Tiana Walters 
This recipe is my fool-proof method for Perfect Bacon Every Time that will give you the crispy and chewy texture you crave. If you follow these easy steps, you will be rewarded with flat, evenly cooked bacon that is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or by itself. Clean up is a cinch making this method ideal for large crowds, holiday brunches, or anytime you want to avoid that messy frying pan! It’s the only way we cook bacon in our house because it is so dang easy!
The Trick to Perfect Bacon is a Cold Oven
First, you will line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place bacon in rows overlapping some is fine.
Next, you will place the baking sheet in a COLD oven. This part is essential!
Now is when you turn the oven on to 400 degrees and set a timer for 20 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, check bacon for desired crispiness. Remember, you want to pull bacon right before its done because it will keep cooking. Also, make sure to remove the bacon from the hot baking sheet and onto a paper towel-lined plate. I won’t tell if you sneak a few pieces for yourself before serving!
Cooking Thick Cut Bacon
Most people find thick-cut bacon to be a hassle, but the oven method makes it so easy! You will need to adjust your times, so I would check at 23 minutes for the desired crispiness.
Storing
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, and I don’t think I need to tell you how to use up your bacon.
Here’s a recipe using that glorious bacon you’ve just made: Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake with deeply roasted and pillowy potatoes, crispy bacon, and darkly seared chicken bites with ooey gooey cheese, a ranch drizzle, and green onions on top.
Cleaning Up
This method is excellent because its hands off so you can cook other components of your breakfast and not worry about splattering grease all over your clothes and stovetop.
Let the baking sheet sit out until the fat has solidified. Then, depending on the quality, either scrape into the trash or save for later. Frying up potatoes, sauteing greens, making salad dressings are some of my favorite ways to repurpose bacon fat.
How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
Perfect Bacon Every Time can be a great recipe if you want to multi-task, but if your short on time, the Air Fryer Method works great for small batches.
Place bacon in rows in the air fryer set to 380 degrees and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and let cook 4 minutes on the other side.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to tag me on IG @love.your.taste.buds and please rate or comment on the recipe below. Your support helps my food get into other people’s hands. Thank you, and enjoy!
Perfect Bacon Every Time
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment or Aluminium Foil
- Tongs
- Paper Towel
- Platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon
Instructions
- To make clean up easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Next, lay bacon in rows. Touching is okay, but try not to overlap.
- Place baking sheet in a COLD oven on the middle rack, then turn oven to 400.
- For standard cuts of bacon cook for 20 minutes. Cooking thinner bacon will be less time (about 16 minutes), thicker will be more time (about 23 minutes.) Remember to pull the bacon right before it's done. It will have residual heat and will continue to cook.
- Once desired crispiness has been reached, remove the baking sheet from the oven. With tongs, move bacon to a paper towel-lined platter. Serve and enjoy!
- Clean up is a cinch. Just wait for the fat to solidify, then bunch up parchment or foil and toss. This method doesn't splatter as much as the stovetop. So don't worry about getting bacon grease in your oven.If you want to save the bacon fat, let it cool slightly then pour into a container.
