Most bacon lovers have a preference for the way their bacon is cooked. Some prefer a chewier, softer piece, still a bit flabby and flopping around. Others prefer a crisp, crust-like bacon that crumbles when you bite into it. Color can be a perfect indicator to regardless of your preference.

Is bacon cooked if it's not crispy?

Bacon is considered fully cooked when the meat changes color from pink to brown and the fat has had a chance to render out. It's fine to remove the slices from the heat when they're still a bit chewy, but bacon is usually served crisp.

Does bacon have to be crispy?

Bacon definitely should be fried until crisp, including the fat. It takes time and patience, but it's worth the wait. BTW, I have given up ordering bacon with anything in restaurant because you don't get nice, crisp bacon--you get a flabby slab of fat with some chewy, undercooked meat running through it.