How to Cook Bacon in the Oven and 4 Other Methods to Cook Crispy Bacon

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Cooking bacon is one of life’s simple pleasures. The smell fills the kitchen, and the taste brings joy to every meal. But many people are not sure of the best way to cook it. If you want a clean, easy, and tasty method, learning how to bake bacon in the oven is a great start. It gives you perfectly crispy slices without the mess of frying.

Baking bacon is becoming more popular because it saves time and effort. You don’t have to flip the strips or stand by the stove. Plus, it allows you to cook a large batch at once, which is perfect for family breakfasts or brunch parties.

In this article, you will learn how to bake bacon in the oven, as well as other ways to cook bacon using different tools like a stove, air fryer, microwave, and even a grill. We gathered the information from various sources, Friday (24/10/2025).

Baking bacon in the oven is one of the easiest and cleanest ways to cook it. You get evenly cooked, crispy bacon without splattering grease all over your kitchen. Here's how to cook bacon in the oven:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the bacon the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also place a wire rack on top of the sheet if you want the fat to drip off the bacon while it cooks.

Step 3: Arrange the Bacon

Lay the bacon strips flat in a single layer on the foil or rack. Make sure they don’t overlap; this helps them cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on how thick your bacon is and how crispy you like it. Check after 12 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5: Remove and Drain

Once done, use tongs to remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra grease.

Tips for Crispy Bacon:

- Use a wire rack for extra crispiness, as it allows hot air to circulate evenly around the bacon and keeps it from sitting in grease.

- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to make sure every strip cooks evenly and gets the same level of crispiness.

- Let the bacon cool for 2–3 minutes before serving so it becomes firm and crunchy without losing flavor.

Cooking bacon on the stove gives you quick results and great flavor. It’s a classic method many people use for small batches.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pan

Use a large, heavy skillet or frying pan. A cast-iron pan works best for even heat distribution.

Step 2: Place Bacon in a Cold Pan

Lay the bacon strips in the cold pan without overlapping. Starting cold helps the fat render slowly and prevents sticking.

Step 3: Cook Over Medium Heat

Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon slowly. Flip each strip every 2–3 minutes using tongs to make sure both sides are evenly cooked.

Step 4: Remove and Drain

When the bacon is crispy and golden, move it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra grease.

Tips for Crispy Bacon:

- Avoid high heat; it can cause uneven cooking or burnt edges. Slow cooking allows the fat to melt gently and results in evenly crispy bacon.

- Use a splatter guard to reduce mess and keep your stovetop cleaner. It also helps keep the bacon from drying out.

- Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs or vegetables later—it adds a rich, smoky flavor to other dishes.

The air fryer is a modern way to cook bacon quickly and efficiently. It produces crispy bacon without much oil or smoke.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for a few minutes.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

Place the bacon strips in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd; you may need to cook in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Air fry the bacon for 8–10 minutes. Thin slices may cook faster, while thick-cut bacon might need 1–2 extra minutes. Flip the strips halfway for even crispiness.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the grease.

Tips for Crispy Bacon:

- Use parchment paper liners for easier cleanup and to keep the bacon from sticking to the basket.

- Check halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking and adjust time based on your preferred crispiness level.

- Shake the basket lightly if bacon curls during cooking—this helps ensure every strip gets evenly cooked and crispy.

Cooking bacon in the microwave is great when you’re short on time. It’s fast, easy, and still gives you delicious results.

Step 1: Prepare the Plate

Place 2–3 layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Lay the bacon strips on top in a single layer, then cover them with one more paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Microwave on high for 3–4 minutes for regular-cut bacon or 5–6 minutes for thick-cut bacon. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power.

Step 3: Check and Adjust

If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired texture.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allow the bacon to sit for 1–2 minutes after cooking. It will continue to crisp up slightly.

Tips for Crispy Bacon:

- Use fresh paper towels for each batch to absorb grease properly, as reusing damp ones can make bacon soggy.

- Avoid stacking strips to ensure even cooking; each piece needs space for the heat to circulate.

- Always use microwave-safe dishes and avoid plastic ones to prevent melting or uneven heating during cooking.

Grilling bacon adds a smoky flavor that’s perfect for outdoor cooking. It’s great for barbecues and pairs well with grilled burgers or eggs.

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Set your grill to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

You can place the strips directly on the grill grates or use aluminum foil with small holes poked in it to let the fat drain away.

Step 3: Grill the Bacon

Lay the bacon flat and close the lid. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once. Watch closely to avoid burning, as grills can cook unevenly.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Transfer the grilled bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Crispy Bacon:

- Keep the heat medium to prevent flare-ups, which can burn the bacon and create uneven cooking.

- Try thick-cut bacon for better grill control and to keep it from falling through the grates.

- Add a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar before grilling for a sweet, smoky glaze that enhances the flavor.

Everyone loves crispy bacon, but there’s one thing most people throw away without thinking—the bacon grease. It’s something that can actually be quite useful in your kitchen. Think of how much flavor it can add to your next meal.

Instead of pouring it down the sink, save the grease after cooking. Simply strain it into a glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator. Bacon grease can last for weeks and can be used in many recipes.

You can use it to fry eggs, roast vegetables, or even season your cast-iron pan. It gives food a rich, smoky flavor that regular oil doesn’t. So next time you cook bacon, remember—don’t waste the grease!