How to Cook Bacon (3 Ways)
Wondering How to Cook Bacon so you get perfectly crispy strips and no mess? Below you'll find 3 simple methods to choose from: the traditional stovetop way, by baking in the oven, or quickly in the air fryer. No matter which way you slice it, you'll be enjoying bacon by itself or in all your favorite recipes.
Prep Time1 minute min
Cook Time9 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Jennifer Deppa
- 4-8 oz. bacon strips regular or thick-cut
SKILLET: Place bacon in a single layer in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until crispy. Let drain on a paper towel
4-8 oz. bacon strips
AIR FRYER: Place bacon in a single layer and cook at 350 for 9-11 minutes.
4-8 oz. bacon strips
OVEN: Place bacon in a single layer on a large sheet pan either lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil and a wire rack. Lift up pieces of the bacon to give it a wavy appearance, if you’d prefer. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15-25 minutes. Regular-cut bacon will take 15-20 minutes while thick-cut bacon will take closer to 20-25 minutes.
4-8 oz. bacon strips
Drain Bacon: Remove bacon from the skillet, oven, or air fryer and place strips on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat dry with additional paper towels to remove excess grease.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Store: Keep leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze cooked bacon in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 to 4 months.
- To Reheat: You can warm up cooked bacon strips in the oven or air fryer. It only takes a few minutes. Avoid the microwave or you'll end up with soggy bacon.
Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 28mg | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg