The Best Way to Cook Bacon: Perfectly Crispy and Browned Every Time

For many, bacon is the ultimate comfort food. It's no surprise that so many cooking methods exist to get those perfect crispy and browned bacon strips. In this guide, we'll explore various methods to cook bacon that will give you the best results, whether you're cooking small quantities or large batches.

Stovetop Cooking Method

Lower your heat. One of the key secrets to perfectly cooked bacon is to cook it on medium to low heat. High heat can cause bacon to burn quickly, while low heat ensures that it browns evenly without getting too crispy or burnt. Always keep a close eye on the bacon while it's frying. You should never walk away, as the bacon can go from perfectly browned to burnt in no time.

Parchment paper method: Once the bacon is cooked, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the bacon every 10 minutes to ensure it is browned to your liking. When it's done, remove it from the oven and drain the fat off the sheet.

Oven-stove combo method: This method involves pan-frying the bacon and then finishing it off in the oven to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon strips on it. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven (350 degrees F) and check every 10 minutes. This method works particularly well for larger quantities of bacon.

Air Fryer Method

Air fryer cooking: If you have access to an air fryer, it's a quick and efficient way to cook bacon. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the bacon strips in the basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. As with the oven-stove method, the bacon will come out crisp but with a slight curl, which can be a bit of a disappointment if you prefer straight strips.

Microwave Method

Microwave cooking: Another quick and dirty method is to cook bacon in the microwave. Spread the bacon strips on a couple of paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and place an old newspaper section in between the paper towels and bacon. This helps to manage the grease better. Place the microwave-safe package in the microwave, set the cooking time (preferably experimenting with a few different times), flip over the package, and continue cooking until the bacon reaches your desired texture.

The advantage of this method is the clean-up, as the greasy paper towels and newspaper can be easily discarded. However, it does require a bit of experimenting with timing and quantities to get the ideal result.

Conclusion

With these methods, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon that is crispy on the outside and nicely browned on the inside. Whether you prefer the stovetop, oven, air fryer, or microwave method, the key is to keep an eye on the bacon and adjust the heat as needed. Happy bacon cooking!