Turkey bacon is a leaner, healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, but it can be tricky to cook just right. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook turkey bacon perfectly at home.
1. How To Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices turkey bacon
- Aluminum foil or baking sheet
Instructions
Pre-heat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly grease a baking sheet.
Lay the slices of turkey bacon flat in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure none of the slices are overlapping.
Bake for 10-14 minutes, flip the slices halfway through for even cooking on both sides. and checking frequently during the last few minutes. The bacon should become sizzling, browned and crispy.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the turkey bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. How To Cook Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices turkey bacon
- Air fryer
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
Place the slices of turkey bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the bacon looks crisped and browned, flip bacon halfway for even cooking. For extra crispy bacon, air fry up to 10 minutes.
Use tongs to transfer the cooked turkey bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
3. How To Cook Turkey Bacon on Stove
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices turkey bacon
- 1-2 tsp oil or butter
Instructions
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You can add a small amount (1-2 tsp) of oil or butter if desired for more browning and crisping.
Add the slices of turkey bacon to the preheated pan in a single layer without overlapping.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the underside is browned. Then flip each slice and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes as well.
Adjust heat as needed to prevent overbrowning. Cook over medium-low if the bacon seems to be cooking too fast.
Once both sides are browned, reduce heat to low and continue cooking 1-2 minutes on each side until the bacon reaches the desired crispness.
Use metal tongs to transfer the cooked turkey bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Pour off excess fat during cooking
4. How To Cook Turkey Bacon in Microwave
Ingredients
- 6 slices turkey bacon
- Microwave-safe plate or bacon rack
- Paper towels
Instructions
Place turkey bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate or specially designed bacon rack. Make sure slices are spread out and do not overlap. You should leave 1/4 inch between slices to prevent steaming
Microwave on HIGH power for 2 minutes. Turkey bacon will begin to sizzle and curl.
Remove from microwave and flip each slice. Return to microwave for 1 additional minute.
Check for doneness. If not fully cooked and crispy, microwave in 30 second intervals until done.
Transfer microwaved turkey bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease. Use double paper towels to absorb more grease
5. What to Do With Cooked Turkey Bacon?
Breakfast Burritos: Cook turkey bacon until crispy and chop it into small pieces. Use it as a flavorful filling for breakfast burritos along with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables.
Cobb Salad: Crumble or chop cooked turkey bacon and add it to a classic Cobb salad. It adds a smoky and salty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, and blue cheese.
BLT Wraps: Swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon in a classic BLT sandwich. Roll up crispy turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayo in a tortilla for a quick and tasty lunch.
Pasta Carbonara: Instead of using pancetta or bacon, use turkey bacon in a creamy pasta carbonara. Cook the turkey bacon until crisp, then chop it into small pieces and mix it into the pasta sauce along with cooked spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Crumble cooked turkey bacon over a loaded baked potato for added flavor and crunch. Top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and any other toppings you like.
Turkey Bacon and Cheese Quiche: Add chopped turkey bacon to a quiche filling along with cheese, eggs, milk, and your favorite vegetables. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden brown. It’s a great option for brunch or a light dinner.
Turkey Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumble cooked turkey bacon and mix it into your favorite mac and cheese recipe. The smoky flavor of the bacon adds a delicious twist to this comfort food classic.
With popular kitchen appliances and few minutes, you can enjoy tasty turkey bacon for breakfast or anytime. Adjust cook times based on thickness and personal preference for chewy or crispy bacon.
