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    Home » How to...

    Updated: Mar 19, 2024 · Published: Sep 30, 2021 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven

    Jump to Recipe

    It is easy to learn how to cook turkey bacon in the microwave oven. I have been microwaving both pork and turkey bacon in the microwave oven for years.  I always thought that microwaving bacon would result in uneven cooking or strips that were not crispy. I was wrong and though I still prefer it oven-baked, cooking bacon in the microwave is still just as tasty. 

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven PN1 a white plate with 3 strips cooked bacon a slice of toast and a coffee mug in the background

    Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is a simple and splatter-proof way to make it. Turkey bacon is a healthy option that turns out perfectly crispy every time when cooked in the oven and the clean-up is so easy.  It is by far the fastest way to cook turkey bacon.  It is perfect for busy weekday mornings when you want some protein at breakfast.  If you do have more time, you can also try How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven for another great way to have a yummy breakfast. 

    Can You Microwave Bacon?

    Well the simple answer to if you can or should you microwave bacon to cook it, is yes.  The key to microwaving turkey or pork bacon is making sure you have the right equipment and you cook it for the right amount of time.  You can buy specific equipment made just for cooking bacon in the microwave or you can use items you already likely have. In addition, the amount of time needed to microwave bacon depends on how you like your bacon. 

    The Best Microwave Bacon Trays & Products

    There are many great products on the market for microwaving bacon.   We have a small tray that comes with a lid and it works great. It has ridges on the inside so the bacon is elevated above the fat drippings while it cooks. The vented lid contains the splatter and lets the steam release so the bacon is crispy and not soggy. I highly recommend several different products and they all are inexpensive and easy to use, clean, and store.  

    Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwave Small Bacon Grill with Vented Cover, 4-6 Strips of Bacon, Cook Frozen Snacks, Measures 10"L x 7"W x 2.25"H,Brown
    $11.99
    Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwave Small Bacon Grill with Vented Cover, 4-6 Strips of Bacon, Cook Frozen Snacks, Measures 10"L x 7"W x 2.25"H,Brown
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/16/2025 01:26 am GMT

    Emson Bacon Wave TRTAZ11A, Microwave Bacon Cooker, New, 9.96" x 8.03" x 0.37" (Length x Width x Height), White
    Emson Bacon Wave TRTAZ11A, Microwave Bacon Cooker, New, 9.96" x 8.03" x 0.37" (Length x Width x Height), White
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    MSC International 78416 Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray with Splatter Lid, Holds 4-5 Strips of Bacon, 10.5 x 8.5 x 2
    $13.99
    MSC International 78416 Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray with Splatter Lid, Holds 4-5 Strips of Bacon, 10.5 x 8.5 x 2
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/14/2025 06:56 am GMT

    The Little Bacon Cookbook: Because Bacon Goes With Everything!
    $23.93
    The Little Bacon Cookbook: Because Bacon Goes With Everything!
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/13/2025 11:11 am GMT

     

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    How to Cook Bacon so it is a Healthy Option

    Turkey bacon is a low-calorie and low-fat option compared to regular pork bacon.  Turkey bacon is also a lower-sodium often.  It is a good breakfast treats for those on special diets like keto, low-carb, low-salt, or diabetic. To find out more about if turkey bacon is healthy and what is turkey bacon made from, check out this article from HealthLine – Is Turkey Bacon Healthy; Nutrition, Calories, & More. 

    • TURKEY BACON VS PORK BACON ( 2 slices  brands may vary) 
    • 70 CALORIES vs 90 CALORIES
    • 5g FAT vs 7g FAT
    • 0g CARBS vs 0g CARBS

    The above is based on Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon vs Oscar Meyer Hardwood Smoked Pork Bacon

    It is still processed meat and should be limited but when you wish to enjoy some turkey bacon, microwaving it is a clean healthy cooking method.  Both methods I share below cook the turkey bacon so it is not sitting in what little fat may render from the cooking process.  Here are the two best ways to cook bacon in the microwave. 

    Microwaving Bacon with Paper Towels 

    The easiest option that requires no additional kitchen equipment is to simply microwave turkey bacon between paper towels.  This paper towel plate method works for both turkey and pork bacon. Here is the easy step-by-step for microwaving bacon using paper towels.

    • Simply line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels.  This layer will help absorb the small amount of fat from cooking the bacon
    • Next, layer 3-4 strips of turkey bacon on the paper towels in a single layer and so they are not touching. 
    • For the final step, add more paper towels to cover so that the splatter from the bacon will be absorbed instead of making a mess.   
    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven 3 cooked strips on a plate with paper towels

    Cooking with Microwave Bacon Tray & Equipment

    If you have one of the bacon microwave trays shared above, great news. You are on your way to some yummy turkey bacon.  Use your product based on the manufactures instructions.  I will share the steps I do when I use my tray. I currently have the first one listed above to the far left in this post but I have had other products in past too that works great. 

    • Open the lid off the tray and add 3 - 4 strips of bacon in a single layer. 
    • Place the lid and place it in the microwave to cook. 

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven strips on a micrwave tray and an opened package of turkey bacon

    How Long to Microwave Turkey Bacon

    For how long to cook turkey bacon in the microwave, depends on two things. Microwave cooking times for making turkey bacon depend on how many strips you are making and how crispy you want it.  Here are my estimates for microwave cooking times for turkey bacon.  (it may also vary slightly also based on the type of bacon/thickness you are making and your model of a microwave oven)

    SOFT & CHEWY COOKED TURKEY BACON

    3-4 strips = 1 minute

    MEDIUM COOKED TURKEY BACON

    3-4 strips - 1 ½ minutes

    CRISPY WELL DONE TURKEY BACON

    3-4 strips - 2 minutes

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave tray in the microwave oven ready to cook

    How to Tell When Turkey Bacon is Done

    Everyone has a different idea of how they like bacon cooked. Some people like it still a bit soft or pliable and others like it very well done and crispy.  So based on how you like it, see the cooking times above. 

    You can tell when turkey bacon is done because it will no longer be soft in the center or edges and should not be sticking to the paper towel or cooker. Once it is cooked and a bit crisp, it should lift easily when using cooking tongs.

    Make sure it is cooked all the way through, some brands are raw or uncured. Certain brands are truly raw/uncooked turkey bacon & not safe to eat.

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven opened microwave tray with cooked turkey bacon in it ready to eat

    What to Serve with Turkey Bacon

    Besides serving bacon with eggs, pancakes, or as a BLT, here are some great recipes to enjoy with your oven-baked turkey bacon.  You can enjoy it with these recipes or use the cooked turkey bacon in these recipes to replace the regular bacon.  There are breakfast, dinner, keto, gluten-free, and a ton of other recipe ideas here to make with bacon. All of these recipes ideas go well with and are great to serve with turkey bacon. 

     

    Perfectly Crispy & Chewy Mochi Waffles
    Mochi waffles have a lovely chewy texture on the inside. This mochi recipe also has a crispy outside for a perfect balance of all things wonderful about homemade waffles. 
    Check out this recipe
    Perfectly Crispy and Chewy Mochi Waffles recipe card

     

    Basic Keto Chaffles
    Keto and low-carb waffles are made with just two ingredients in only 6 minutes. These savory basic chaffles are only 3 net carbs and have a ton of flavor and versatility to enjoy in so many ways. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Turn them into keto pizza, a sandwich, or top with so many. No almond or coconut flour.
    Check out this recipe
    keto belgian chaffles plated

     

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili
    Slow cooker no-bean chili simmers in rich tomatoes and spices. Ground beef and crispy bacon plus fun delicious toppings is the ideal low-carb keto chili. Set your CrockPot for a spicy chili that hearty & comforting.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Beef & Bacon Chili featured

     

    Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon
    Creamy macaroni & cheese with caramelized onions & bacon is a classic old-fashioned recipe. The best homemade baked mac and cheese begins with a traditional roux, 3 kinds of cheese & al dente elbow pasta. This family-favorite casserole recipe is creamy, comforting, & simple to make.
    Check out this recipe
    casserole dish with baked 3 cheese mac and cheese topped with bacon

     

    Shishito Peppers with Cream Cheese & Bacon
    Shishito Peppers are a mild pepper blistered in a pan and then tossed with cream cheese and bacon.
    Check out this recipe
    Shishito Peppers with Cream Cheese & Bacon
    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven ready to eat on a plate with a mug in the background

    How to Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon

    Leftover cooked turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator.  I like to wrap it up in the paper towels I placed it on after cooking. Then I place that into an air-tight container that is long enough to store the bacon strips whole.  Cooked turkey bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

    To reheat leftover bacon, place in the microwave on a paper towel-lined plate and heat for 15-20 seconds for a slice or 30 seconds for up to 3 slices. Leftover crumbled turkey bacon is great to top salads, baked potatoes, soups, vegetables, and pasta. 

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven PIN
    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured recipe card image a plate of cooked turkey bacon

    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven

    Angela
    Turkey bacon is a healthy option that turns out just how you like it when cooked in the microwave oven. It is the fastest, easiest, and cleanest way to cook turkey bacon.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2

    Equipment

    • microwave bacon tray or paper towels

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package turkey bacon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    When using a microwave tray for cooking bacon

    • Open the lid on the tray. Evenly space out 3-4 strips of turkey bacon on the grooves of the tray.
    • Put the lid back on the tray and place it in the microwave oven.
    • Set the time on the microwave per the level of soft to crispy that you want to enjoy. Cooking time suggestions for microwaving the bacon is listed above. It ranges from 1 - 3 minutes.
    • Once it is done cooking, remove the bacon tray from the microwave. Carefully remove the lid as it may be warm and the steam may be hot. Enjoy your turkey bacon.

    When using a plate and paper towels to microwave bacon

    • Line a microwave-proof plate with paper towels. Evenly space out 3-4 strips of turkey bacon on the paper towels.
    • Add another paper towel over the turkey bacon. Place the plate in the microwave.
    • Set the time on the microwave per the level of soft to crispy that you want to enjoy. Cooking time suggestions for microwaving the bacon is listed above. It ranges from 1 - 3 minutes.
    • Once it is done cooking, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. The plate or steam may be hot. Remove the paper towels. Enjoy your turkey bacon.

    Notes

    BASED ON 1 SLICE OF OSCAR MEYER TURKEY BACON
     
      • Serving Size 15 GR
      • AMOUNT PER SERVING
      • Calories 35 KCAL
      • Calories From Fat2.5 G
      • Total Fat2.5 G
      • Saturated Fat1 G
      • Cholesterol5.00
      • Sodium140 MG
      • Total Carbohydrates0.00
      • Dietary Fiber0 G
      • Sugars0 G
      • Protein2 G
    • * Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.
    Keyword breakfast, brunch, easy, fast, keto, low carb, poultry, quick, simple
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leo says

      November 27, 2021 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      Turned out perfect. I like it crispy but a bit soft in the center and the microwave method did it just right.

      Reply
    2. Sarah says

      December 15, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      So fast for the busy breakfast. I bought the microwave tray and it works great.

      Reply

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