Crispy, Perfect Bacon Every Time: A Complete Guide to Cooking Bacon in the Breville Smart Oven

As a bacon lover, I was thrilled when I got my Breville Smart Oven. With its versatile cooking functions, this countertop oven promised perfectly cooked bacon without the hassle of splattering grease on my stovetop. After much experimentation, I’ve mastered the art of cooking flawless bacon in the Breville Smart Oven every time.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make crispy, delicious bacon in your Breville Smart Oven using a variety of methods

Getting Started: Bacon Basics

Before we get into tips that are specific to the Breville, let’s go over some general tips for making great bacon:

• Pick good bacon. For the best taste and results, look for thick-cut, applewood-smoked artisanal bacon. Stay away from thin, watery bacon.

• Prepare properly – Always start with cold bacon straight from the fridge. Letting it sit out leads to uneven cooking.

• Use a baking sheet – Line it with foil for easy cleanup The sides prevent grease drips

• Space out slices – Overcrowding causes steam and soggy bacon. Leave about 1/2 inch between slices.

• Flip halfway – Flipping ensures the bacon crisps evenly on both sides.

Follow these basics, and you’re primed for bacon success! Now let’s get cooking in the Breville Smart Oven.

Breville Bacon Method #1: Air Fryer

My favorite way to make crispy bacon in the Breville oven is by air frying. Here’s how:

• Preheat oven to 400°F in air fry mode

• Line baking sheet with foil and add bacon slices spaced apart

• Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

• Remove crispy bacon to paper towel-lined plate

The hot circulating air in air fry mode perfectly crisps the bacon all over without flipping or mess. I love how it cooks the bacon evenly from edge to edge. The air fryer basket also catches any drips for easy cleanup.

Breville Bacon Method #2: Bake

For a more traditional oven-baked bacon:

• Preheat oven to 400°F in bake mode

• Prepare baking sheet with foil and bacon as above

• Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway

• Remove and drain on paper towels

Baking yields crispy bacon without constant watching. Just be sure to flip it halfway and keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.

Breville Bacon Method #3: Broil

When you’re in a rush, broiling is a fast way to crisp up bacon:

• Turn oven to broil on high

• Add bacon to prepared baking sheet

• Broil for 2-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning

• Flip bacon and broil other side 1-2 minutes

• Check often and remove immediately when desired crispness reached

Broiling gives great crispy results in a fraction of the time, but watch it like a hawk because it can burn quickly.

Breville Bacon Method #4: Convection Bake

For super crispy, evenly cooked bacon, try convection bake:

• Preheat oven to 425°F in convection bake mode

• Prepare baking sheet and add cold bacon slices

• Convection bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway

• Remove bacon immediately once done to avoid over-browning

The convection fan circulates hot air evenly around the bacon, resulting in crispy perfection top to bottom.

Pro Tips for Bacon Perfection

Follow these pro tips and tricks for awesome bacon every time when cooking in your Breville Smart Oven:

• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture

• Chill baking sheet and bacon before cooking

• Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even cooking

• Blot bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease

• Add water to baking sheet to prevent smoking

• Cook bacon on wire racks for maximum crispness

• Adjust cook times based on your crispness preferences

• Watch closely near end of cook time to avoid burning

Bacon Breville Cleanup Made Easy

While the Breville oven makes cooking bacon easy, you’ve still got some cleanup to contend with. Here are some tips to make it quick and painless:

• Line baking sheet with foil for effortless removal of grease drippings

• Carefully pour leftover grease from foil into heatproof container once cooled

• Wipe down oven interior with paper towels – don’t let grease drip and bake on

• Wash all prep tools and baking sheet thoroughly in hot soapy water

• Use de-greaser on especially greasy messes inside oven

• Rub a small amount of cooking oil on interior after cleaning for easier wipe down next time

With the right methods and techniques, you can cook restaurant-worthy bacon easily at home in your Breville Smart Oven. Crisp, savory, perfectly uniform – enjoy the bacon of your dreams without the hassle. Give these tips a try and take your breakfast, burgers, salads and everything in between to the next level with bacon cooked to crispy perfection.