Effortlessly Crispy: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Bacon in Your Instant Pot

Craving perfectly crispy bacon without the usual stovetop splatters and tedious cleanup? Your Instant Pot isn’t just for stews and yogurts; it’s a game-changer for breakfast favorites too! Discover how to achieve deliciously crisp bacon in mere minutes, making your mornings smoother and your kitchen cleaner. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the best bacon to mastering the sauté function, ensuring flawless results every single time.

close up overhead image of instant pot bacon — Close-up view of golden-brown, crispy bacon cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot.

Why Your Instant Pot is the Secret Weapon for Perfect Bacon

Cooking bacon can often feel like a culinary challenge, fraught with grease splatters, uneven cooking, and a lingering scent throughout the house. The Instant Pot, however, transforms this notorious task into a quick, clean, and highly efficient process. Here’s why this method stands out:

Unmatched Mess-Free Experience: The high, enclosed sides of your Instant Pot act as a natural shield, effectively containing all the notorious bacon grease splatters. Say goodbye to scrubbing down your stovetop, countertops, and even nearby walls after cooking. This method delivers the same irresistible crispiness you love, but without the headache of extensive cleanup, making it ideal for busy individuals and families.
Incredibly Fast Cooking Time: Time is a precious commodity, especially in the mornings. The Instant Pot utilizes its powerful sauté function to cook bacon in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven baking or pan-frying. In just 5 minutes on the sauté setting, you can transform raw bacon strips into super crispy, golden perfection, ready to be enjoyed or incorporated into other dishes. This rapid cooking ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring your meal.
Effortlessly Simple and Foolproof: If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking bacon to the right consistency, this Instant Pot method is your salvation. It’s incredibly straightforward and virtually impossible to mess up. With minimal steps and clear visual cues, even novice cooks can achieve consistently fantastic results. Simply keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, perform a few flips, and remove it when it reaches your desired crispness. It’s that easy!
Consistent Results Every Time: The Instant Pot’s ability to maintain a consistent high heat during the sauté function ensures even cooking across all bacon strips (when arranged properly). This consistency is often hard to achieve with conventional frying pans, where hotspots can lead to unevenly cooked or burnt patches.
Energy Efficiency: Compared to preheating a large oven or keeping a burner on for extended periods, the Instant Pot’s focused heating element can be more energy-efficient for smaller batches of bacon, especially during warmer months when you want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen.

Gather Your Essentials: What You’ll Need

Preparing delicious Instant Pot bacon requires minimal fuss and only a couple of key items. Quality ingredients and the right tools make all the difference for a superior outcome.

The Star Ingredient: Bacon

Naturally, the primary ingredient is bacon itself. Since it’s the sole focus of this dish, opting for high-quality bacon is paramount for the best flavor and texture. Look for bacon that is:

Sugar-Free: Many bacon brands contain added sugars, which can caramelize and burn more easily in the high heat of the Instant Pot. Sugar-free varieties ensure a clean, savory crisp.
Antibiotic-Free: For a healthier and more ethically sourced option, consider antibiotic-free bacon.
Uncured: Uncured bacon, often preserved with natural ingredients like celery powder, tends to have a more natural flavor profile and fewer additives.
Thickness Matters: While most regular-cut bacon works perfectly, be mindful that thick-cut bacon might require an extra minute or two to reach desired crispness, while thin-cut bacon will cook even faster. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and monitor closely.

While traditional pork bacon offers a rich, classic flavor, this method is also excellent for cooking turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is typically leaner and might cook slightly quicker, so be sure to watch it closely to prevent overcooking.

Your Essential Appliance: The Instant Pot

Any model or size of Instant Pot will work for cooking bacon. I typically use a 6-quart Instant Pot, which offers ample space for cooking a decent batch. However, if you have a smaller 3-quart model, you might need to work in more batches, and for larger 8-quart or 10-quart models, you’ll have even more space to spread out your bacon.

To prepare your Instant Pot for cooking bacon:

Plug in your Instant Pot.
Press the “Sauté” button. The display will likely show “Normal” or “Less” or “More.” Ensure it’s on the “Normal” or “More” setting for adequate heat.
Adjust the time using the “+” and “-” buttons to set it to 5 minutes. While this is the recommended starting point, remember that the Instant Pot will continuously heat during this time, and bacon may finish cooking before the timer runs out.
Wait for the pot to beep, indicating it’s beginning to heat up. Once the display reads “On” or shows the timer counting down, it’s ready for the bacon.

Other Indispensable Tools

Tongs: Absolutely essential for safely flipping the bacon slices and removing them from the hot pot. Long-handled, heat-resistant tongs are recommended.
Paper Towels or a Wire Rack: For draining excess grease from the cooked bacon, ensuring maximum crispness.
A Plate or Tray: Lined with paper towels, this will be the landing spot for your perfectly cooked bacon.

a plate of bacon in front of an instant pot and a bowl of eggs — A delicious plate of Instant Pot bacon, ready to complement a hearty breakfast.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Instant Pot Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking bacon in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but following these steps will guarantee the best, most consistent results.

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Set Up Your Instant Pot: Plug in your Instant Pot and press the “Sauté” button. Set the timer for 5 minutes (though you’ll likely remove the bacon before the timer expires). Allow the pot to fully heat up until the display indicates “On” or starts counting down.
Prepare the Bacon: For easier handling and more even cooking in the Instant Pot’s circular shape, cut each bacon slice in half. This also allows for more pieces to fit without excessive overlap, optimizing each batch.

Step 2: The Sautéing Process

Arrange Bacon in a Single Layer: Once the Instant Pot is hot, carefully place the bacon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Avoid overlapping as much as possible. If you have many slices, you will need to work in batches to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness.
Cook and Flip Frequently: Using tongs, cook the bacon on the “Sauté” setting. This process is very quick, so it’s crucial to stay by the pot and monitor the bacon constantly. Flip the bacon strips every minute or so to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and achieve uniform crispness.
Achieve Desired Crispness: Continue cooking and flipping until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispiness – golden brown and perfectly rendered. This typically takes around 3-5 minutes, but keep a close eye as individual preferences and bacon thickness will vary.

instant pot bacon step 2 — Bacon sizzling beautifully in the Instant Pot, nearing perfect crispiness.

Step 3: Post-Cooking Care

Drain Excess Grease: As soon as the bacon is cooked to your liking, promptly remove it from the Instant Pot using tongs and transfer it to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any residual grease, leaving you with deliciously crisp, less oily bacon. For extra crispiness, you can also transfer the bacon to a wire rack placed over a plate.
Repeat for Remaining Batches: If you’re cooking more bacon, continue with additional batches, ensuring the Instant Pot remains on the “Sauté” setting and is adequately hot between batches.

Expert Tips for Crispy Success

While the Instant Pot bacon method is incredibly simple, these insider tips will elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal:

Never Overcrowd the Pot: This is arguably the most crucial tip. Crowding the Instant Pot with too many bacon strips will lower the temperature, steam the bacon instead of frying it, and result in chewy, undercooked pieces instead of crispy ones. Work in small batches, ensuring each strip has enough space to cook directly on the hot surface.
Monitor Constantly: Instant Pots heat very efficiently. Bacon can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay near the appliance and watch the bacon throughout the entire 3-5 minute cooking process. The visual cues are your best guide.
Flip Often for Evenness: To ensure uniform crispness and color, flip the bacon strips frequently – about every 30-60 seconds. This helps both sides cook evenly and prevents one side from burning while the other remains undercooked.
Pre-Heat Properly: Always let your Instant Pot come to full temperature on the Sauté setting before adding the bacon. A sufficiently hot surface ensures an immediate sear, which contributes to crispiness.
Don’t Discard That Bacon Grease: Once you’ve removed all the bacon, you’ll have a delightful pool of rendered bacon fat in the Instant Pot. Carefully pour it into a heat-safe jar or container, strain out any bits, and store it in the refrigerator. Bacon grease adds incredible flavor to eggs, roasted vegetables, cornbread, and more!
Adjust Sauté Setting for Control: If you find your bacon cooking too quickly or burning, some Instant Pot models allow you to toggle between “Normal” and “Less” sauté settings. “Less” can offer slightly more control, especially for thinner bacon.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Bacon Issues

Even with a foolproof method, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are solutions to common Instant Pot bacon dilemmas:

Bacon Not Crispy Enough:
- Solution: The most common culprit is overcrowding the pot. Ensure you’re cooking in small batches with plenty of space between strips. Also, make sure your Instant Pot is fully preheated before adding the bacon, and allow it to cook for the full 5 minutes, flipping frequently, or even a minute longer if needed, until desired crispness is achieved.
Bacon Burning Too Quickly:
- Solution: This usually means the heat is too high or you’re not flipping frequently enough. Ensure you’re using the “Normal” sauté setting rather than “More” if your model has it. If your bacon is very thin, consider using the “Less” sauté setting for better control. Crucially, stay by the pot and flip the bacon every 30-60 seconds.
Unevenly Cooked Bacon:
- Solution: Again, overcrowding is a prime suspect. Ensure bacon strips are in a single, uncrowded layer. Additionally, consistent and frequent flipping helps expose all parts of the bacon to the direct heat, preventing some areas from cooking faster than others.
Too Much Grease Left on Bacon:
- Solution: Always transfer cooked bacon immediately to a plate lined with multiple layers of paper towels. Press gently to absorb excess oil. For maximum grease removal and crispness, you can also place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, allowing air circulation.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Instant Pot Bacon

Crispy Instant Pot bacon isn’t just for breakfast anymore! Here are some inspiring ideas to incorporate this delicious treat into various meals:

Classic Breakfast & Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It’s also perfect with avocado toast or a breakfast burrito.
Salad Topping: Crumble cooked bacon over salads for a burst of salty, smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. Think Cobb salads, spinach salads, or even a simple side salad.
Sandwiches & Wraps: Elevate your BLT, club sandwich, or any wrap with a few slices of perfectly crispy bacon.
Garnish for Soups & Stews: A sprinkle of bacon bits can add depth and texture to creamy soups like potato, corn chowder, or even split pea soup.
Baked Potatoes & Potato Salad: Bacon is a natural partner for potatoes. Crumble it over baked potatoes with sour cream and chives, or mix it into your favorite potato salad recipe.
Appetizers: Wrap bacon around dates, asparagus spears, or shrimp, then bake or air fry for impressive party snacks.
Burgers & Hot Dogs: Add a strip or two of crispy bacon to your next burger or hot dog for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.

Storing and Reheating Your Cooked Instant Pot Bacon

Cooked bacon can be a fantastic meal prep component, saving you time during busy mornings. Proper storage and reheating ensure it stays delicious.

Storage: Once your Instant Pot bacon has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 1 month. Lay individual slices on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid to prevent sticking.

Reheating:

Oven: For best results, reheat bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, place bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 10-20 seconds per slice, depending on your microwave’s power. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Skillet: Lightly warm a skillet over medium heat and briefly crisp up the bacon for 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Bacon

Can I cook a whole package of bacon at once?: While you can certainly cook a whole package, it’s best to do so in batches to ensure the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up properly. Overcrowding the Instant Pot will lead to steamed, rather than crispy, bacon.
Do I need to add oil to the Instant Pot?: No, you do not need to add any oil. Bacon naturally renders its own fat, which is sufficient for cooking. Adding extra oil is unnecessary and can make the bacon too greasy.
Can I use a different Instant Pot setting?: The “Sauté” function is specifically designed for frying and browning, making it the ideal setting for cooking bacon. Other settings like “Pressure Cook” or “Slow Cook” are not suitable for achieving crispy bacon.
How do I clean my Instant Pot after cooking bacon?: First, allow the Instant Pot liner to cool. Carefully pour out any remaining bacon grease (and save it if you wish!). Then, wash the inner pot with warm, soapy water. For stubborn bits, a non-abrasive sponge or a short soak can help. The inner pot is usually dishwasher safe.
Is Instant Pot bacon healthier?: The cooking method itself doesn’t inherently make the bacon healthier. However, the contained cooking environment and the ease of draining excess fat on paper towels after cooking can result in a less greasy final product compared to some traditional pan-frying methods, potentially making it *feel* lighter.

Instant Pot Bacon Recipe

Quick, easy, and unbelievably mess-free, this Instant Pot bacon recipe is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine. Achieve perfectly crispy bacon in just 5 minutes with minimal effort!

Instant Pot Bacon

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Cooking bacon in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and mess-free! Bacon, tongs, and an Instant Pot is all you’ll need to achieve perfectly crispy bacon in just 5 minutes.

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Servings: 3

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, cut in half

Equipment

Instant Pot
Tongs
Paper towels

Instructions

Place bacon in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Ensure the pot is on the Sauté setting and fully preheated.
Set to sauté for 5 minutes and cook, flipping frequently (every minute or so), until you’ve achieved your desired crispness. Monitor closely as cooking can be fast.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve immediately.

Notes

Flip the bacon about every minute to ensure even cooking and crispness!
Recipe yields approximately 12 half slices of bacon, or 3 servings. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used. To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Expand your Instant Pot repertoire with these other fantastic and easy recipes:

Instant Pot Carne Asada
Instant Pot Asparagus
20 Keto Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Broccoli
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Instant Pot Jasmine Rice

Cooking bacon in your Instant Pot is more than just a kitchen hack; it’s a revolutionary way to enjoy one of the most beloved breakfast foods with unprecedented ease and cleanliness. By following these simple steps and expert tips, you’ll consistently achieve perfectly crispy bacon, freeing up your time and making your mornings significantly more enjoyable. Embrace the convenience and savor the flavor!