Deep Frying Bacon: Is It Possible?

Deep-frying bacon is a cooking method that can deliver a crispy, evenly cooked finish. It is also useful for cooking large quantities of bacon at once. The process involves heating oil in a deep fryer or pan to a temperature of around 360-375°F (190°C). The bacon is then carefully lowered into the hot oil and cooked for around 2-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. After removing the bacon from the oil, it is drained on paper towels to absorb any excess grease. The oil used for deep-frying bacon should be liquid at room temperature, such as vegetable or canola oil, and it is important to note that the salt in bacon can cause the oil to break down more quickly, so it should be used within a few weeks and filtered or stored in the refrigerator to extend its lifespan.

Deep-frying bacon ensures it's cooked evenly

Deep-frying bacon is a great way to ensure your bacon is cooked evenly, with every nook and cranny heated to a crispy, perfect finish.

To achieve this, you'll need to heat your oil to the right temperature—around 350 to 400° F. This is higher than the temperature you'd use for other cooking methods, and it's key to getting that crispy texture. You can use a deep fryer, or a deep pan, and you'll want to fill it with a couple of inches of oil. Vegetable or canola oil are good choices.

Once your oil is hot, carefully add your bacon. You can use a fry basket, fork, or tongs to protect your hands from the hot oil. Add as many pieces as you can fit without overcrowding the fryer. Overcrowding will mean you have to make multiple batches.

Cook the bacon for around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want it to get too brown. The oil will continue to cook the bacon after you remove it, so take it out before it's reached your desired level of doneness.

Remove the bacon from the oil and let it cool. You can use tongs for this step, and then place the bacon on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

And that's it! You now have evenly cooked, crispy bacon.

If you want to get fancy, you can also try battered deep-fried bacon. To do this, you'll need to mix up a simple batter with eggs, milk, and flour, and then coat the bacon in the batter before frying. This method adds a little extra time and prep work, but it's worth it for the delicious results.

The best oil for deep-frying bacon

Deep-frying bacon is a great way to get crispy, evenly cooked bacon. The best oils to use for deep-frying bacon are canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can handle high temperatures without smoking up your kitchen. Canola oil, in particular, is widely used in restaurants for deep-frying because of its ability to handle high heat.

When deep-frying bacon, it's important to use an oil that is a liquid at room temperature. Oils like coconut oil or shortening that are semi-solids at room temperature are not suitable for deep-frying bacon.

To deep-fry bacon, heat your oil to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a deep fryer or a deep pan for this. Fully submerge the bacon in the oil and cook for about 1 minute and 15 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Be careful not to overcook the bacon, as it will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the oil.

Deep-frying bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon, and it's perfect for making large batches. Just be sure to use a quality oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil to get the best results.

How to prepare bacon for deep-frying

Deep-frying bacon is a great way to prepare large quantities of bacon in bulk. It is also a good way to ensure that every nook and cranny of the bacon is heated to a crispy, perfect finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare bacon for deep-frying:

Step 1: Prepare the oil

Start by turning on your deep fryer or finding a deep pan that is spacious enough to completely submerge the bacon. Fill the pan or fryer with about 2 cups of vegetable or canola oil. The bottom of the cooking surface should be covered with a couple of inches of oil. Make sure the oil is a liquid at room temperature, not a semisolid like coconut oil or shortening.

Step 2: Heat the oil

Turn on the fryer or stove and heat the oil to between 360 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil will be bubbling and popping at this temperature, so be careful not to stand too close. It is recommended to wear gloves or an oven mitt to prevent oil burns.

Step 3: Prepare the bacon

For plain deep-fried bacon, simply cut the bacon strips in half if you are working with a smaller pan or fryer. For battered deep-fried bacon, you will need to heat the bacon through first to ensure it doesn't come out undercooked. Lay out your bacon strips on a pan, plate, or baking dish, cutting them as needed so they fit in the fryer. Bake, pan-fry, or microwave the bacon until it is done, then let it cool. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for battering as it is less brittle and makes for a heartier bite.

Step 4: Mix the batter (optional)

For battered deep-fried bacon, mix 3 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they form a thick batter. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to taste. Refrigerate the batter for about 20 minutes to lower the temperature and help it set.

Step 5: Coat the bacon (optional)

Once the batter has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and dip the bacon strips into the batter, ensuring they are generously coated on both sides.

Step 6: Fry the bacon

Carefully place the bacon strips into the hot oil. Fry plain bacon for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn't get overcooked. The oil will continue to cook the bacon after it is removed, so take it out before it starts turning brown. For battered bacon, fry 2-3 strips at a time for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Remove and serve

Use metal tongs to remove the bacon strips from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil. Serve the bacon while it is still hot and crispy. Enjoy!

How long to deep-fry bacon

Deep-frying bacon is a great way to ensure that every piece is cooked to a crispy, perfect finish. The time it takes to deep-fry bacon depends on whether you are frying plain or battered bacon.

Deep-Frying Plain Bacon

To deep-fry plain bacon, first, heat up your oil to 360-375°F. Then, carefully add the bacon to the oil and fry for about 5 minutes. The bacon will continue to cook after you remove it from the oil, so make sure to take it out before it starts to turn brown. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the bacon, so keep a close eye on it.

Deep-Frying Battered Bacon

To deep-fry battered bacon, first, heat the oil to 360-375°F. Then, dip the bacon in the batter and place it in the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the batter is golden brown. Again, the exact time will depend on the thickness of the bacon, so watch it closely.

Tips for Deep-Frying Bacon

• Use a deep fryer with a built-in basket to make the process easier.
• Use an oil that is a liquid at room temperature, such as vegetable or canola oil.
• Wear gloves or an oven mitt to protect your hands from hot oil.
• Let the bacon cool on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to store deep-fried bacon

Deep-fried bacon is a delicious treat, but what do you do with leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store deep-fried bacon to keep it fresh and crispy.

Short-Term Storage:

If you want to keep your bacon warm and crispy for a few hours, the oven is your best friend. Set your oven to 200ºF and centre a baking rack. Place your cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. This will keep your bacon crispy and warm until you are ready to serve.

If you don't want to use the oven, avoid covering your warm bacon with a lid, bowl, or any airtight container. The warmth from the bacon will create steam, and the covering will trap the moisture, making your bacon soggy. Instead, use a breathable towel to cover the bacon.

Medium-Term Storage:

For storage up to five days, the refrigerator is your go-to. Even cured bacon can spoil if left at room temperature for too long, so it's important to keep it cool. The ideal temperature to slow the growth of harmful bacteria is at or below 40ºF.

Before putting your bacon in the fridge, let it cool to room temperature. This will limit condensation, which is key to keeping your bacon crispy. Once cooled, place the bacon in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and refrigerating.

Long-Term Storage:

For long-term storage, the freezer is your best bet. As with refrigeration, allow the bacon to cool before sealing it in an airtight bag. Use dedicated freezer bags, and make sure to remove as much air as possible. When properly sealed, your bacon will stay fresh in the freezer for about a month.

Reheating:

If you're ready to enjoy your stored bacon, you can reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an air fryer. For the oven, preheat to 400ºF and lay your bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven for about five minutes, and you're ready to go!

For stovetop reheating, turn a burner to medium-high heat and heat up a frying pan. Place a single layer of bacon in the pan, and in a few minutes, it will be crispy and ready to eat.

If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350ºF and cook your bacon for three to four minutes.

Frequently asked questions