Tillie Doyle
Deep-fried bacon is a culinary sensation that is quick, delicious, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Unlike traditional cooking methods that can leave bacon unevenly cooked, deep frying ensures that every nook and cranny is heated to a crispy, perfect finish. The process is simple: heat up some oil, add your bacon, and in about five minutes, you'll have a tasty snack or side. But should you cook bacon in a deep fryer? Well, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, deep frying bacon can be messier and more dangerous than other cooking methods due to the large volume of hot oil involved. Secondly, deep-fried bacon is higher in calories and fat than bacon cooked in other ways. However, if you are short on time, want to cook a large batch of bacon, or simply want to indulge in the ultimate crispy, buttery treat, then deep frying bacon could be a tempting option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Ensures bacon is evenly cooked |
| Faster than other cooking methods | |
| Can cook a lot of bacon at once | |
| Crispy texture | |
| Cons | Bacon will be greasy |
| May be unhealthy | |
| Requires preparation | |
| Messy |
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What You'll Learn
Deep-frying bacon ensures it's evenly cooked
To deep-fry bacon, start by preheating oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360–375°F. In a shallow dish, combine flour, baking powder, and seasonings like salt and pepper. In another dish, whisk together milk and egg until well blended. You can also add sugar to this mixture for a sweet and salty treat.
Next, dip each bacon slice first into the milk mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Carefully place the coated bacon slices into the hot oil and fry for 2–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use metal tongs to remove the bacon strips from the hot oil and let the excess oil drip off.
Deep-frying bacon is a quick and delicious way to cook this popular breakfast food. It's also a great way to fix a lot of bacon at once without the mess of cooking in a skillet. You can even coat the bacon in a simple flour batter first for a fun twist on this classic dish.
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How to prepare the bacon before deep-frying
Deep-frying bacon is a great way to ensure that every nook and cranny is heated to a crispy, perfect finish. It is also useful for preparing large quantities of bacon in bulk.
Step 1: Prepare the bacon strips
Lay out your bacon strips on a pan, plate, or baking dish, cutting them as needed so they fit in the fryer.
Step 2: Pre-cook the bacon
Before deep-frying, the bacon needs to be heated through to ensure it doesn't come out undercooked. You can bake, pan-fry, or microwave the bacon until it's almost done, then allow it to cool. Thick-cut bacon works best for deep-frying as it will be less brittle and makes for a heartier bite.
Step 3: Prepare the batter (optional)
If you want to coat your bacon in batter, mix together 3 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until you get a thick batter, then add salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Refrigerate the batter for about 20 minutes to help it set.
Step 4: Coat the bacon (optional)
If you have prepared a batter, dip each bacon strip into the batter, coating it evenly. You can also dip the bacon in milk and egg, then dredge it in flour for a simpler coating.
Now that your bacon is prepared, it is ready to be deep-fried!
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The best oil to use for deep-frying bacon
Deep-frying bacon is a great way to ensure that every nook and cranny is heated to a crispy, perfect finish. The best oil to use for deep-frying bacon is one that can withstand high temperatures without giving off too much smoke.
Canola oil is a popular choice for deep-frying bacon, as it has a high smoke point and can handle the heat without breaking down. Peanut oil is also recommended for deep-frying, as it has an even higher smoke point than canola oil. However, if you do not have peanut oil, canola oil is a good alternative.
You will need enough oil to completely submerge the bacon strips in your fryer or deep pan. This usually amounts to about 2 cups of oil. It is important to ensure that the oil you use is a liquid at room temperature, as oils that are semi-solid at room temperature, like coconut oil or shortening, will not work well for deep-frying bacon.
Additionally, when deep-frying bacon, it is important to be cautious of the hot oil and avoid standing too close when adding the bacon to the fryer, as the oil will be bubbling and popping. It is recommended to wear gloves or an oven mitt to prevent oil burns.
Finally, it is worth noting that the oil will continue to cook the bacon even after you remove it from the fryer, so it is best to take the bacon out before it starts turning brown to avoid overcooking.
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How long to deep-fry bacon for
Deep-frying bacon is a great way to ensure that every part of the bacon is cooked evenly, resulting in a crispy and perfect finish. The time it takes to deep-fry bacon depends on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of doneness. Thick-cut bacon will have a chewier, meatier texture when deep-fried, while thinner slices will be crispier.
To deep-fry bacon, start by preheating oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. You can use vegetable or canola oil, ensuring there are a couple of inches of oil in the fryer or pot. While the oil is heating up, prepare the bacon by laying out the strips on a pan, plate, or baking dish. You may need to cut the bacon strips to ensure they fit into the fryer.
Before deep-frying, some people choose to cook the bacon first through baking, pan-frying, or microwaving. This helps to ensure the bacon is not undercooked after deep-frying and gives the bacon an extra crunchy center. However, this step is optional, and some people prefer to skip it.
Once the oil is preheated and the bacon is prepared, you can begin the deep-frying process. Carefully place the bacon strips into the hot oil, being cautious of splatters or burns. Fry the bacon for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side or until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Keep a close eye on the bacon, as it can go from golden brown and crispy to overcooked and burnt very quickly.
Remove the bacon from the oil using metal tongs when it is done to your liking. Allow the excess oil to drip off each strip before placing the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Serve the bacon immediately, or let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or the freezer for up to four months.
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What to serve with deep-fried bacon
Deep-fried bacon is a delicious treat, but what should you serve it with? Well, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, if you're feeling traditional, why not go for a classic breakfast combination and serve your deep-fried bacon with a stack of buttermilk pancakes? This is a great way to impress your romantic partner or brunch guests. If you want to keep things savoury, potato latkes are always a good option.
Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something a little different, you could try serving your deep-fried bacon with a healthy baked oatmeal. The combination of toasty oats, cinnamon, and fresh blackberries is a delicious and comforting option. Or, for something truly indulgent, why not try making a Southern-style treat by serving your deep-fried bacon with creamy sausage gravy or white gravy? Just be sure to have your tongs at the ready to remove the bacon from the hot oil, and always be cautious when dealing with hot oil to avoid any accidents.
If you're serving a crowd or just want to make a large batch, deep-frying is a great option as it cooks the bacon evenly and to a perfect, crispy finish. You can even coat the bacon in a simple flour batter first for a fun, fairground-style snack. Thicker bacon works best for this, and you can experiment with different types of bacon for a unique flavour—try Canadian bacon for a savoury twist, or go for Irish bacon. For a smoky flavour, applewood or hickory smoked bacon is a great choice.
Whatever you choose to serve with your deep-fried bacon, just be mindful of the high-fat content of this cooking method, especially if you're on a reduced-calorie diet. But, as a special treat, it's definitely worth trying!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible and quite popular.
First, preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360-375°F. Next, dip the bacon slices in a milk and egg mixture, then dredge them in a flour mixture. Finally, place the coated bacon slices into the hot oil and fry for 2-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Deep frying bacon ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. It is also useful for cooking large quantities of bacon at once and eliminates the mess of using a skillet.
The oil should be a liquid at room temperature, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Yes, deep-fried bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to four months.
