Preventing bacon from sticking to a non-stick skillet without using oil can be a bit challenging, as bacon naturally contains fat that renders out during cooking. However, there are a few tricks you can try to minimize sticking:
Use low to medium heat: Cooking bacon on high heat can cause it to stick more to the pan. Use low to medium heat settings to reduce the chances of sticking.
Preheat the skillet: Allow the non-stick skillet to preheat for a minute or two before adding the bacon. This helps to create a slightly slippery surface.
Use a quality non-stick skillet: Invest in a good quality non-stick skillet to ensure that the non-stick coating is effective. Lower-quality pans may lose their non-stick properties over time.
Select thicker bacon slices: Thicker bacon tends to stick less than thinner slices. If possible, choose thicker cuts of bacon.
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet with too much bacon. Cook the bacon in batches to give each slice enough space to cook evenly.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Line the skillet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before placing the bacon on it. This can help prevent direct contact between the bacon and the pan.
Heat-resistant silicone-tipped tongs: Use heat-resistant tongs with silicone tips to flip the bacon instead of using a spatula. This reduces the chances of tearing the bacon and leaving bits stuck to the pan.
Drain excess fat: As you cook the bacon, periodically drain excess fat from the skillet. This helps prevent the bacon from sitting in its rendered fat, which can increase sticking.
Let the bacon cool slightly before removing: Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool for a minute or two before removing it from the pan. This can make it easier to lift without sticking.
Please note that using some cooking oil or a light coating of cooking spray can significantly reduce sticking without adding too much fat. However, if you prefer not to use any oil, following the above tips should help minimize sticking.