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

Author: Prof. Arne Towne  |  Last update: Monday, February 24, 2025

Not to sound like a broken record, but the air fryer just isn't the best method for cooking bacon. We highly recommend cooking it in the oven, as mentioned above, but going with the old-fashioned skillet method, or even using the microwave, is going to render better (and safer) results than the air fryer.

Is bacon better in an air fryer or microwave?

The air-fried bacon was tender with a hint of crispiness that even I could appreciate. It wasn't bordering on crunchy and was remarkably low in grease. The strips also didn't curl up nearly as much as with the microwave or pan. They held their shape, which made for better-looking bacon.

Why not cook bacon in air fryer?

Here's why: Bacon doesn't require any excess oil or butter to cook because it's so full of fat. So when hot air is circulated around the bacon, your air fryer will fill up with rendered bacon fat, which will then burn and maybe even release smoke from your machine.

Is microwaving bacon better than frying?

Healthy - Cooking bacon in the microwave is less calories and fat, as there is no oil needed to fry it.

What's the healthiest way to cook bacon?

The healthiest way to cook bacon is in the oven. It allows the bacon to get nice and crispy while draining off the fat. An air fryer is also a good option for cooking bacon.

Why You Should Never Cook Bacon In An Air Fryer

Is microwave bacon healthy?

Cooking bacon in the microwave is quick and the clean up is a snap. This is also a healthy way to cook bacon because the paper towels absorb most of the fat as the bacon cooks. I microwave bacon whenever a recipe calls for one or two pieces of bacon because it is so easy to do.

How to get bacon the crispiest?

About This Method: Martha Stewart's technique promises a “spatter-free” way to get “perfectly crispy bacon.” You simply line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, arrange the bacon on top, and bake at 400°F until it is crisped to your liking.

Why do Americans cook bacon in the microwave?

Cooking your bacon in the microwave is quicker, easier, cleaner, and more hands-off than any other method. Click through for the mess-free, 5-minute recipe.

Why is bacon not suitable for microwave cooking?

Because the microwave cooks the bacon so rapidly, it's very easy to overcook or even burn.

Is microwaving healthier than frying?

And as per a research published by the British Medical Journal, excessive fried foods consumption is also linked to a heightened risk of heart diseases. In addition, microwaving requires no oil, thus generally being a healthier option for those individuals who wish to cut down on fat intake.

Should you put water in the bottom of an air fryer when cooking bacon?

THIS IS IMPORTANT! Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket before you cook the bacon. This will prevent the rendered bacon fat from creating smoke.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?

  • Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, and tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.

Can you fry an egg in an air fryer?

Frying an egg in an air fryer is much easier than you might imagine with this simple air fryer fried egg recipe. Simply crack your eggs into a small skillet, or metal heatproof dish, season and air fry! Try it served with smashed avocado, buttery toast and chopped chives.

What is better microwave or air fryer?

Winner: The air fryer would be the winner in the field of technique versatility. Meanwhile, people today remain faithful to micro ovens for reheating and defrosting food. Energy usage is always less in air fryers compared to traditional ovens, but cooking is much slower compared to a microwave.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Is bacon cooked in the microwave good?

Yes, you can microwave bacon – this method is best for those who prefer their bacon to be on the crisper side, though. When microwaved, bacon cooks evenly and releases its excess fat, which can be easily absorbed by kitchen paper – this means it's less fatty than when pan-fried.

Does McDonald's microwave their bacon?

The bacon comes in ready cooked and it is reheated in our ovens before being served.

Can you cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels?

Lay the bacon strips side by side in a glass baking dish. It's okay if they overlap a little, as they will shrink during cooking. Put the dish in the microwave oven and set the power level for 50%, or half power. Cook for 3 minutes at 50% power.

Is microwave bacon healthier than fried bacon?

The total fat per slice of microwaved bacon is 1.86 grams. The total fat in pan-fried bacon is 3.18 grams. Microwaving bacon between paper towels allows for fat absorption during the cooking process, which may account for the lower fat content of this cooking method.

Can you cook an egg in the microwave?

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the egg for 30 seconds. Remove the egg and check for doneness by gently poking it with your finger. If you'd like your egg more well done, microwave it for 10 more seconds and check it again.

Can bacon be cooked in the air fryer?

How Long to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer
  1. Regular Cut Bacon – for softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 7 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook 8 to 9 minutes.
  2. Thick-Cut Bacon – for softer bacon, air fry at 350˚F for 9-10 minutes, and for crispy bacon, cook 10-12 minutes.

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