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Bacon

How Long to Cook Thick Cut Bacon

Sold as thick-cut or butcher-style. Roughly double the thickness of regular, and roughly 50% more cook time.

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All Cook Times

TempStateTime
400°F204°Crefrigerated10–15 min
400°F204°Crefrigerated20–28 min
325°F163°Crefrigerated12–16 min

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I bake bacon in the oven?

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Regular-cut bacon takes 15–20 minutes at 400°F in the oven. Thick-cut bacon takes 20–28 minutes at the same temperature. Line the sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup — no flipping required.

How long does bacon take in the air fryer?

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Regular-cut bacon takes 8–12 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer, flipping once. Thick-cut bacon takes 10–15 minutes. Preheat the basket and lay strips flat without overlapping.

Should I start bacon in a cold or hot pan?

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Cold pan. Starting cold and bringing the skillet up to medium-low heat slowly renders the fat evenly and prevents the meat from seizing. It's the single most reliable stovetop method.

What's the best way to cook bacon for a crowd?

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Oven, 400°F, on a parchment-lined sheet pan. You can fit a full pound without crowding, and no flipping is needed. Perfect for 8+ strips at a time.