What To Know
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the crisping tray.
- The cooking time for bacon in the NuWave oven varies depending on the desired crispiness.
- Once the bacon has reached your desired crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and crispy texture of perfectly cooked bacon with the convenience of your NuWave oven. Whether you prefer it chewy or shatteringly crisp, this guide will empower you to master the art of cooking bacon in this revolutionary appliance.
Setting the Stage
Before embarking on your bacon-cooking adventure, ensure your NuWave oven is preheated to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for bacon ranges from 350°F to 400°F.
Two Essential Trays
The NuWave oven comes with two essential trays for bacon cooking:
1. Baking Tray: This tray provides a level surface for the bacon to cook evenly.
2. Crisping Tray: Positioned on top of the baking tray, this tray elevates the bacon, allowing excess fat to drain away for a crispier result.
Layering the Bacon
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the crisping tray. Avoid overcrowding the tray, as it will hinder even cooking.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for bacon in the NuWave oven varies depending on the desired crispiness:
- Chewy: 10-15 minutes
- Crispy: 15-20 minutes
- Extra Crispy: 20-25 minutes
Monitoring Progress
Throughout the cooking process, keep a watchful eye on the bacon. Use a spatula to gently lift the strips and check for doneness.
Removing and Draining
Once the bacon has reached your desired crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. This step allows excess fat to drain away, resulting in a less greasy bacon.
Tips for Perfection
- Use high-quality bacon: Premium bacon with a good fat-to-meat ratio will yield the best results.
- Trim excess fat: Removing excess fat before cooking helps reduce shrinkage and prevents burning.
- Cook in batches: If cooking a large quantity of bacon, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked bacon becomes tough and chewy. Stay vigilant and remove it from the oven when it reaches the desired crispness.
- Experiment with seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your bacon by experimenting with seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
Cleanup
Cleaning up after cooking bacon in the NuWave oven is a breeze. Simply wipe down the baking tray and crisping tray with a damp cloth or sponge.
A Note on Bacon Fat
The rendered bacon fat is a culinary treasure. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, and fried dishes.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I use frozen bacon in the NuWave oven?
Yes, you can use frozen bacon. However, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
2. What if I don’t have a crisping tray?
You can still cook bacon in the NuWave oven without a crisping tray. However, the bacon will be less crispy. Place the bacon strips directly on the baking tray and raise the temperature to 375°F.
3. How do I store cooked bacon?
Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 2 months.
