How to Cook Bacon Using Different Appliances

Find out how to effectively use the microwave, oven, and air-fryer for all your bacon-cooking needs. Some of these methods might even lead to more delicious results!

Method 1: How to cook bacon in the microwave

The microwave is the quickest way to cook bacon. It also requires far less cleanup than a skillet – no greasy splatters here! Different cook times and heat levels can lead to vastly different textures. Your microwave model might also affect how your bacon comes out, so be prepared for some trial and error.

• Make sure to lay the bacon down on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Alternatively, flip another plate on top.
• Do you like your bacon chewy? Try cooking it at medium power for five minutes.
• Are you on Team Crispy? Cook your bacon strips on high for 4-6 minutes and let them cool completely before serving.

Remember: bacon gets crispier as it cools, so if it’s not quite how you like it straight out of the microwave – give it some time. Patience is key!

Method 2: How to cook bacon in a toaster or conventional oven

The oven is the way to go if you ever need to cook a lot of bacon at once. Plus, this method is completely hands-free, so you're free to do other things while the bacon bakes. It's the ideal set-up for weekly meal preps, family breakfasts before work or school, and dinner parties.

Oven-cooked bacon requires more work than its microwaved counterpart but it's still less messy than stovetop bacon. Again, no greasy splatters to worry about!

• To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, space the bacon out, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

If all goes well, you should have evenly cooked and crispy strips ready before you know it.

Method 3: How to cook bacon in an air fryer

Air fryers are relatively new appliances that have quickly gained traction as a healthy and convenient alternative to deep fryers. They cook food with hot air instead of oil, hence the name. Air-frying bacon results in an ultra-crispy bite, much like what you’d get with an oven.

The difference is that air-frying takes less time: you’ll only need to cook your bacon for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (204°C). There’s zero pre-heating involved. It doesn’t require additional pans or heat-resistant vessels – simply place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket, and you’re good to go. No baking pan = fewer dishes to clean.

It’s also more appropriate for small-scale cooking. So, go the air fryer route if you’re dining solo or prepping for date night. In any case, it’s a great investment for busy home cooks.

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