The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Bacon Perfectly (Air Fryer, Oven & Stovetop)
It’s not just meat. It’s bacon. And it’s converted more vegetarians than any steak ever could.
That previous statement may or may not be true, but let’s be honest when you heard you could eat bacon on keto, your ears perked up, and for good reason: bacon is one of keto’s biggest blessings.
It’s fatty. It’s flavorful. It’s satisfying.
But not all bacon or bacon methods are created equal.
Whether you want your strips crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down the three best ways to cook bacon plus the keto-friendly facts and the pitfalls you need to watch out for before loading up your plate.
1. Air Fryer Bacon
Cook Time:
350°F for 8–10 minutes
Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
Pros:
Quick & crispy – Perfect for busy mornings
Less mess – Grease drips below the basket
Cons:
Can curl or float in the air fryer basket
Small batch cooking – You’ll need to do 2–3 rounds for larger meals
Pro Tip: Use a trivet or mesh rack to keep the bacon from flying around.
🛒 Air Fryer We Use:
👉 Check it out here →
It’s compact, powerful, and makes keto life stupid easy.
2. Oven-Baked Bacon (a.k.a. Meal Prep Hero)
Cook Time:
400°F for 15–20 minutes
Lay bacon on a baking rack over a foil-lined tray for even cooking.
Pros:
Perfect for big batches – Ideal for meal prep or family breakfast
Lays flat, cooks flat – Great for wrapping or layering
Cons:
Longer process – Preheat, bake, and cleanup takes time
Grease cleanup – More involved unless you foil-line everything
3. Classic Pan-Fried Bacon
Cook Time:
Medium heat for 8–12 minutes
Flip every 2 minutes for even browning and chew/crisp balance.
Pros:
Maximum flavor – Rich, smoky, classic taste
Total control – Adjust heat and texture to your liking
Cons:
Grease splatter – Not great for multitasking
Easy to burn – Look away for one second… and it’s toast
Keto Macros for Bacon (Per 2 Cooked Slices)
Calories: ~90–100
Fat: ~7–9g
Protein: ~5–6g
Net Carbs: 0g
BUT BEWARE not all bacon is “0g net carbs” by default.
Many brands sneak in sugar especially “honey,” “brown sugar,” or “maple” versions.
Is Bacon Really Good for Keto?
Yes—with a few warnings:
The Pros:
Perfect macros – High fat, zero carb
Insanely versatile – Use it in breakfasts, salads, burgers, wraps, or even crumbled on veggies
The Cons (That Most People Miss):
Hidden Sugar & Carbs
Always read the label. Look for ingredients like sugar, dextrose, or syrup.
EXAMPLE: Farmland Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon3g of sugar per serving
If you eat 4–6 slices, that’s 9g+ carbs you’re out of ketosis before lunch.
Our Rule: If it tastes like candy it probably is.
We’ve left grocery stores empty-handed because the only brands available were full of sugar.Highly Processed Meat
Cheaper brands may contain:Artificial smoke flavor
Added nitrates
Preservatives that aren’t great for long-term health
When possible, go for uncured, sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon.
Final Thought: How You Cook It Matters
Whether you're trying to minimize mess, maximize crisp, or batch cook like a boss there’s no wrong way to cook bacon. But there is a better way depending on your goals.
Want fast and crispy? → Use the air fryer
Want clean, flat strips for wraps or meal prep? → Oven bake it
Want classic flavor and full control? → Pan fry it old-school
And no matter how you cook it:
Read the label. Respect the macros. Don’t get sugar-trapped.
🛒 Grab the Air Fryer We Use Here →
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VLKMMJ5
Want to see the tools that helped us through our first few weeks?
Check out our What We Use page here →
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