How to cook bacon in a toaster oven

Crispy toaster oven bacon

It’s quick and easy to cook delicious bacon using a toaster oven like a KitchenAid® countertop oven. These toaster ovens include pans and cooking racks to help make the process even simpler. Follow the steps below to learn how to cook bacon in a toaster oven.

Yields

• 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. bacon strips

Tools

• Toaster oven or countertop oven like the KitchenAid^® Dual Convection Countertop Oven with Air Fry and Temperature Probe

• Aluminum foil (optional)

Time

• Prep time: 4 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total: 19 minutes

Step 1: Set the toaster oven to 400°F

Turn on your countertop oven and set the temperature to 400°F. Some toaster ovens may require a preheating period—consult the owner’s manual to learn more.

Step 2: Prepare the pan and/or rack

Cover the toaster oven pan with aluminum foil if desired. If using a cooking rack, be sure that there is a pan underneath to catch the drippings. Your countertop oven or toaster oven should come with a pan and racks ideal for cooking bacon.

Step 3: Place the bacon on the pan

Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the pan or rack, leaving some space between each strip so there isn’t any overlap.

Step 4: Cook the bacon for approximately 8–15 minutes

Depending on the thickness of the bacon strips and how crispy you want them, bake for about 8 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Place bacon on a paper towel when done

After cooking, transfer the strips to a paper towel to allow the excess grease to drain.

Should I use an air frying countertop oven to cook bacon?

Air frying is a cooking method that uses rapidly circulating air to help bacon get crispy. With the KitchenAid^® Dual Convection Oven with Air Fry and Temperature Probe, you can air fry bacon right in the No-Flip Air Fry Basket. Make sure to place a pan below the basket to catch drippings.

If you want your bacon to stay pliable in order to wrap it around figs, scallops or asparagus, opt for a regular bake setting and consider loosely covering with aluminum foil to lessen moisture loss.

Is regular or thick cut best when baking bacon in a toaster oven?

You can use either regular or thick cut bacon in a countertop oven, but thick cut may require a longer cooking time. Consider using an air fry or convection setting for thick bacon to help caramelize the edges.

Should I cover the bacon with foil to prevent splattering?

If desired, you can loosely tent aluminum foil over the pan to help prevent splatters. Make sure to only cover the pan with foil and not any part of the oven’s interior. Keep in mind that covering the bacon will limit air flow so it’s best left off if your goal is crispy bacon using air fry or convection settings.

Can I add spices or sugar before cooking bacon in my toaster oven?

Yes, you can add extra flavor to bacon prior to cooking it with sugar and/or a variety of spices like chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic or freshly ground black pepper made using a spice grinder.

Can I cook bacon in my range oven?

Cooking bacon in the oven is just as simple as using a toaster oven. Follow the same steps outlined in the recipe above, adding more cooking time as necessary. You can use either the bake or air fry function if available on your range.