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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Cooking turkey bacon on the stovetop may seem simple, but getting the timing and technique right is crucial for delicious, crispy results. With less fat than pork bacon, turkey bacon requires some adjustments to achieve perfection in the pan. Follow this guide for expert tips, step-by-step instructions, and foolproof turkey bacon every time from the convenience of your stove.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is made from ground turkey seasoned with spices, sugar, and cured. It contains about 25-50% less fat and calories compared to pork bacon. The leaner makeup means it cooks faster, usually in just 5-10 minutes. The wood smoked flavor is similar to pork bacon, but the texture is a bit more delicate.
Benefits of Stovetop Cooking Method
There are several advantages to cooking turkey bacon on the stove rather than the oven or microwave:
- Full control over doneness for customized crispness
- Direct contact with the pan surface helps rendered fat for crisping
- Quick cooking time in just 5-10 minutes
- Easy monitoring without needing to open an oven or microwave
- Ability to cook just a few slices rather than a whole baking sheet
- Minimal splatter compared to frying
- Imparts sear flavor from the hot skillet
Step-by-Step Stovetop Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey bacon every time
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Choose a skillet: Opt for cast iron or nonstick to prevent sticking.
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Preheat on medium: Give the pan 2-3 minutes to fully preheat.
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Add bacon strips: Lay slices in a single, even layer without overlapping.
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Cook first side: Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until visibly browned.
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Flip and cook: Carefully flip each slice and cook 2-3 minutes more.
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Transfer to paper towels: Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
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Enjoy hot and crispy!
Stovetop Cooking Time
The total stovetop cooking time is usually 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner slices may take 6-8 minutes while thick-cut bacon may need 10-12 minutes total.
Visually, the bacon is done when deeply golden brown with crisp edges. Use tongs to test – properly cooked bacon will feel rigid, not limp.
If still undercooked, continue cooking in 1 minute increments, watching closely to prevent burning.
Tips for Crispy Turkey Bacon from the Stove
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Pat slices dry before cooking to maximize browning
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Use a splatter screen to minimize mess and popping grease
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Cook over medium to medium-high heat to prevent burning
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Don’t crowd the pan – allow room between slices
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Flip just once during cooking for even texture
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Blot grease while cooking and after for optimum crispness
Common Turkey Bacon Mistakes to Avoid
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Undercooking – never eat limp, soggy, or pink turkey bacon
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Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming rather than crisping
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Cooking over high heat risks drying out and burning
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Flipping too often results in uneven cooking
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Not draining excess grease causes bacon to steam
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Letting it sit in grease after cooking leads to sogginess
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Turkey Bacon
The possibilities are endless for enjoying crispy stovetop turkey bacon:
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Breakfast sandwiches
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Wrapped around grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts
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Crumbled over salads or baked potatoes
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In omelets, frittatas, or strata
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On burgers or BLTs for a healthy crunch
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Pair with eggs, pancakes, or waffles
With the convenience of stovetop cooking, you can easily enjoy delicious crispy turkey bacon any time. Follow these tips and techniques for foolproof turkey bacon success.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 Id take the extra 5 minutes and use the stove top method.
How To Cook: Bacon on the Stove
FAQ
How long does it take to cook turkey bacon on the stove?
- Preheat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange turkey bacon in a single layer in the skillet.
- Cook, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
How long to cook bacon on the stove top?
- Take bacon out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Put bacon strips in a cold pan without overlapping.
- Cook over medium heat.
- Flip bacon often to promote even browning.
- Cook until bacon reaches desired crispness.
- Drain on paper towels.
How to cook a turkey with bacon on top?
Wrap turkey completely with bacon. Place turkey on the rack in the prepared baking dish. Pour water into the dish. Bake turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 45 minutes with juices in the baking dish, until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
How do you know if turkey bacon is done cooking?
To know if turkey bacon is cooked, check its color. Though cooking times may vary, cooked turkey bacon should be a crispy, rich brown. When you remove your turkey bacon from the oven, you should not see any pink or translucent meat.
How long to cook turkey bacon on stove top?
As a general guideline, it usually takes around 8 to 12 minutes total to cook regular sliced bacon on the stove in a skillet over medium heat.
How long does it take to cook bacon on the stove?
The cooking time for bacon on the stove can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, the desired level of crispiness, the pan you use, and the heat setting of the stove. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 8 to 12 minutes total to cook regular sliced bacon on the stove in a skillet over medium heat.
How long does it take to make turkey bacon?
Prep a turkey bacon recipe in 30 minutes or less! Did you like the recipe? Click on a star to rate it! Try these turkey bacon recipes for healthy alternatives to pork. From quesadillas to tacos to soup, these flavorful meals are just too good.
How to cook turkey bacon in the oven?
To cook turkey bacon in the oven, preheat your oven to 400℉. Pinch ridges in the foil to create a makeshift baking rack, place it on a baking sheet, and add the turkey bacon. Cook for 12 minutes. If the bacon isn’t cooked to your liking, cook for 1-3 more minutes, watching closely so that it doesn’t burn. Remove from the oven and blot with a paper towel.
Can you cook bacon on a stove top?
Cooking bacon on a stove top is the quickest, easiest way to make delicious bacon for breakfast or your favorite recipes. Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. Make sure the strips aren’t overlapping too much. Turn the heat to medium. Cook the bacon until the bottom is browned and crisp, about 4-6 minutes.
Why should you cook bacon on the stove?
More control: Cooking bacon on the stove allows you to regulate the cooking process more than cooking bacon in the oven or microwave. You can monitor the bacon and adjust the heat and cooking time to achieve the perfect level of crispiness. Aroma: This might be the best reason of all to cook bacon on the stove.