This method is ideal for cooking large quantities of bacon and ensures even cooking.
Steps:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)[2][4][5].
Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can also use a wire rack set in a shallow pan to allow fat to drain[2][4][5].
Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared pan.
Bake: Place the pan in the cold oven and set the timer for 20 minutes. Check the bacon after 15 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed until it reaches your desired doneness[2][4].
Drain Excess Grease: Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease[2][4].
Broiling Bacon
This method is quick and produces crispy bacon with minimal mess.
Steps:
Preheat the Broiler: Move the top oven rack to about 3 inches from the broiler and preheat the oven to broil[5].
Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon slices on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil.
Broil: Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning at least once. Watch closely as the bacon can quickly go from crispy to burnt[5].
Drain Excess Grease: Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease[5].
Cooking Bacon in an Air Fryer
This method is great for making crispy bacon crumbles.
Steps:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket. Note that the bacon may curl up, so this method is best for crumbles rather than flat slices[5].
Cook: Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness.
Drain Excess Grease: Remove the bacon from the air fryer and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease[5].
Important Facts About Cooking Bacon
Even Cooking: Ensure the bacon slices do not overlap to promote even cooking, whether on the stove, in the oven, or under the broiler[1][4][5].
Heat Control: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Thin-cut bacon cooks faster than thick-cut bacon[1][4][5].
Grease Management: Always drain excess grease on paper towels after cooking to prevent sogginess and make the bacon crisper[1][4][5].
Cleanup: Use aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a wire rack to make cleanup easier, especially when cooking in the oven or broiling[2][4][5].
Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the bacon, especially when broiling or using the air fryer, as it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to burnt[2][4][5].
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time, whether you prefer it crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between.
