Pork
How Long to Cook Bacon
Bacon takes 15–20 minutes at 400°F in the oven (best method), 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, or 7–10 minutes per side on stovetop. Oven bacon is flat, crispy, and hands-off.
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 400°F / 200°C | 15–20 minutes |
| Air Fryer | 375°F / 190°C | 8–10 minutes |
| Stovetop | Medium heat | 7–10 minutes total (flip halfway) |
| Microwave | — | 1–1.5 minutes per strip (on paper towels) |
Oven: Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place strips on a rack for even crispiness. No flipping needed. THIS is the best method for large batches.
Air Fryer: No need to line. Great for small batches. Watch towards the end — fat drips and can smoke unexpectedly.
Stovetop: START cold pan, cold bacon — this renders fat gradually for better crispiness. Medium heat only.
Microwave: Cover with paper towel to absorb splatter. Quick and works for 2–4 slices.
Chef Tips
- 1Cold pan start for stovetop bacon — starting in a cold pan renders the fat slowly for crispier, less curled strips.
- 2Oven method is hands-off and ideal for feeding a crowd — no splatter, flat strips, no babysitting.
- 3Don't pour bacon fat down the drain — store in a jar and use it for cooking eggs, pan sauces, roasted potatoes.
- 4For extra-crispy bacon: sprinkle with a tiny bit of brown sugar before baking for caramelised-crispy perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook bacon in oven?
At 400°F: regular bacon takes 15–20 minutes depending on thickness and crispiness preference. Thick-cut bacon: 20–25 minutes. No need to flip. Watch the last few minutes as it can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
How long to cook bacon in air fryer?
At 375°F: regular bacon 8–10 minutes. Thick-cut: 10–12 minutes. No need to flip. Watch towards the end — it can smoke as fat renders. Drain the drip tray between batches.
How do I cook bacon without splatter?
Oven method: place on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F — zero splatter, hands-off cooking. Or use a splatter screen on the stovetop. Microwave has zero splatter but variable crispiness.
What's the best way to cook bacon for a crowd?
Oven: line 2–3 baking sheets with foil + racks, place strips, bake at 400°F for 15–20 min. Cooks 2–3 pounds simultaneously, flat crispy strips, no attention required. Stack the pans at different rack heights.