Frying Bacon: Deep Fat Fryer Experiment

Deep-fried bacon is a tasty treat, but it's not the healthiest option. If you're going to indulge, it's important to do it safely. You can deep fry bacon in a deep fat fryer or a sturdy pot, but you must be careful with the hot oil. You should also make sure to pat the bacon dry before frying it, and never put it in straight from frozen.

Deep-fried bacon is best cooked at 350-375° F

Yes, you can put bacon in a deep fat fryer. However, frying bacon at temperatures of 350°F and above can cause the formation of nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. Therefore, it is recommended to deep fry bacon at temperatures between 350-375°F.

To deep fry bacon, start by preparing the bacon strips by whisking together eggs and milk in a bowl until smooth. Separate the bacon strips and soak them in the milk mixture for about 30 minutes. Next, preheat the oven to 350°F and heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F. Whisk together flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, then remove the bacon from the egg mixture and toss it in the flour to coat. Fry 3 to 5 slices of bacon at a time until they are golden brown, which should take about 4 minutes. Drain the fried bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Once all the bacon has been fried, place it on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven for about 7 minutes, or until crispy.

It is important to note that deep-frying bacon can be unhealthy due to the high amounts of fat and calories. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, when deep-frying, it is crucial to use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and avoid overheating, which can degrade the oil and affect the flavour.

Some people also choose to collect and reuse bacon grease for deep-frying. This can be done by storing the grease in glass jars in the freezer and then thawing and heating it to the desired temperature for frying. However, it is important to note that bacon grease has a lower smoking point than some other oils, so it should be heated to around 350-375°F for best results.

You can deep-fry battered bacon

Deep-fried bacon is an American culinary sensation that was created in Texas in the 1990s. It is a popular dish due to its crunchy, flaky texture and golden-brown batter. The process of deep-frying also enhances the flavour of the bacon, making it even more mouthwatering.

To deep-fry battered bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bacon (thick-sliced)
• Eggs
• Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

First, cut the bacon into strips and cook them in a frying pan over medium heat until they are golden brown. Set aside to cool. Next, create the batter by whisking together the eggs and milk in a bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or sauce pan to 360-375°F. Dip the pre-cooked bacon strips into the batter and carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the bacon from the oil and drain the excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.

You can serve the deep-fried bacon as is, or for an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle powdered sugar over the bacon for a sweet and salty combination. If you want to make it even more decadent, serve it with white gravy or buttermilk pancakes.

It is important to note that deep-fried bacon is a very rich and fatty dish, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Don't use olive oil for deep-frying bacon

While it is possible to deep-fry bacon, it is not recommended to use olive oil for this purpose. Here are several reasons why you should avoid using olive oil for deep-frying bacon:

Health Concerns:

Deep-frying bacon in olive oil can be unhealthy due to the high-fat content of both the oil and the bacon. Bacon is already high in fat, and when combined with olive oil, it can significantly increase the total fat intake. Excessive fat consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Smoking Point:

Olive oil has a relatively low smoking point compared to other oils commonly used for deep-frying. The smoking point of olive oil is typically around 375°F to 410°F, depending on the type and quality. When heating olive oil beyond its smoking point, it can degrade and produce harmful compounds, affecting the taste and nutritional value of the bacon.

Cost and Wastefulness:

Olive oil is generally more expensive than other frying oils, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Deep-frying requires a large volume of oil, which can make the process costly if using olive oil. Additionally, deep-frying bacon can be wasteful as the oil will absorb the bacon flavour, limiting its reuse for other types of foods.

Alternative Options:

There are alternative options for deep-frying bacon that are more suitable and cost-effective. Vegetable oil or canola oil have higher smoking points and are more neutral in flavour, making them versatile for various frying applications. Additionally, bacon can be cooked effectively in its own rendered fat, eliminating the need for additional oil.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to use olive oil for deep-frying bacon, it is not the best choice due to health, practical, and economic considerations. Opting for oils with higher smoking points or utilising the bacon's natural fat for cooking can yield better results and be more cost-effective.

You can deep-fry frozen bacon, but be careful

Yes, you can deep-fry frozen bacon, but be careful. It is important to note that there are some risks involved when deep-frying bacon, especially when it is frozen.

Firstly, ensure that the bacon is frozen in individual slices rather than one large block. This is important because if the bacon is frozen together, it will be difficult to separate the slices and you may end up with a greasy mess.

When you are ready to cook the bacon, set your deep fryer to 350°F (176°C). This is a delicate step as bacon lard smokes at 370°F (188°C). Turning up the heat slightly can help speed up the cooking process, but be mindful of the smoke point.

Next, carefully place the frozen bacon slices into the hot oil. Be cautious of overflow, especially if you are frying other foods with high water content. It is important to respect the maximum fill line on your deep fryer to avoid any accidents.

Allow the bacon to fry for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon slices. Thicker slices may require a few extra minutes.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the deep fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Let it cool down slightly before serving.

It is important to note that deep-frying frozen bacon can be dangerous if not done properly. Always exercise caution when handling hot oil and ensure that you have the necessary safety equipment, such as oven mitts and a fire extinguisher, within reach.

Additionally, be mindful of cross-contamination and bacterial growth when handling raw bacon. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling and ensure that the bacon is cooked thoroughly before consuming.

You can deep-fry other foods in bacon grease

While it is not recommended to use bacon grease to deep-fry foods due to its low smoke point, you can certainly deep-fry other foods in bacon grease. Bacon grease has a distinct flavour that can enhance your dish. However, it should be used sparingly as too much can be unhealthy. Here are some tips and suggestions for deep-frying with bacon grease:

Tips for Deep-Frying with Bacon Grease

• Bacon grease has a low smoke point, so it is important to monitor the temperature carefully. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the heat as needed to maintain this temperature.
• Bacon grease can be saved and stored in glass jars in the freezer. It is important to thaw the grease before using it for deep-frying.
• When deep-frying, be cautious of overflow, especially when adding foods with high water content. Always respect the maximum fill line of your pot or fryer.
• Use sand in case of a fire. Have a shovel ready to throw the sand on the fire if needed.

Foods to Deep-Fry in Bacon Grease

• Turkey or goose: Deep-frying a turkey or goose in bacon grease is a unique way to infuse flavour into your bird.
• French fries: Bacon grease can add a savoury twist to your regular French fries.
• Hot dogs: Take your hot dog to the next level by deep-frying it in bacon grease.
• Vegetables: Bacon grease can be used to roast vegetables, adding a rich flavour.
• Burgers: Add a bit of bacon grease to the pan when pan-frying burgers for extra taste.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: Fry your grilled cheese in bacon grease instead of butter for an indulgent treat.
• Hash browns: Combine hash browns with bacon grease for a delicious breakfast side dish.
• Pizza crust: Brush your pizza crust with bacon grease before adding toppings for extra flavour and a crispy texture.
• Eggs: Fry your eggs in bacon grease for amazing flavour, and add a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions