Deep fried bacon is one of those decadent treats that is hard to resist. When cooked properly in a deep fryer, the bacon comes out perfectly crispy and full of flavor. The key is using the right techniques and equipment to achieve bacon that is browned but not burnt with a delicate crunch on the outside and a nice bit of chewiness within.
While deep fried bacon may not be the healthiest snack, it does make for an indulgent appetizer or addition to other dishes. When approached carefully, deep frying bacon at home can yield some drool-worthy results. Here is a complete guide on how to deep fry bacon in a deep fryer for optimal taste and texture.
Getting Your Equipment and Ingredients Ready
Deep fryer – A deep fryer with a basket is the best tool for this cooking method The fryer allows you to safely submerge the bacon in hot oil and regulates the temperature A heavy saucepan or Dutch oven can also work if you monitor temperature closely.
Oil – Opt for a neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola or peanut. You’ll need about 2 cups of oil to sufficiently cover the bacon.
Bacon – Thick sliced, center cut bacon works best. Regular sliced bacon may be too delicate and prone to burning. Cut bacon into pieces if needed to fit your fryer.
Batter ingredients (optional) – For battered bacon: eggs, milk, flour and seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika.
Prep tools – Tongs, slotted spoon, paper towels, oven mitts, cooking thermometer.
Cooling rack – To allow fried bacon to drain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Frying Bacon
Follow these steps for crispy, evenly cooked deep fried bacon.
1. Heat the Oil
Pour oil into your deep fryer or saucepan to a depth of at least 4 inches. Heat the oil to 360-375°F. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature. The oil should be bubbling but not smoking.
Safety note: Hot oil can easily cause burns. Wear gloves or oven mitts and exercise extreme caution when cooking.
2. Add the Bacon
Once oil is heated, carefully add bacon pieces to the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Use tongs to add and remove bacon.
3. Fry Until Golden
Fry bacon for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Thicker cuts may take 6 minutes. The bacon will sizzle and pop as it fries.
4. Drain and Cool
When done frying, remove the bacon from oil and allow excess oil to drain off. Place fried bacon on a cooling rack or paper towels. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
5. Enjoy Your Bacon!
Your deep fried bacon is ready! The cooking process should yield bacon that is crispy and brown on the outside while still maintaining a nice chewiness inside. Adjust frying times as needed if you prefer bacon more or less done.
Tips for Deep Frying Bacon Like a Pro
- Use an electric deep fryer for even heating. Monitor oil temp with a thermometer.
- Let raw bacon come to room temperature before frying to prevent uneven cooking.
- Fry bacon in batches to prevent overcrowding and sticking together.
- Turn bacon over halfway during frying to cook both sides evenly.
- Avoid frying bacon when oil is smoking hot or it may burn.
- Fully cooked bacon will float while raw strips will sink.
- Drain fried bacon on a rack or paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Batter Your Bacon for Extra Crunch
For an added layer of crunch and flavor, you can coat your bacon in a simple flour batter before deep frying.
Batter Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups flour
- Spices like salt, pepper, paprika
To Batter:
- Whisk batter ingredients until smooth.
- Preheat oil to 375°F.
- Dip bacon strips into batter to coat completely.
- Fry battered bacon 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
The batter will puff up and turn golden brown when the bacon is perfectly crispy! Add spices to the batter for flavorful varieties like Cajun or lemon pepper bacon.
Serving Suggestions for Deep Fried Bacon
Deep fried bacon is a versatile gourmet treat! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- On salads, baked potatoes or nachos as a crunchy topping
- In sandwiches like BLTs for flavor and texture
- On toothpicks or skewers as an appetizer
- Chopped up in biscuits, pancakes or waffles
- In mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for a savory twist
- On mini crackers with cheese spreads or sour cream dips
- Crumbled over baked beans, soups or chili as a garnish
- In omelets, frittatas or quiches for a hearty brunch dish
- On pizza, flatbreads or bruschetta for a smoky element
- In cornbread, scones or muffins for a sweet and salty flavor
So go ahead and indulge in this bacon bliss! Just be aware that deep fried bacon is high in fat and best enjoyed in moderation. With the proper technique, you can now fry up crisp, golden bacon goodness from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Deep Fried Bacon?
How to deep fry bacon?
Deep frying is the simplest way to cook your Bacon. Here are the ingredients and the right way to deep fry your Bacon. Pour the cooking oil into your dry fryer and get ready for cooking. Heat the oil till the temperature reaches 350-375 degree Fahrenheit. We would suggest that you fry at a high temperature for crisper Bacon.
Is deep frying butter safe?
Deep frying butter is safe, but as other sorts of fat, it’s recommended not consume it every day. What is more, when people are warming butter, the level of oxidation is always increasing and the result is that this kind of food become unhealthy.
How do you cook bacon in a fryer?
A fryer with a basket is helpful but not required. Step 2: Allow your oil to heat up. Ideally, your oil will be between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. While your bacon will cook at lower temperatures, you’ll end up with a less-greasy product if the cooking temperature is higher. Step 3: Add your bacon.
How much bacon can you fry in a fryer?
The amount of bacon you can fry at one time will depend on the size of your fryer, but you don’t want to crowd the bacon. There should be plenty of room for each strip to float at the top of the oil. Overloading your fryer with bacon can cause the batter to rub off, leaving you with a greasy mess.