Bacon timer: how long to cook bacon in the oven

Regular bacon takes 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Thick-cut bacon takes 20 to 25 minutes. No flipping needed.

Bacon goes from crisp to burnt quickly, so look at it a couple of minutes before the timer rings, especially the first time you use a new oven or a new brand.

In the oven

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment, so the fat stays in the pan and cleanup is easy.
2. Lay the strips flat in one layer. They can touch but shouldn't overlap.
3. Put the pan in the heated oven and start the timer.
4. Take it out when the bacon is as crisp as you like it, and drain the strips on paper towels.

A wire rack on the sheet makes the bacon a little crisper. It works best with thick-cut bacon.

On the stove

1. Lay the strips in a cold skillet and set it over medium heat. Starting cold lets the fat melt slowly, so the bacon cooks evenly and spits less.
2. Start the timer and turn the strips every couple of minutes.
3. Drain on paper towels.

In the air fryer

Cook in a single layer at 400°F (200°C). Kitchen Timer buzzes halfway so you can turn the strips, then again when they are done. Thick-cut bacon needs 12 to 14 minutes.

Food safety

Cook bacon until it is crisp, and keep it in the fridge until you cook it. Leftover bacon fat stays hot enough to burn for a long time; let it cool in the pan before you pour it into a jar.

Making a full breakfast? Run several timers side by side, one for the bacon and one for the eggs.

Questions

More: Egg timer · Burger timer · All cooking timers
Run several timers at once