Bacon is a delicious breakfast food that can also be used in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. Leftover or precooked bacon often needs to be reheated before serving. There are several easy methods for reheating bacon using common kitchen appliances.
Reheating Bacon in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to reheat bacon.
- Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb excess grease.
- Microwave the bacon in 30 second intervals until heated through. The time will vary based on amount of bacon and microwave wattage.
- For 2-3 slices of bacon, microwave for 30-60 seconds on high. Watch it closely so it does not overcook.
- For a pound of bacon, microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.
- Microwaved bacon will not be quite as crispy as freshly cooked bacon.
Tips for Reheating Bacon in the Microwave
- Lay bacon strips out flat in a single layer so they heat evenly.
- Let bacon sit for 1 minute after microwaving to allow heat to evenly distribute.
- Add extra paper towels or a paper bag to help absorb more grease.
- Avoid microwaving more than a few slices at once, as overlapping bacon won’t heat evenly.
- Cook frozen bacon slightly longer, around 1-2 minutes per 3 slices.
Reheating Bacon in the Oven
The oven allows you to crisp up leftover bacon by baking it on a sheet pan.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, until bacon is heated through and has reached desired crispness.
- For thicker-cut bacon or more than 1 serving, increase baking time to 10-15 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Tips for Reheating Bacon in the Oven
- Place bacon closer together initially for faster, more even heating.
- Separate and flip slices halfway through for even crispness on both sides.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking. Work in batches for larger amounts of bacon.
- Bake frozen cooked bacon about 5 minutes longer than refrigerated bacon.
Reheating Bacon in the Air Fryer
An air fryer provides a great option for making leftover bacon crispy again.
- Pre-heat air fryer to 370°F.
- Place bacon slices in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-5 minutes, until hot and crispy. Shake basket halfway through.
- Cook times vary based on amount of bacon and thickness. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Tips for Reheating Bacon in an Air Fryer
- Flip and rearrange bacon halfway through cooking for even reheating.
- For frozen precooked bacon, add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time.
- If needed, finish cooking in 30 second increments to desired crispness.
- Pat off excess grease with paper towels for optimal crispiness.
- For thicker bacon slices, increase air fryer temperature to 400°F.
Reheating Bacon on the Stovetop
You can also easily reheat bacon in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom.
- When oil is hot, add bacon slices in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until bacon is heated through and reaches desired crispness.
Tips for Reheating Bacon on the Stovetop
- Use tongs or a spatula to flip bacon and keep it flat for even reheating.
- If bacon starts to curl, press down with a spatula to keep contact with the skillet.
- Cook frozen bacon about 1 minute longer per side than refrigerated.
- Drain excess grease from bacon as needed with paper towels.
- For thicker bacon slices, increase heat to medium-high.
Storing and Freezing Cooked Bacon
To save your leftover cooked bacon for later:
- Allow bacon to cool completely before storing.
- Place cooled bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. Blot to remove excess grease.
- Transfer bacon to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Push out excess air.
- Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
- Frozen cooked bacon keeps for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How long does reheated bacon last in the fridge?
Reheated bacon will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure it is cooled fully before refrigerating.
Should you cover bacon when reheating it in the microwave?
It’s best to leave bacon uncovered when reheating it in the microwave. Covering it can cause it to steam and become soggy. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate instead.
What is the best way to reheat bacon to make it crispy again?
The best way to reheat bacon and make it crispy is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat oven to 400°F and cook for 5-10 minutes on a baking sheet. For an air fryer, cook at 370°F for 2-5 minutes.
How do you reheat frozen cooked bacon?
Frozen precooked bacon can be reheated in the microwave, oven or air fryer. Microwave 1-2 minutes per 3 slices. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Air fry at 370°F for 3-7 minutes. Add a minute or two more than fresh bacon.
Should you reheat bacon covered or uncovered in the microwave?
It’s best to reheat bacon uncovered in the microwave. Covering it can cause the bacon to get soggy. Place it on a paper towel lined plate instead.
Recipes
Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4 slices reheated crispy bacon
- 4 eggs
- 4 English muffins, toasted
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar or American)
Directions:
- Reheat bacon slices in the oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
- Cook eggs to your liking, either fried, scrambled or boiled.
- Toast English muffins.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering one bacon slice, one fried egg, one cheese slice and top half of muffin on each bottom muffin half. Enjoy immediately.
BLT Salad
Ingredients:
- 6-8 strips reheated bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp bacon drippings (from reheating)
- 1 avocado, sliced
Directions:
- Reheat bacon in the microwave or air fryer. Crumble when cool enough to handle.
- Toss tomatoes, lettuce and dressing together.
- Add hot bacon crumbles and drippings. Toss again.
- Top salad with avocado slices. Serve immediately.
Recommended Products
Microwave:
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S
- Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven
- GE JES1097SMSS Microwave Oven
- Sharp R-21LCFS Convection Microwave Oven
Oven:
- Bosch Benchmark Series Electric Oven BOV900BSS
- LG LDE4415ST Electric Double Oven Range
- Frigidaire FFET3025PS Electric Double Wall Oven
- GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Electric Single Wall Oven
- Whirlpool WOS31ES0JS Electric Single Wall Oven
Air Fryers:
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
- Ninja Air Fryer AF101
- Instant Vortex Pro Air Fryer Oven 10qt
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
- Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter Air Fryer
Stovetops:
- GE JP3030DJBB 30″ Electric Cooktop
- Bosch NITP068UC 800 30″ Gas Cooktop
- LG LCG3011ST 30″ Gas Cooktop
- Frigidaire FFEC3025UB 30″ Electric Smoothtop Cooktop
- Whirlpool WCE55US0HB 30″ Electric Cooktop
Reheating bacon using the microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop allows you to enjoy the taste of crispy bacon without having to cook it fresh every time. Follow these tips for optimal results when reheating this breakfast favorite.
