How to Cook Bacon

Slices of cooked bacon on paper towels on a white plate.

When it comes to cooking bacon, you have options. Learn How to Cook Bacon in the oven, on the stove-top, in an air fryer, or even in the microwave depending on how much bacon you need.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings (2 slices each)

Calories 267kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

1 pound bacon (see note 1)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To cook bacon in the oven:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Set a rack on top if using.
Arrange the bacon in a single layer. Bake until bacon is cooked to your desired doneness (start checking at 10 minutes; I usually bake it for about 15 minutes). Remove from oven and drain on paper towels.

To cook bacon on the stove:

In a cold skillet, arrange bacon in a single layer (don't let it overlap too much).
Turn the skillet to medium heat and cook, flipping the pieces often to promote even browning, until they reach your desired doneness (8 to 15 minutes). Remove from oven and drain on paper towels.

To cook bacon in an air fryer:

Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees if your model suggests that (not all air fryers need to be preheated). To the basket of an air fryer, add 5 or 6 strips regular bacon (use the amount the fats, cutting to fit if needed).
Fry regular bacon for 7 to 10 minutes and thick-cut bacon for 10 to 12 minutes (cook to desired crispiness).
Remove from air fryer basket and drain on paper towels. Discard any leftover bacon grease in the bottom of the air fryer between batches.

To cook bacon in the microwave:

Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 layers of paper towels. Add bacon in a single layer and cover with 2 more layers of paper towels.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals as needed for desired doneness.

Video

Notes

Bacon: These recipes work for all bacon: regular bacon, thick-cut bacon, turkey bacon, cured or uncured bacon. The cook time will very between regular and thick-cut bacon, though.
Yield: 1 pound of regular bacon usually has 16 slices, enough for 8 servings, 2 slices each. Thick-cut bacon will have 10-12 slices per pound.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition