Is It Better To Cook Bacon In The Oven Or Air Fryer?

Is It Better To Cook Bacon In The Oven Or Air Fryer?

Is it better to cook bacon in the oven or air fryer?

Cooking Bacon in the Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven is a popular method for achieving crispy strips without the mess of stovetop cooking. It’s a hands-off approach that allows you to cook a large batch at once.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out the bacon strips in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until desired crispiness is reached.

Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven allows the fat to drip off the strips as they cook, resulting in a less greasy end product. It also cooks more evenly since the heat surrounds the bacon from all sides.

Cooking Bacon in the Air Fryer

Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to achieve crispy results with less oil. Cooking bacon in an air fryer is quick and convenient.

How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lay out bacon strips in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Air Fryer

Cooking bacon in an air fryer results in crispy strips with a fraction of the grease compared to stovetop cooking. It’s a quick and convenient way to cook small batches of bacon without the need for a large skillet.

Comparison of Cooking Methods

Let’s break down the key differences between cooking bacon in the oven versus the air fryer:

Verdict: Which Is Better?

When it comes to deciding whether to cook bacon in the oven or air fryer, it ultimately depends on your preferences. If you prefer a hands-off approach and need to cook a large batch, the oven might be the best choice. However, if you value speed, convenience, and crispy results with less grease, the air fryer could be your new best friend.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon

Regardless of whether you choose to cook bacon in the oven or air fryer, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure perfectly cooked strips every time.

Room Temperature Bacon

For the best results, start with bacon that is at room temperature. Cold bacon strips tend to cook unevenly, resulting in strips that are crispy in some areas and undercooked in others.

Watch Closely

Bacon can quickly go from perfectly crispy to burnt, so be sure to keep a close eye on it as it cooks. Check on the bacon periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Drain on Paper Towels

After cooking, place the bacon strips on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This will help keep the bacon crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Save the Bacon Grease

Don’t toss out the bacon grease! Save it in a jar or container to use for cooking or adding extra flavor to dishes like roasted vegetables or scrambled eggs.

In Conclusion

Whether you choose to cook bacon in the oven or air fryer, both methods have their benefits and can result in crispy, delicious strips. Consider your preferences, batch size, and desired cook time when deciding which method is best for you. Whichever method you choose, you can’t go wrong with perfectly cooked bacon.