Secret Ingredient for the Crispiest Bacon

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get their bacon perfectly crisp—without being burnt or greasy—there’s a simple trick you can try at home. The secret isn’t just in the cooking method; it’s in a surprising ingredient that transforms ordinary bacon into irresistibly crispy strips. Whether you love bacon for breakfast, on burgers, or crumbled over salads, this hack will change the way you cook it forever.

Why Bacon Doesn’t Always Get Crispy

Cooking bacon sounds simple, but sometimes it comes out soggy, chewy, or overly greasy. That’s because bacon releases a lot of fat while cooking, and if it sits in that fat, it steams instead of crisping. The key is finding a way to let it cook evenly while absorbing extra grease—this is where the secret ingredient comes in.

The Secret Ingredient: Flour (or Cornstarch)

The trick to making crispy bacon every time is a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before cooking. Here’s why it works:

Absorbs extra fat – prevents soggy strips.
Even crisping – helps bacon cook more uniformly.
Golden texture – adds that restaurant-style crunch without overcooking.

Just a small coating makes a huge difference, and you’ll still get all the smoky, savory bacon flavor—just with the perfect crispiness.

How to Make the Crispiest Bacon

Ingredients

8–10 slices of bacon
2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Instructions

Prep the bacon: Lay raw bacon slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Dust with flour/cornstarch: Using a sifter or fine mesh strainer, lightly sprinkle each slice on both sides. Shake off excess.
Choose your cooking method:
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Skillet: Cook over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 4–6 minutes per side.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Drain: Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess grease.

The result? Perfectly crispy bacon every single time.

Tips & Variations

Extra flavor: Mix black pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder into the flour for seasoned bacon.
Low-mess tip: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet so fat drips away while baking.
Sweet twist: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar with the flour for candied crispy bacon.
Storage: Keep leftover cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat in the oven to keep it crisp.

Final Thoughts

Crispy bacon doesn’t have to be hit or miss. With the simple secret ingredient—flour or cornstarch—you’ll get evenly cooked, crunchy bacon every time. Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast, building a BLT, or topping a salad, this trick guarantees bacon that’s as good (or better) than your favorite diner’s.