What Do I Cook Bacon At? Optimal Temperatures and Methods for Perfect Results

If you’re after perfectly cooked bacon, the temperature really matters. Cooking bacon in the oven at 400°F is probably the easiest way to get it crispy and evenly cooked.

This temperature works for both regular and thick-cut bacon.

Using the oven means you don’t have to stand over a hot pan the whole time. Your bacon cooks evenly, and you don’t need to flip it constantly.

It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. This method can save you some hassle and gives you seriously good results.

Recommended Cooking Temperatures for Bacon

Bacon cooks well at different temperatures, and it really depends on the method you pick. Whether you use an oven, stovetop, microwave, or grill, the right temperature helps the bacon cook evenly and get as crispy as you want.

Oven Temperatures for Crispy Bacon

The oven is probably the easiest way to cook bacon evenly. Set your oven between 375°F and 400°F.

At 400°F, bacon crisps up faster, usually in about 10 to 20 minutes. Thicker slices might take a little longer.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to catch grease and make cleanup easier. Arrange the bacon in a single layer so the slices don’t overlap.

Check the bacon at around 10 minutes, then every few minutes until it’s browned just right. Oven cooking reduces splatter and cooks the bacon evenly, so you don’t have to babysit it.

For more details, check out how to cook bacon in the oven.

Stovetop Heat Settings

On the stovetop, use medium or medium-low heat. This lets the fat render slowly and helps prevent burning.

Start with a cold pan so the bacon cooks more evenly. As the pan heats up, the bacon will crisp and shrink.

Turn the slices occasionally with tongs for even cooking. High heat can burn the fat and leave the meat undercooked, so avoid cranking it up.

Cooking usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on how thick your bacon is and how hot your pan gets.

Cooking Bacon in the Microwave

Microwaving bacon is fast and pretty convenient, but you have to get the timing right. Put bacon strips between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.

Cook on high for about 1 minute per slice, but you’ll need to adjust for thickness and your microwave’s power. Watch it closely—bacon can go from perfect to overdone fast.

Microwave bacon doesn’t get as crisp as oven or stovetop bacon, but it’s handy when you’re in a rush and don’t want a greasy mess.

Grill and Air Fryer Settings

If you’re grilling bacon, use medium heat—aim for 350°F to 375°F. Put the bacon right on the grill grates or use a grill tray.

Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, but keep an eye out for flare-ups. For an air fryer, set it to 370°F to 400°F.

Arrange the bacon in a single layer, no overlapping. Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through so it crisps evenly.

Both methods work quickly, but you’ll want to pay attention so the bacon doesn’t burn from the direct heat.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Every Time

To cook bacon well, you’ve got to pick the right cut, watch it as it cooks, and adjust the time for thickness. These small details really help you get the exact texture and crispness you want.

Choosing the Right Bacon Cut

You can go with thin-cut or thick-cut bacon. Thin slices cook faster and get crispier, but they can burn if you’re not careful.

Thick slices take longer and end up chewier—some people love that. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and meat.

Bacon with too little fat dries out, while high fat helps the slices crisp up but still stay juicy. If you want even cooking, try laying bacon flat on parchment paper on a baking sheet.

This helps the strips cook evenly and lets the fat drain away.

Monitoring Doneness and Safety

Keep an eye on bacon as it cooks—it can go from perfect to burnt in a flash. Look for a deep golden-brown color before pulling it off the heat.

Set a timer if you want to avoid overcooking, especially if you like it extra crispy. Check the bacon a couple minutes before your estimated time to see if it’s done.

If you’re worried about food safety, cook bacon to an internal temperature of 145°F. Most oven methods reach this easily before the bacon gets super crisp.

Adjusting Cooking Times for Thick or Thin Slices

Time really depends on how thick your bacon is. Thin-cut strips usually finish up in about 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F.

Thick-cut bacon? That stuff can easily need 20 minutes or more. I’d start peeking at it after 15 minutes, then check every couple minutes so you don’t end up with burnt bacon.

If you drop the oven temperature to around 300°F, thick slices get a chance to cook longer without scorching. Slow cooking like this helps the fat render out and keeps the bacon chewy—not greasy, which is honestly the sweet spot for some folks.

If you’re looking for a quick rule of thumb, go for 400°F with thin or regular bacon. For thick slices, lower the heat and tack on some extra time—this guide shows you how.