Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple known for its savory and crispy goodness. Whether you’ve forgotten to thaw your bacon or simply prefer to cook it straight from the freezer, fear not! In this article, I’ll instruct you four easy methods to cook frozen bacon that don’t need to thaw them before cooking.
1. How To Separate Frozen Bacon Strips
Separating frozen bacon strips can be a bit tricky since they tend to stick together. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to separate frozen bacon strips:
Defrost Partially (Optional): If the bacon is frozen solid and you find it challenging to separate the strips, consider defrosting it slightly. You can do this by placing the sealed bacon package in the refrigerator for a few hours or running cold water over the package until it softens slightly.
Locate the End of a Strip: Gently examine the frozen bacon package and try to locate the end of one bacon strip. This end should be visible and slightly protruding from the others.
Wiggle and Pry Apart: Once you’ve found the end of a bacon strip, use your fingers or a butter knife to wiggle and pry it apart from the other frozen strips. Be gentle to avoid breaking the bacon.
Continue Separating Strips: As soon as you manage to separate the first strip, carefully lift it away from the others. Then, repeat the process with the next strip, finding its end and gently prying it apart from the rest.
2. How To Cook Frozen Bacon
2.1. In the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Take a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the frozen bacon strips on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Enjoy your perfectly cooked oven-fresh bacon!
2.2. On the Stove
Grab a large skillet or frying pan and place it on medium heat.
Add the frozen bacon strips to the pan, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it turns crispy and golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Now it’s time to savor the deliciousness!
2.3. In the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lay the frozen bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Remove the bacon from the air fryer and dab it with paper towels to remove any extra grease. It’s ready to serve!
2.4. In the Microwave
Place a microwave-safe plate with a layer of paper towels on it.
Lay the frozen bacon strips on the paper towels, making sure they don’t overlap. Cover the bacon with another layer of paper towels to prevent splattering.
Microwave the bacon on high for 4-6 minutes, checking regularly for doneness.
Once done, transfer the bacon to a fresh plate to absorb any remaining grease. Your quick and easy microwave bacon is now ready to be enjoyed!
Cooking frozen bacon doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these four methods – oven, stove, air fryer, and microwave – you can enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon without waiting for it to thaw. So, next time you find yourself reaching for that pack of frozen bacon, remember these simple cooking methods to start your day with a mouthwatering delight!
