The Best Ways to Cook Bacon: Pan, Oven, or Air Fryer?

Bacon: it’s smoky, crispy, and makes just about everything better. But if you’ve ever stood over a skillet dodging hot grease, you’ve probably wondered — is this really the best way to cook it? At The Old Dutch Cupboard, we’re all about wholesome flavor and making the most out of every meal, so we put three popular bacon-cooking methods to the test: pan-frying, oven-baking, and air-frying. Whether you’re looking for crispy edges or a hands-off approach, here’s everything you need to know to cook bacon your way without sacrificing taste.

Pan-Frying: The Classic Sizzle

Pan-frying bacon is the time-honored method that many of us grew up with, and for good reason. The direct contact with a hot skillet delivers an iconic sizzle and aroma that instantly says, “breakfast is ready.” Start by laying out the strips in a cold pan, then heat them up gradually. This helps the fat render evenly, reducing shrinkage and creating those crave-worthy crisp edges.

While the pan method gives you total control over each piece, it does come with its challenges. You’ll need to babysit the stove, flip often, and dodge popping grease. But for bacon purists, the hands-on experience and robust flavor might be worth it. Pro tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Oven-Baking: The No-Mess Winner

Looking to cook a whole pack of bacon at once without making a greasy mess? Meet your new best friend: the oven. Lay your bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, then bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. That’s it. No flipping required, and no grease splatter on your stovetop.

The oven method is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. You’ll get consistently cooked bacon with a texture that’s slightly chewier than pan-fried but still wonderfully crisp. Want to take things up a notch? Try placing the bacon on a wire rack over the sheet so the fat drips away, leaving the bacon extra crisp.

Air Fryer: Fast, Crispy, and Convenient

If you’ve joined the air fryer revolution, you’ll be happy to know that it’s a great tool for bacon, too. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, place the strips in a single layer (you may need to cut them in half to fit), and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check halfway through to adjust doneness to your liking.

Air frying bacon is fast and yields impressively crispy results with less grease. The excess fat drips into the tray below, making it a cleaner and potentially lighter option. It’s especially ideal for smaller batches when you don’t want to fire up the stove or oven. Keep in mind, though, that bacon cooked in an air fryer can curl up a bit more and may need to be adjusted mid-cook to avoid overlap.

Which Method Is Best?

Truth be told, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how much bacon you’re cooking, what texture you’re after, and how much time (and cleanup effort) you’re willing to invest.

• Use the pan for hands-on control and a rich, traditional flavor.
• Go with the oven for batch cooking, easy cleanup, and evenly cooked strips.
• Try the air fryer when you’re short on time and want ultra-crispy bacon with minimal mess.

No matter which method you choose, start with high-quality bacon — preferably the kind you’ll find at The Old Dutch Cupboard. Our locally sourced John F. Martin bacon in Telford, PA, is packed with flavor and free from unnecessary additives, so you can enjoy a better breakfast every time.

Don’t Go “Bacon” My Heart!

At the end of the day, cooking bacon is all about what suits your taste buds and your kitchen routine. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty breakfast, adding a savory crunch to your salad, or sneaking a strip straight off the plate, having the right cooking method makes all the difference. The Old Dutch Cupboard is your destination for quality bacon, healthy pantry staples, and everything you need to start the day right. Stop in today and stock up on delicious John F. Martin bacon in Telford, PA, because great meals start with great ingredients!