How to Deep Fry Bacon in a Deep Fryer for Maximum Crunch

Bacon is already delicious, but deep frying it takes the crispy, salty goodness over the top! By using a deep fryer and following some simple steps, you can achieve bacon perfection with every batch.

Deep frying is the best cooking method for getting bacon evenly crisped throughout. The hot oil surrounds each slice, cooking it through while sealing in moisture. Deep-fried bacon is a great dish to bring to a potluck or make for a big breakfast.

Benefits of Using a Deep Fryer

While you can technically deep fry bacon in any large, high-sided pan a countertop deep fryer offers some advantages

• Built-in thermostat for regulating temperature
• Basket for safely lowering and removing food
• Lid to minimize splattering
• Large capacity – cook more at once
• Easier cleaning than a pot or pan
• Adjustable heat settings
• Safety features like breaker plugs

A deep fryer takes the guesswork out of monitoring the oil temperature. It also contains the mess and prevents oil burns from splashing.

Tips for Deep Frying Bacon

Follow these tips for crispy delicious deep fried bacon every time

• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture
• Let the bacon slices come to room temperature before frying
• Use refined oils like vegetable, canola or peanut oil
• Heat oil to 350-375°F for even cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer – fry in batches
• Fry for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned
• Drain on paper towels before serving

Thick-sliced bacon holds up best to frying without becoming too crispy. Heating the oil to the ideal 350-375°F temp prevents uneven cooking. Frying in small batches helps ensure proper doneness.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Bacon

Start with about 1 pound of thick-sliced bacon per batch. Lay the strips flat on a baking sheet or plate. Let them sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before frying. This prevents the cold bacon from lowering the oil temp and cooking unevenly.

If you need to, cut very long slices in half so they fit well in your fryer basket. Try to avoid overcrowding for the best results.

Heating up the Oil

Pour vegetable, canola or peanut oil into your deep fryer, filling it up to the minimum fill line. These refined oils can withstand high heat. Make sure not to fill the fryer more than halfway to prevent overflow when adding the bacon.

Turn the fryer on and set the temperature to 350-375°F. Allow the oil to fully preheat, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. Use a deep fry thermometer to verify the temp if your fryer doesn’t have a thermostat.

Frying the Bacon

Once the oil is heated to the proper temperature, use tongs to slowly lower 4-6 slices of bacon into the basket. Don’t drop them in too quickly or the oil may splatter.

Allow the bacon to fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. It should take on a light golden-brown color. To check for doneness, remove a test slice and cut it in half – it should be slightly limp but not fully crisp.

Draining and Serving

Carefully lift the basket and drain the fried bacon on paper towels. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow excess oil to drain off. Transfer the bacon to a platter and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Repeat the process in batches until all bacon is cooked, giving the oil a few minutes to come back up to temperature between each batch. Adjust frying times as needed based on thickness.

Cleaning the Fryer

Once cool, carefully discard the used oil. Wipe down the interior of the fryer with paper towels. Warm, soapy water can be used as needed for more stubborn residue. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that could damage the nonstick coating.

Rinse and thoroughly dry all parts before replacing them. Your fryer will be sparkling clean and ready for the next use!

Coating Options

For a twist on classic deep fried bacon, try coating the slices with a flavorful flour mixture prior to frying:

Basic Batter

• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp salt

Whisk together the batter ingredients until smooth. Dip bacon slices then fry as usual.

Spiced Batter

• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine the dry spices with the flour before adding the wet ingredients. Dredge bacon and fry.

Cornmeal Coating

• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Mix the cornmeal coating and dredge the bacon prior to frying for extra crunch.

Serving Ideas

Deep fried bacon is endlessly versatile for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacking:

• Specialty Bacon – Maple, brown sugar, peppered, etc.
• Bacon Cheeseburgers
• BLTs
• Bacon Wrapped Foods – Scallops, shrimp, jalapeños
• Bacon Bits on Salads
• Bacon Mac and Cheese
• Bacon-Topped Baked Potatoes
• Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Keep cooked bacon warm in a 200°F oven if needed, but it’s best served immediately after frying. The possibilities are endless for this bacon-y treat!

Safety First

• Use caution when cooking with hot oil.

• Keep fingers, hair and clothing away from heat and splatter.

• Ensure bacon is fully cooked and browned in the middle.

• Discard used oil in a safe container once cooled.

• Supervise children and pets near the fryer.

While delicious, deep fried bacon should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But when that craving strikes for crispy, greasy, bacon-y perfection, fire up your deep fryer and dig in!