How Long Should You Cook Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. It has a similar smoky, salty flavor, but with fewer calories and less fat. But figuring out how long to cook turkey bacon can be tricky since it has a different fat and moisture content compared to pork bacon. Follow this guide to learn how long you should cook turkey bacon based on whether you bake it in the oven or fry it in a skillet to get it perfectly crispy.

Factors That Affect Turkey Bacon Cook Times

There are a few factors that impact how long it takes to cook turkey bacon:

• Cooking Method Baking vs frying produces different cook times, Baking takes longer but requires less monitoring Frying is quicker but you have to watch it closely

• Thickness: Thinner slices will cook faster than thicker sliced turkey bacon.

• Brand: Different brands have variations in ingredients, thickness, and curing that affect cook time.

• Doneness Preference: Do you like your bacon soft or extra crispy? Cook time varies based on desired texture.

• Oven Temperature: Higher oven temps shorten cooking time. Lower temps lengthen it.

• Skillet Heat: Higher heat fries the bacon quicker. Lower temps mean longer cook time.

How Long to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven

Baking turkey bacon in the oven is hands-off and mess-free. The hot air surrounds the bacon from all sides, cooking it evenly. Here are approximate oven turkey bacon cook times

• At 400°F, cook for 15-18 minutes.

• At 375°F, cook for 17-20 minutes.

• At 350°F, cook for 18-22 minutes.

• At 325°F, cook for 20-25 minutes.

To oven bake:

• Preheat oven to desired temp (400°F for crispier bacon or 350°F for chewier).

• Arrange turkey bacon slices in a single layer on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure slices don’t overlap.

• Bake for half the estimated time, then flip slices and bake for the remaining time.

• Check frequently and remove slices as they reach desired crispiness. Thinner slices may cook faster than thicker ones.

How Long to Cook Turkey Bacon on the Stovetop

Frying turkey bacon in a skillet on the stovetop is quicker than baking but requires more attention. Approximate stovetop cooking times:

• For crisp bacon, fry for about 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally.

• For chewy bacon, fry for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, flipping occasionally.

To pan fry turkey bacon:

• Heat a skillet over medium or medium-high heat and add turkey bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping.

• Fry for 2-3 minutes until underside is browned. Flip and fry other side.

• Keep flipping every 1-2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispness. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.

• Pour off grease between batches if cooking multiple slices.

How to Tell When Turkey Bacon is Done

It can be difficult to judge the doneness of turkey bacon just by looking. Here are some signs your turkey bacon is fully cooked:

• Color: Turkey bacon should be browned and crispy with no traces of pink. The lean turkey meat cooks to an ivory or light tan color.

• Texture: The bacon should be rigid and crispy, not bendable or limp.

• Fat Shrinkage: As the bacon cooks, the fat will shrink and become crispy.

• Smoke: Fully cooked turkey bacon gives off an appetizing smoked aroma.

• Oil: The bacon will start to release oil when it’s cooked through.

• Time: Trust the recipe cook times, then adjust based on thickness, oven temp, and preference.

Undercooked turkey bacon risks foodborne illness, so it’s better to err on the side of overdone when in doubt.

Turkey Bacon Cooking Tips

• Choose uncured turkey bacon when possible since it contains less sodium. Popular brands include Applegate, Wellshire Farms, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods 365.

• Opt for turkey bacon with a higher fat content (at least 6 grams per slice) for crispier results.

• Cut thicker slices in half before cooking to reduce cook time.

• Drain bacon on paper towels after cooking to soak up excess grease.

• Let oven-baked turkey bacon cool slightly before eating for optimal crispy texture.

• Cook turkey bacon on lower oven racks or skillets to prevent burning.

• Turkey bacon truly is done when removed from the heat source so don’t overbake or overfry.

• Store fully cooked turkey bacon in the fridge and reheat in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness as needed before serving.

Common Turkey Bacon FAQs

Is turkey bacon healthy?

Turkey bacon is leaner than pork bacon but still high in sodium. It has around 1/3 the calories and half the fat content. Turkey bacon can be part of a healthy diet in moderation but shouldn’t be an everyday food.

Is turkey bacon safe to eat?

Properly cooked turkey bacon is safe to eat. Turkey bacon is pre-cooked during processing but should be cooked to 165°F at home. Undercooked turkey bacon increases the risk of food poisoning.

Why does turkey bacon stick together?

The low fat content of turkey bacon means it doesn’t release as much grease during cooking. Without sufficient grease, the turkey bacon slices can stick together. Using a non-stick pan, baking on a wire rack, and not overcrowding the pan reduces sticking.

Why is my turkey bacon tough?

Overcooking is the most common reason for tough turkey bacon. It continues to cook once removed from the oven or pan. For tender bacon, cook just until browned, not charred black. Reheating previously cooked turkey bacon can also toughen the texture.

Can you freeze turkey bacon?

Fully cooked leftover turkey bacon can be frozen for 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet or low oven to prevent further drying out.

The Takeaway

Mastering the ideal turkey bacon cook time takes some trial and error. Thinner slices take less time to fully cook while thicker cuts need longer. Baking in the oven at around 400°F for 15-18 minutes delivers consistent results every time. For stovetop cooking, fry over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to get crispy bacon. Look for visual cues like browned color, rigid texture, and fat shrinkage to determine doneness. Adjust cook times based on your preference for chewy or extra crispy turkey bacon.