Can Cook Bacon In The Microwave

ByLily

Microwave bacon gets crispy in just a few minutes when you use paper towels and a microwave-safe plate. Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave, and it is one of the fastest ways to get a crunchy strip without heating up a skillet. This method works for regular, thick-cut, and turkey bacon.

The trick is layering. Paper towels soak up the grease, and the microwave does the rest. Most strips are done in 3 to 6 minutes depending on your machine.

Can Cook Bacon In The Microwave

This is the fastest cooking method for bacon at home. You do not need oil, a pan, or a stove. All you need is a plate, some paper towels, and a microwave.

The result is flat, crispy bacon with less mess. Cleanup takes seconds because you just toss the paper towels.

What You Will Need

  • Microwave-safe plate (glass or ceramic works best)
  • Paper towels (plain, not the printed kind)
  • Bacon strips (regular, thick-cut, or turkey)
  • Optional: a microwave bacon rack or a wire cooling rack
  • Optional: a second plate for draining

Avoid using metal racks or foil. They can spark and damage your microwave.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Place 3 to 4 paper towels on your microwave-safe plate. This layer catches the grease.
  2. Lay the bacon strips side by side. Do not overlap them. Leave a small gap between each strip.
  3. Cover the bacon with 2 more paper towels. Tuck the edges under the plate if you can.
  4. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check the bacon after the first round.
  5. Add 30 seconds at a time until the bacon reaches your preferred crispiness.
  6. Move the cooked strips to a clean plate lined with a fresh paper towel. Let them sit for 1 minute.

Bacon keeps cooking after it leaves the microwave. That is why you should pull it out when it looks slightly less crispy than you want.

How Long To Microwave Bacon

Timing changes based on wattage, thickness, and how many strips you cook. Here is a simple guide.

  • 1 to 2 strips: 2 to 3 minutes
  • 3 to 4 strips: 3 to 4 minutes
  • 5 to 6 strips: 4 to 6 minutes
  • Thick-cut bacon: add 1 to 2 minutes
  • Turkey bacon: 2 to 4 minutes, check often

Start with less time. You can always add more seconds, but you cannot undo burnt bacon.

Tips For Crispy Bacon Every Time

  • Use two layers of paper towels on the bottom for greasy bacon.
  • Do not stack strips on top of each other.
  • Rotate the plate halfway through if your microwave cooks unevenly.
  • Pat the bacon dry before cooking if it feels wet.
  • Pour off grease between batches so the plate stays flat.
  • Use a bacon rack if you want extra crunch and less sogginess.

If your bacon comes out chewy, it needs more time. If it comes out hard and brittle, you went a bit too far. Adjust next time.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using Metal Or Foil

Never put metal, foil, or twist ties in the microwave. They cause sparks and can ruin the appliance.

Overlapping The Strips

Overlapping bacon steams instead of crisps. Keep the strips flat and separated.

Not Draining The Grease

Too much grease on the plate makes the bacon soggy. Swap the paper towels if you cook more than one batch.

Cooking On High Without Checking

Microwave wattage varies a lot. A 700-watt unit needs more time than a 1200-watt unit. Always check at the 3-minute mark.

Cleaning Up After Microwave Bacon

Let the plate cool for a minute. Then roll up the paper towels and throw them away. Wash the plate with warm soapy water.

If grease splattered inside the microwave, wipe it with a damp cloth. A bowl of water and lemon juice heated for 2 minutes can loosen stuck grease.

Is Microwave Bacon Healthy

Microwave cooking does not add fat. The paper towels absorb a good amount of grease. This can make it slightly lower in fat than pan-fried bacon.

Bacon is still high in sodium and saturated fat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Serving Ideas

  • Crumble it over salads
  • Add strips to a breakfast sandwich
  • Use it in BLT wraps
  • Top baked potatoes
  • Mix into scrambled eggs

You can also cook a big batch ahead of time. Store the strips in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them for 20 seconds on a paper towel.

Final Thoughts

Microwave bacon is fast, simple, and less messy than stovetop cooking. With paper towels and a safe plate, you get crispy strips in under 6 minutes. Watch the time, avoid metal, and check the bacon often. Once you try it, you may never go back to the frying pan.

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