Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast options in many households. Whether you prefer crispy or chewy bacon, it is undoubtedly a delicious and filling addition to any meal. However, cooking bacon on the stove can be a messy and time -consuming affair. That’s where cooking bacon in the oven comes in handy.
If you are looking for a foolproof way to cook bacon perfectly every time, you have come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking bacon in the oven. From the best way to cook bacon in the oven to different oven settings and cooking times, we’ve got you covered.
What is the best way to cook bacon in the oven?
Cooking bacon in the oven is a simple and efficient way to prepare bacon. Here are the steps you need to follow to cook perfect bacon every time.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the bacon slices on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
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Bake the bacon in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
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Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
And that’s it! Cooking bacon in the oven is that simple. One of the best things about cooking bacon in the oven is that it requires minimal effort. You can place the bacon in the oven and focus on other breakfast preparations such as making toast or brewing coffee.
How long does it take to cook bacon at 375°F?
Cooking time is the most crucial factor when cooking bacon in the oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it. In general, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook bacon in the oven at 375°F. Thicker bacon slices will require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may cook faster.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning. You can check the bacon occasionally after 10 minutes to see how it’s coming along. If the bacon is not as crispy as you’d like it to be, you can leave it in the oven for another 2-3 minutes.
Bacon in air fryer
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is another option that can give you perfectly crispy bacon without any mess. Air fryers circulate hot air around the bacon, cooking it evenly and quickly. Here’s how you can cook bacon in an air fryer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
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Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Cook the bacon for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
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Remove the bacon from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a great option if you have limited oven space or want to cook a small batch of bacon. It’s also a healthier option since the bacon cooks in its natural fat, and excess grease drips away.
How long does bacon cook in the oven at 350°F?
Cooking bacon in the oven at 350°F is a viable option, especially if you prefer chewy bacon instead of crispy bacon. Here’s how you can cook bacon in the oven at 350°F.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the bacon slices on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
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Bake the bacon in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of chewiness.
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Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Cooking bacon at 350°F will require a longer cooking time than cooking bacon at 375°F. However, it’s a great option if you want to achieve a chewy texture and a less crispy bacon.
Bacon in convection oven
Cooking bacon in a convection oven is another option that can give you perfectly crispy and evenly cooked bacon. A convection oven circulates hot air around the bacon, cooking it evenly and quickly. Here’s how you can cook bacon in a convection oven.
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Preheat the convection oven to 375°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the bacon slices on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
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Bake the bacon in the convection oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
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Remove the bacon from the convection oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Cooking bacon in a convection oven is a faster option than cooking bacon in a regular oven. It’s also an excellent option if you want your bacon to be crispy and evenly cooked.
Bacon in microwave
Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick option that can save you time if you’re in a rush. Here’s how you can cook bacon in the microwave.
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Place the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels.
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Cover the bacon with another layer of paper towels to prevent grease splatters.
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Microwave the bacon for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your microwave’s power.
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Remove the bacon from the microwave and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
While cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick option, it won’t give you the same crispiness and texture that you would get from cooking bacon in the oven or air fryer.
How to cook bacon on stove
Cooking bacon on the stove is a classic way to prepare bacon. While it can be messy, it’s a great option if you only need to cook a few slices of bacon. Here’s how you can cook bacon on the stove.
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Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet.
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Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the bacon on one side for 2-3 minutes.
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Flip the bacon and cook it on the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
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Remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Cooking bacon on the stove requires constant attention to prevent it from burning. It’s also a messy affair since the grease can splatter all over the stove.
How long does it take bacon to bake at 400°F?
Cooking bacon at 400°F is a viable option if you want your bacon to cook faster. Here’s how you can cook bacon at 400°F.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the bacon slices on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
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Bake the bacon in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
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Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Cooking bacon at 400°F will require a shorter cooking time than cooking bacon at lower temperatures. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning.
Final thoughts
Cooking bacon in the oven is one of the easiest and efficient ways to prepare bacon. Cooking bacon in the oven or air fryer requires minimal effort, and you can cook a large batch of bacon in one go. You can also experiment with different oven temperatures and cooking times to achieve different textures and levels of crispiness.
We hope this ultimate guide has provided you with all the information you need to cook perfect bacon in the oven every time. Whether you prefer crispy or chewy bacon, by following these simple steps, you can achieve your desired texture and level of doneness.