how to cook bacon

basics

The tools to have on hand and a few cooking methods to get the perfect chewy or crispy strips every time.

levels of doneness

Use the following timings to cook regular-cut bacon to your favorite level of doneness, from chewy to extra-crispy.

cook at least one minute more than the recommended timings in the chart to reach your desired level of doneness.

If Using Thick-Cut Bacon,

Experiment with different methods to cook bacon to the perfect level of crispiness.

All Fried Up

CRISPY

CHEWY

LESS CHEWY

EXTRA-CRISPY

SKILLET: Cook over medium heat 13 minutes on a gas burner, 18 minutes on an electric stove. OVEN: 18 minutes at 375°F. MICROWAVE*: Cook on HIGH 4 minutes. AIR FRYER*: 9 minutes at 375°F.

SKILLET: Cook over medium heat 14 minutes on a gas burner, 19 minutes on an electric stove. OVEN: 19 minutes at 375°F. MICROWAVE*: Cook on HIGH 5 minutes. AIR FRYER*: 10 minutes at 375°F.

SKILLET: Cook over medium heat 16 minutes on a gas burner, 21 minutes on an electric stove. OVEN: 21 minutes at 375°F. MICROWAVE*: Cook on HIGH 6 minutes. AIR FRYER*: 12 minutes at 375°F.

SKILLET: Cook over medium heat 17 minutes on a gas burner, 22 minutes on an electric stove. OVEN: 22 minutes at 375°F. MICROWAVE*: Cook on HIGH 7 minutes. AIR FRYER*: 13 minutes at 375°F.

*Note: Heat settings for microwaves and air fryers can vary by model.

Find everything for cooking bacon to perfection at Hy-Vee.

YOU’ll NEED

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Bacon in Microwave Wrapped in Paper Towels

Lodge 10.25-in. Cast-Iron Skillet

Cook bacon evenly and without burnt spots.

Nordic Ware Naturals Nonstick Quarter Sheet

Oven-cook bacon for a crowd.

TableCraft BBQ Stainless Steel Locking Tongs

The locking mechanism keeps the tongs held together for easy storing.

TOOLS

TO COOK

WAYS

STOVETOP

Easily control the level of crispness wanted. Start with an unheated skillet and drain drippings between batches.

MICROWAVE

The fastest method with little cleanup because the bacon is placed on paper towels to absorb the grease, but only small batches can be made.

OVEN

Make large batches with strips that are evenly crisp without grease splattering. Line baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.

AIR FRYER

The trickiest method. To help prevent excessive smoking, drain the oil between each batch and only cook a few (no more than five) slices at a time.

Arrange bacon in a single layer and choose one of these four methods.

OVEN

MICROWAVE

AIR FRYER

STREAM. SHOP. SMILE

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STREAM. SHOP. SMILE

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STREAM. SHOP. SMILE

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