Frying Bacon: Deep Fryer Pros And Cons

can you fry bacon in a deep fryer

Deep-fried bacon may sound like an over-indulgent treat, but it is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this breakfast staple. The process of deep frying bacon results in a crispy, flaky, and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a crunchy addition to sandwiches, salads, or burgers. While it may not be the healthiest option, deep-fried bacon is a simple and enjoyable cooking technique that yields irresistible results. In this article, we will explore the topic of deep-frying bacon, including the different methods, recipes, and tips to achieve the perfect crispy bacon.

Characteristics Values
Bacon type Thick-sliced, center-cut
Oil type Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
Oil quantity 2 cups
Flour quantity 3 cups
Other ingredients Salt, pepper, and/or other spices
Oil temperature 360-375°F
Bacon cooking time 2-5 minutes
Bacon coating Battered or plain

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How to deep fry plain bacon

Deep-fried bacon is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this breakfast favorite. The process of deep frying results in a crispy, flavorful treat that is perfect as a standalone snack or as a crunchy element in sandwiches, salads, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deep fry plain bacon:

Step 1: Prepare the Oil and Bacon

  • Fill a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan with oil. You will need enough oil to completely submerge the bacon strips. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good options as they have high smoke points.
  • Heat the oil to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C). The ideal temperature range for frying bacon is between 350°F and 400°F, with higher temperatures resulting in crispier bacon.
  • While the oil is heating, separate the bacon slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring the bacon becomes extra crispy during frying.

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

  • Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, carefully add the bacon slices to the hot oil. Use a fry basket, tongs, or a fork to protect your hands from the hot oil.
  • Add as many bacon slices as can comfortably fit in the fryer without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking.
  • Fry the bacon for about 2 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent overcooking. The oil will continue to cook the bacon after it is removed, so take it out before it turns brown.

Step 3: Remove and Serve

  • Use metal tongs to carefully remove the bacon from the hot oil. Allow excess oil to drip off each strip.
  • Place the fried bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining excess oil.
  • Serve the bacon immediately while it's still hot, crispy, and fresh.

Deep-fried bacon is a simple and enjoyable cooking technique that yields irresistibly crispy and flavorful results. Whether you're elevating your breakfast or adding a twist to your favorite dishes, deep-fried plain bacon is a delicious treat.

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How to make battered deep-fried bacon

Deep-fried bacon is a delicious treat, perfect as a snack or as a crunchy element in a sandwich or salad. You can use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to achieve this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

  • Thick-cut bacon slices
  • Vegetable oil or another high-smoke-point oil
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and other spices

Method:

Firstly, separate the bacon slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring the bacon becomes extra crispy during frying.

Next, heat your oil to 360-375°F (190°C). While the oil is heating, prepare your batter by whisking together the eggs and milk in a bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper, and any other spices you wish to add.

Now, remove the bacon from the egg mixture and toss with the flour to coat. Then, dip the bacon into the batter, ensuring each strip is generously coated on both sides.

Carefully place 2-3 strips of bacon into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer or pot, as this can cause uneven cooking. Fry the bacon for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches a golden brown color and becomes crispy. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning.

Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oil using tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining bacon, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.

Your battered deep-fried bacon is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a snack or alongside eggs and toast for a decadent breakfast.

Note: Deep-fried bacon is a decadent treat and should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and sodium content.

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The benefits of deep-frying bacon

Deep-frying bacon may seem like an unnecessary step—after all, bacon is already delicious. However, there are several benefits to deep-frying your bacon, and it can be a fun and tasty way to change up your breakfast routine.

Taste and Texture

Deep-fried bacon is irresistibly crispy and flaky, with a crunchy texture that takes bacon to the next level. The high heat of the oil ensures that every nook and cranny of the bacon is cooked to perfection, resulting in a consistent and even finish. The batter method of deep-frying adds a golden brown coating to the outside, making the bacon even more mouthwatering.

Quick and Efficient

Deep-frying is a faster method of cooking bacon compared to other techniques. The abundant amount of oil used means that the bacon cooks more quickly, as it is not exposed to air. This makes it a great option if you're short on time or cooking for a large group.

Versatility

Deep-fried bacon is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be crumbled over a salad to add a savory, crispy element, or used as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It can also be served alongside eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast or enjoyed as a standalone snack.

Easy to Prepare

Deep-frying bacon is a simple process that doesn't require any complicated techniques. The naked method of deep-frying is especially easy, as it requires no additional preparation beyond heating the oil and adding the bacon. The batter method adds a few extra steps, but the results are well worth the effort.

Fun and Indulgent

While it may not be an everyday occurrence due to the high fat and sodium content, deep-frying bacon can be a fun and indulgent treat. It's a great way to elevate your breakfast or add a delicious twist to your favorite dishes. So, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy bacon, why not give deep-frying a try?

In conclusion, deep-frying bacon offers several benefits, including improved taste and texture, efficiency in cooking, versatility in dishes, ease of preparation, and a fun and indulgent experience. So, go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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The best oils for deep-frying bacon

Deep-frying bacon is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden texture and a delicious, irresistible flavour. While bacon is usually fried in a skillet, microwaved, or baked, deep-frying ensures every nook and cranny is evenly cooked to perfection.

When it comes to choosing the best oil for deep-frying bacon, there are several options that work well. Here are some of the top choices:

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile and commonly used option for deep-frying bacon. It has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the bacon. Vegetable oil also has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures required for deep-frying without smoking or burning. This oil is readily available in most grocery stores and is affordable, making it a convenient choice.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another excellent option for deep-frying bacon. It has a mild flavour and a light texture, allowing the taste of the bacon to shine through. Canola oil also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for the high-temperature frying process. Additionally, canola oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthier than other types of fats.

Peanut Oil

If you're looking for an oil with a slightly different flavour profile, peanut oil is a great choice. It has a nutty aroma and a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep-frying. Peanut oil also adds a subtle richness to the bacon and is often used in Asian cuisine. However, it's important to note that peanut oil may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Other Options

While the above-mentioned oils are the most commonly used for deep-frying bacon, there are a few other alternatives you can consider:

  • Corn oil: Corn oil has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for deep-frying.
  • Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is light in colour and flavour, and it has a high smoke point. It's a healthy option as it contains unsaturated fats and vitamin E.
  • Grapeseed oil: With a high smoke point and a subtle flavour, grapeseed oil is another healthy option as it contains omega-6 fatty acids.

When deep-frying bacon, it's important to use an oil that is liquid at room temperature. Oils like coconut oil or shortening, which are semi-solid at room temperature, are not suitable for this purpose. Additionally, thick-cut bacon slices tend to hold up better during the frying process, so opt for applewood or hickory smoked bacon for best results.

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Deep-fried bacon recipes

Deep-fried bacon may sound indulgent, but it's a fun and delicious way to enjoy this breakfast staple. The process yields a crispy, flavoursome treat that can be added to sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed as a snack.

Ingredients

  • Thick-cut bacon slices
  • Vegetable oil or another high-smoke-point oil
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Brown sugar (optional)
  • Paprika (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the bacon

Start by heating the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Separate the bacon slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the bacon becomes extra crispy during frying.

Step 2: Fry the bacon

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, carefully add a few slices of bacon to the hot oil using tongs. Avoid overcrowding the fryer or pot, as this can cause the bacon to cook unevenly. Allow the bacon to fry for 2-4 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and becomes crispy. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning.

Step 3: Remove and serve

Once the bacon is done, carefully remove it from the oil using tongs and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining bacon slices, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.

Deep-fried bacon can be served in a variety of ways:

  • Alongside eggs and toast for breakfast
  • Crumbled over a salad for a crispy, savoury element
  • As a crunchy topping for burgers or sandwiches
  • On its own as a snack

Battered deep-fried bacon

For an even more indulgent treat, try battering the bacon before deep-frying it.

Step 1: Prepare the bacon and batter

Before battering and deep-frying the bacon, it needs to be heated through to ensure it doesn't turn 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's done, then allow it to cool.

For the batter, combine 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, then add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. Refrigerate the batter for about 20 minutes to let it set.

Step 2: Coat the bacon

Once the batter has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and dip the precooked bacon strips into it, ensuring each side is generously coated.

Step 3: Fry the bacon

Place 2-3 strips of bacon into the hot oil and allow it to fry. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, turning the bacon when the batter starts to puff up and turn golden brown.

Step 4: Remove and serve

Use tongs to remove the bacon from the fryer and place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat the process until all the bacon is cooked. Serve the deep-fried bacon hot and crispy, with your favourite dipping sauce or gravy.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can deep fry bacon in a deep fryer. It is recommended to use a high temperature, between 350-400° F, to achieve crispy and flavorful results.

It is recommended to deep fry bacon for about 2-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the thickness of the bacon. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, are recommended for deep frying bacon.

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