An electric skillet offers an easy convenient way to cook up a batch of crispy bacon right on your countertop. With its large cooking surface and built-in temperature controls an electric skillet eliminates the need for constant monitoring at the stovetop.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to fry up perfect crispy bacon in an electric skillet every time,
Benefits of Using an Electric Skillet
Electric skillets provide several advantages for cooking bacon:
- Large surface area cooks more bacon at once
- Adjustable temperature settings for customized cooking
- Saves stovetop space and avoids heating up the kitchen
- Built-in grease drain simplifies cleanup
- Nonstick surface prevents sticking
- Optional lid traps in heat and splatters
With the right techniques, you can churn out batches of evenly cooked, crispy bacon with an electric skillet.
Tips for Choosing an Electric Skillet
Look for an electric skillet with the following features:
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Large cooking surface – 12-inch diameter or larger to fit more bacon
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Adjustable heat settings – Allows customizing temperature
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Nonstick coating – Makes bacon release and cleanup easier
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Grease drain – Simplifies disposal of rendered bacon fat
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Glass lid (optional) – Traps in heat while cooking
Avoid skillets with a ridged cooking surface, as this can make bacon curl up.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking bacon in an electric skillet requires only two ingredients:
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Bacon – Use regular sliced, thick-cut, or artisanal bacon. Thicker cuts hold up better.
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Cooking spray (optional) – Lightly coat skillet to prevent sticking.
Avoid ultra-thin bacon slices which overcook quickly. Thick-cut bacon is ideal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for crispy diner-style bacon:
1. Assemble Equipment
Heat your electric skillet to 300°F. Have tongs, paper towels, and a baking sheet ready.
2. Prep the Bacon
Use full bacon slices or cut slices in half crosswise for shorter pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place Bacon in Skillet
Lay bacon strips in skillet, being careful not to overlap. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
4. Cook Over Medium-Low Heat
Cook bacon over 300°F, adjusting temp as needed. Medium-low heat renders fat without scorching.
5. Flip Occasionally
Use tongs to flip bacon every few minutes. Frequent turning helps it cook evenly.
6. Continue Cooking Until Crisp
Keep cooking and flipping until bacon reaches desired crispness, 8-12 minutes usually.
7. Transfer to Paper Towels
When done, transfer bacon with tongs to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Let cool slightly before serving your freshly fried, crispy bacon!
Tips for Perfect Results
- Chill bacon in fridge before cooking for crisper texture.
- Use medium-low heat around 300°F to prevent scorching.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Weigh bacon slices down with a bacon press or another skillet.
- Blot bacon with paper towels to soak up excess grease.
Common Electric Skillet Bacon Questions
How long does it take to cook bacon in an electric skillet?
Cook times range from 8-15 minutes depending on thickness. Thinner bacon may take only 5 minutes.
Should you cover the skillet when cooking bacon?
Covering traps in heat to cook bacon faster. Use a vented lid or glass lid to view progress.
How hot should an electric skillet be for bacon?
Cook over 300°F, adjusting up or down as needed. Medium-low heat renders fat without scorching.
Can you oven bake bacon in an electric skillet?
Yes! Preheat the skillet in a 350°F oven for 10-20 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
Is bacon grease bad for electric skillets?
Bacon grease won’t damage the skillet. Always hand wash the appliance thoroughly after use.
With its large cooking area and precise temperature control, an electric skillet is ideal for cooking up batches of crispy, evenly fried bacon. Follow these tips and tweak the timing to achieve bacon perfection!
Why Use an Electric Skillet?
An electric skillet offers many advantages when it comes to cooking bacon. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using one for your next bacon-cooking adventure:
- Even Heat Distribution: Electric skillets have even heat distribution, so your bacon cooks all the way through without any hot or cold spots.
- Large Cooking Surface: An electric skillet’s large cooking surface lets you cook several bacon strips at once, which saves you time and effort.
- Temperature Control: Most electric skillets have temperature control settings that let you change the heat depending on whether you like your bacon crispy or chewy.
- Easy to Clean: Electric skillets’ non-stick surfaces make them very easy to clean. You can use a paper towel or soapy water to wipe off the grease.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon
To elevate your bacon-cooking skills, here are a few tips that will help you achieve bacon perfection:
- Starting with a Cold Skillet: It’s best to heat up the electric skillet first, but you can also start with a cold skillet if you want the bacon to cook more slowly and be chewier.
- Using a Lower Temperature: If you like your bacon chewier, try setting the temperature lower. If you like your bacon extra crispy, set the temperature higher.
- Blotting Out Extra Grease: To make cooked bacon less greasy, pat it dry with a paper towel before serving.
- Keep the Bacon Grease: Don’t throw away that tasty bacon grease! Let it cool down and put it in a container to keep in the fridge. It adds a wonderful flavor to many dishes.
Using an electric skillet to cook bacon will revolutionize your breakfast routine. The consistent heat, spacious cooking surface, and easy cleanup make it an ideal kitchen tool. Follow our step-by-step guide and helpful tips to achieve mouthwatering bacon every time. You can eat bacon on its own or add it to your favorite recipes. Either way, cooking bacon in an electric skillet will satisfy your hunger.
Frying Bacon In My NOS 1982 West Bend Electric Skillet
How long does it take to cook bacon on an electric skillet?
Cooking bacon on an electric skillet should take between 10 and 15 minutes. This can vary depending on how thick your bacon is and the desired degree of crispiness. To check the doneness of your bacon, look at its color. It should be golden brown in color and free of pink or raw meat.
What temperature do you cook bacon in an electric skillet?
The temperature that works best for cooking bacon in an electric skillet varies according to the thickness and type of bacon. In general, you should cook bacon at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, since this temperature will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly. This temperature will also ensure that the bacon has the desired level of crispiness.
How do you cook bacon in a skillet?
If you want to have piping hot and extra crispy bacon then we recommend using the skillet. This method is fast and easy. Place a skillet pan on medium-high heat and allow it to heat up. Once the pan is hot, place the bacon strips on the pan. Allow the strips to cook in their own fat for a few minutes until hot.
How do you reheat Bacon in a skillet?
Here’s how you can reheat bacon in a skillet pan in a few simple steps. Place a skillet pan on medium-high heat and allow it to heat up. Once the pan is hot, place the bacon strips on the pan. Allow the strips to cook in their own fat for a few minutes until hot. It should not take more than 1 – 2 minutes.
Can you cook bacon on an electric griddle?
How to Cook Bacon on an Electric Griddle Bacon is one of the most commonly eaten processed foods worldwide. If you love bacon, I’m sure you have cooked it at least once, probably using a frying pan. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that especially if you’re not cooking many bacon strips.
How long do you cook bacon on a griddle?
Put the bacon strips on the griddle surface side-by-side using the tongs. Avoid putting the slices of bacon strips over one another. Doing so might cause them to overcook or even cook unevenly. Let the bacon cook over the griddle for about 5 to 7 minutes. After some time, you’ll note that the bacon strips start to shrink.