How to Cook Turkey Bacon (4 Methods)

Are you wanting to switch from pork bacon to turkey bacon but not sure on the best methods for cooking?  Here’s four simple methods for cooking turkey bacon on the stove top, oven, air fryer and microwave.  Get step-by-step instructions on how to cook turkey bacon with crispy results!

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How to make crispy turkey bacon

Perfect bacon has a crispier texture which is easier to achieve with regular bacon. Because turkey does not the same fat content as regular pork bacon it cooks a little differently. However, you can achieve crispy bacon with turkey if you follow a few steps.

Key Ingredients

turkey bacon- there are many different varieties and different brands of turkey bacon. Cured, smoked, nitrate free, or precooked. When selecting turkey bacon at the grocery store opt for a nitrate-free turkey bacon. This is a healthier option when comparing to traditional bacon.

olive oil spray- I love using a light spray of olive oil when cooking.  You can also use cooking spray. This will help make a crispier bacon.

Stove top Method

To cook turkey bacon on the stove top, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Once the skillet is hot spray lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.  Add the strips of bacon in a single layer.
Cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping.  Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes or until bacon gets crispy.

The results: This is the best way to cook turkey bacon. Using a frying pan is my preferred method because it gets the crispiest results!

Oven Method

To make oven baked turkey bacon preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a sheet pan or baking sheet. You can use a sheet of parchment paper or a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.  It is not necessary to flip.

The results: This gets a pretty crispy texture as well. This method does take a little longer, however you can cook more pieces at a time if you have a large family to cook for.

Air fryer method

To make air fryer bacon add slices of turkey bacon to the bottom of an air fryer basket. Spray with an olive oil cooking spray.  Set temperature to 400 degrees and the cook time for 8 minutes. For best results flip during the halfway cooking time. Depending on how crispy you like your bacon you may add an additional minute to the cooking time to make extra crispy air fryer turkey bacon.

The results: The air fryer produced crispy results. This is close to the texture of the stove top method. This is an easy way to cook turkey bacon if you are only cooking a few pieces at a time.

 

Microwave method

Place turkey bacon on a microwave safe dish or paper plate.  Cover with a piece of paper towel and microwave for 1 ½ minutes for 2 slices.  Add an additional minute for more slices of bacon.

The results: While this is the fastest using the microwave oven is not my preferred method for cooking turkey bacon. It will not crisp but get a rubbery texture. If you are short on time then go for it, but I'd take the extra 5 minutes and use the stove top method.

How to store leftover turkey bacon

Bacon is best eaten immediately after cooking but if you do have leftover bacon you can save the leftovers. Allow to cool to room temperature first and store cooked turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

You can also freeze turkey bacon in a freezer-safe bag for 1-2 months.

How to serve turkey bacon

Serve this as you would regular bacon along side eggs and toast, or make a breakfast sandwich!