Crispy, savory bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. While you can cook bacon in the oven or on the stovetop, using an electric skillet offers some distinct advantages. With its consistent heat distribution and spacious cooking surface, an electric skillet helps ensure bacon cooks evenly to crispy perfection every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to master cooking bacon in an electric skillet From proper prep to ideal cooking times, follow these tips and tricks for irresistible bacon made simply and easily

Why Choose an Electric Skillet?

Cooking bacon in an electric skillet has several benefits over other methods

• Even heating means less flipping and rotating. Bacon cooks evenly without hot or cold spots.

• The large surface area allows cooking of multiple strips at once. Great for batch cooking!

• Adjustable temperature settings give you control over crispiness

• Little splattering or popping for an easier cooking experience.

• The nonstick surface simplifies cleanup – just wipe away grease after cooking.

For these reasons, an electric skillet can help you achieve picture-perfect bacon every time with less hassle.

Picking the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal. For the best results in an electric skillet, look for:

• Thicker sliced bacon – thin slices may overcook. Go for at least 1⁄8 inch thick.

• Good marbleing – streaks of fat keep the bacon moist during cooking.

• Unenhanced bacon – no added water, phosphates, nitrates or nitrites.

• Freshness – choose bacon within a week or two of packaging.

The right bacon makes all the difference. Opt for thick-cut, naturally flavored bacon for the perfect balance of plump and crispy.

Proper Seasoning

Seasoning is an important step before cooking your bacon. Here are some tips:

• Lightly coat both sides of each strip with olive oil – helps seasoning adhere.

• Use coarse kosher salt and cracked pepper – sticks better than fine grains.

• Experiment with spices and herbs – chili powder, paprika, cayenne, thyme all add flavor.

• Season just before cooking – salt absorbs moisture so season right before.

Take those few extra seconds to add seasoning. It makes a big impact on the final flavor.

Preheating is Key

Heating up your electric skillet before adding the bacon is crucial:

• Preheat to 325-350°F – high enough to render fat but not burn.

• Allow skillet to fully preheat – usually takes 5-10 minutes.

• Use a thermometer to gauge temperature until you’re familiar with your skillet.

• Grease the preheated skillet lightly with oil using a paper towel if needed.

Starting with a piping hot skillet ensures the bacon sizzles and crisps up right away.

Arrange Bacon Properly

Pay attention to bacon placement for even cooking:

• Lay strips in a single layer without overlapping.

• Leave about 1⁄2 inch between strips so air circulates.

• Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.

• Use tongs to transfer bacon from paper towels to the skillet.

With proper placement from the start, your bacon will cook evenly from strip to strip.

Ideal Cooking Times

Cooking times can vary based on preferences:

• Crispy bacon – fry for 5-6 minutes per batch, flipping occasionally

• Chewy bacon – reduce heat and cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping once

• Thicker cuts – may need 9-10 minutes of cooking time

• Never leave bacon unattended – you can quickly go from perfect to burnt

Get to know your skillet and tweak times as needed for your favorite texture.

Flipping Technique

Proper flipping equals evenly browned and crisped bacon:

• Use tongs rather than a fork to flip – minimizes piercing.

• Flip bacon just once or twice during cooking. Excess flipping causes moisture loss.

• Let bacon firm up slightly before the first flip – should release easily from the skillet.

• If any pieces stick, let them detach naturally with more cooking rather than force.

With the right flipping method, your bacon will brown beautifully on both sides.

Removing and Draining

When your bacon reaches preferred crispness:

• Transfer strips to a paper towel lined plate. The towels soak up excess grease.

• Tip skillet over heat proof bowl to pour off grease, then wipe with paper towels.

• Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes to finish crisping as it cools slightly.

Proper draining and resting means your bacon stays crisp after cooking.

Cleanup Made Simple

With an electric skillet, cleanup is speedy:

• Let skillet cool slightly before cleaning. Heated fat can stick if wiped out immediately.

• Soak tough, stuck-on bits in hot water mixed with dish soap.

• Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Avoid scouring pads that could scratch the coating.

• Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent sticking next use.

Follow these steps and you’ll have your skillet sparkling clean in no time after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

When serving up your skillet-cooked bacon:

• Crumble over salads for a smoky, crunchy topping.

• Chop and add to baked beans for a classic barbecue side.

• Incorporate into omelets, quiches or frittatas.

• Use as a pizza topping or component of flatbreads.

• Toss into pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara for great flavor.

Bacon cooked in an electric skillet brings crave-worthy flavor and texture to all kinds of recipes. Get creative!

Conclusion

With its even heating, adjustable temperature, and spacious cooking area, an electric skillet is perfectly designed for cooking up delicious bacon. Follow these tips for everything from choosing quality bacon to proper preheating, flipping, and cleanup. In no time, you’ll be serving picture-perfect bacon boasting ideal crispiness and mouthwatering flavor. So grab your electric skillet and experience the joy of cooking bacon the simple, easy way!