Bacon cooking times
How long to cook bacon: 2–3 min per side pan-fried, 3–4 min per side under the grill, 12–15 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and 8–10 min in an air fryer at 180°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook bacon
Times are for 4–8 rashers.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 2–3 min per side | over a medium heat | Back bacon in a little oil. Streaky bacon can start in a cold pan to render its fat. |
| Grill | 3–4 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
| Oven | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a lined tray, no need to turn. Great for a crowd. |
| Air fryer | 8–10 min | 180°C (350°F) | Back bacon; streaky takes 6–8 minutes. Don’t overlap. |
| Microwave | 3–4 min | on full power | 4 rashers between sheets of kitchen paper on a plate. |
Before you start
Back bacon is the UK’s usual cut; streaky bacon is what Americans call bacon and crisps more.
How to tell it’s done
Cooked to your liking: back bacon tender with golden fat, streaky bacon crisp.
Questions
How long to pan-fry bacon?
2–3 min per side over a medium heat. Back bacon in a little oil. Streaky bacon can start in a cold pan to render its fat.
How long to grill bacon?
3–4 min per side under a hot grill.
How long to cook bacon in the oven?
12–15 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On a lined tray, no need to turn. Great for a crowd.
How long to cook bacon in an air fryer?
8–10 min at 180°C (350°F). Back bacon; streaky takes 6–8 minutes. Don’t overlap.
How long to microwave bacon?
3–4 min on full power. 4 rashers between sheets of kitchen paper on a plate.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.