In short, there are four ways to reheat crispy bacon: using an oven, using a microwave, using a stovetop, and using an air fryer. Each way has different steps and cooking times, depending on the amount and crispiness of bacon.
Can you imagine a better breakfast than a fragrant, delicious, and crunchy bacon? Hardly.
Bacon is a universally adored breakfast in many countries. Even though it’s not recommended to eat it every day, you can treat yourself to a caloric meal once in a while.
As with the initial roasting, so with reheating, it is important not to over-dry the meat and make it too crispy or hard to chew. You have to achieve this delicate balance of well-roasted but not toasted. We bring you tips on how to ideally reheat bacon so you can enjoy it the day after.
Reheating Bacon Strips In An Oven
Although the oven is a relatively slow way of reheating, in this case, you should not move too far away from it while reheating the bacon. The heating time will also depend on how well you have previously baked bacon.
If you intentionally half-baked it, then it will take a little longer to reheat it. But if you have entirely baked it the first time, then when reheating, watch out every minute and see the result. It could quickly happen that the bacon burns and dries out.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350 °F
The first step is to preheat the oven to medium heat. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. During this time, you can prepare the bacon.
Step 2: Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray
Place the pieces of bacon on the baking sheet so that there is enough space between each. This will allow each piece to be nicely heated and will not be soaked in any juices that will come out.
Be sure to put baking paper underneath to clean less afterward. Also, put aluminum foil over the slices of bacon so that the oil does not squirt in the oven.
Step 3: Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less
As we mentioned, the baking period itself will depend on how heavily the bacon is baked the first time. The guideline is about 5 minutes, but watch the bacon and check if it’s ready even before the 5-minute recommended time.
Warming Bacon In A Microwave
If you want to reheat bacon quickly, then you can use a microwave. But it will be really fast, like a matter of seconds. The key to reheat cooked bacon strips with microwave method lies in short warm-up intervals at high temperatures. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Arrange the Bacon Slices on a Plate
Use a microwave-safe plate and arrange bacon slices on it. Leave some space between the pieces to get better results. You can place a paper towel below the bacon to soak up any grease if there is.
Step 2: Nuke in Intervals of 10 Seconds, not more
Put the bacon in the microwave and turn it on for 10 seconds on high. Make sure it is hot enough. If not, return the bacon to the microwave for another 5 seconds. It is important to use short cycles so that the bacon does not overcook.
Heating Bacon On A Stovetop
If you have bacon leftovers that are already too dry and need to be revived and given some moisture back, you can do the reheating process in a pan with the addition of water.
Step 1: Put the Bacon in a Pan and Add the Water
Stack the bacon pieces on the skillet in single layer, don’t put one over the other. Then, pour a little water over the bacon to cover the edges.
Step 2: Boil Water and Heat the Bacon
Put the skillet on the stove and wait for the water to boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cook until the bacon is well heated. If you happen to put too little water and it evaporates before the procedure is over, add a bit more so the bacon does not burn.
Warming Up Bacon In An Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer in your kitchen, look no further for other ways to heat bacon strips. The hot air will perfectly heat and make the delicious bacon crispy.
Even if it gets a little soggy over time, the fryer should dry the bacon slices nicely and make them delicious. However, be careful not to burn the bacon because you’ll lose your breakfast. Here’s how to reheat leftover bacon in an air fryer.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 350 °F
As with the toaster oven, the selected temperature should be a medium strong 350 degrees. Turn on the air fryer to heat it thoroughly before placing the leftover cooked bacon in it.
Step 2: Place the Bacon in a Basket
You should definitely line the bottom of the air fryer basket first so that excess oil does not accidentally leak through the grates. You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Arrange the slices of bacon, but do not pile too many at once so they do not stick together during heating. It is better to distribute the heating in several cycles if you have too many parts.
Step 3: Cook Bacon for 5 to 6 Minutes
Put the leftover bacon in the air fryer and turn it on for 5 minutes of heating. That should be enough for a perfect result.
Take it out and check if it is hot enough, and if necessary, return for an additional minute of heating. Don’t overdo it because thin bacon can burn quickly.
FAQs
How do you store cooked bacon properly?
It is best to put the leftover bacon in a bowl that has a lid and close it well. You can also use aluminum foil instead. It is important that the bacon is well sealed so that it does not dry out further. After you seal it, put it in the fridge.
Should I keep the bacon in the fridge?
Yes, definitely. You should put leftovers of bacon in a fridge. If stored properly, it can last for up to five days without spoiling.
Can I freeze bacon leftovers?
You can freeze bacon leftovers without any problems. Frozen cooked bacon will last up to three months in the freezer without spoiling. Since the slices of bacon are thin, they will thaw very quickly when you take them out. However, allow them to defrost naturally so as not to tear the pieces as you separate them.
Can you cook bacon and reheat the next day?
Yes, you can cook bacon and reheat it the next day. After cooking, store the leftover bacon in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag, and when ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave, oven, or skillet until it’s warmed through and crispy again.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover bacon strips is a very simple process and can provide you a delicious breakfast. If you want to pre-prepare the bacon to reheat later, you can intentionally fry it slightly to crisp it further when reheating. This way, the bacon will not dry out too much or become hard to chew, and it will have a tasty crispy texture.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
