Microwave Bacon Cooking: 5-Minute Crispy Method

Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave in just 5-8 minutes with minimal cleanup. Place bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate, cook on high for 1 minute per slice, and let it rest for 1 minute before serving for perfectly crisp results every time.

The Fastest Way to Cook Bacon When Time Matters

When you're craving crispy bacon but don't want to deal with splattering grease or lengthy cleanup, the microwave method delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes. This technique works for all bacon types—from thick-cut to turkey bacon—and requires only basic kitchen items you already own.

Why Microwave Bacon Beats Traditional Methods

According to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines, microwave cooking reduces exposure to harmful grease splatter while maintaining proper food safety temperatures. Unlike stovetop frying that can reach dangerous splatter zones, the microwave contains grease within paper towels, minimizing fire risks and kitchen mess.

Cooking Method	Time Required	Cleanup Time	Grease Exposure
Microwave	5-8 minutes	2 minutes	Contained
Stovetop	10-15 minutes	15+ minutes	High risk
Oven	15-20 minutes	10 minutes	Moderate

What You'll Need for Perfect Microwave Bacon

• Microwave-safe plate (ceramic or glass)
• 2-3 sheets of absorbent paper towels
• Bacon slices (any thickness)
• Tongs for safe handling
• Thermometer (optional for food safety)

Step-by-Step Microwave Bacon Process

1. Prepare your plate: Lay one paper towel on a microwave-safe plate
2. Arrange bacon: Place bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping
3. Cover: Top with 1-2 additional paper towels to contain grease
4. Microwave settings: Cook on high for 1 minute per slice (5 minutes for 4 slices)
5. Check progress: Look for golden-brown color and reduced pinkness
6. Rest: Let stand for 1 minute before handling (bacon continues cooking)

Avoiding Common Microwave Bacon Mistakes

Food safety experts at America's Test Kitchen confirm that undercooked bacon (145°F internal temperature) risks salmonella exposure. Always check for these doneness indicators:

• Visual cue: Deep golden-brown color with minimal pink remaining
• Texture: Crisp edges that hold shape when lifted with tongs
• Sound: Stops sizzling immediately when removed from microwave
• Shrinkage: Reduced to about 70% of original size

Safety First: Critical Microwave Bacon Guidelines

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service emphasizes these safety protocols when cooking bacon in the microwave:

• Never exceed 8 slices at once to prevent uneven cooking
• Use only white paper towels (printed designs may contain unsafe chemicals)
• Allow 1 minute resting time before handling to avoid steam burns
• Discard paper towels immediately after cooking (they become grease traps)

Troubleshooting Your Microwave Bacon Results

Issue	Solution
Bacon still pink in center	Add 30-second increments until internal temperature reaches 145°F
Excessive curling	Flip bacon halfway through cooking time
Soggy texture	Add extra paper towel layer and reduce cooking time by 15 seconds
Burning at edges	Lower power setting to 70% and increase cooking time by 25%

Storing and Reheating Leftover Microwave Bacon

Proper storage extends your bacon's shelf life while maintaining crispness. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends:

• Cool completely on wire rack before storing
• Store in airtight container with paper towel lining
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds on medium power

Advanced Microwave Bacon Techniques

For restaurant-quality results, professional chefs use these pro tips:

• Flavor infusion: Sprinkle brown sugar or cracked pepper between bacon and top paper towel
• Perfect crispness: Use a microwave bacon tray for elevated cooking (reduces grease contact)
• Batch cooking: Cook multiple plates on rotating intervals for large groups
• Grease collection: Save rendered fat in glass container for cooking other dishes

When Not to Use the Microwave Method

While convenient, microwave cooking isn't ideal for all situations. The Food Network Kitchen advises against microwave bacon when:

• Cooking more than 12 slices at once
• Using thick-cut bacon over 1/4 inch thickness
• Seeking chewy bacon texture (microwave produces crisp results)
• Using a microwave under 700 watts (results become uneven)

How many minutes per slice for microwave bacon?

Cook bacon for 1 minute per slice on high power. For example, 4 slices need 4 minutes. Check at 3 minutes for thinner cuts and add 15-30 second increments as needed.

Can you cook bacon in microwave without paper towels?

No, paper towels are essential for absorbing grease and preventing fire hazards. Never cook bacon in the microwave without at least two layers of white paper towels to contain the grease splatter.

Why does my microwave bacon curl so much?

Curling occurs when fat renders unevenly. Prevent this by flipping bacon halfway through cooking and ensuring slices don't overlap. Using a microwave bacon tray also reduces curling by elevating the bacon from grease pools.

Is microwave bacon as crispy as stovetop bacon?

Yes, when properly cooked, microwave bacon achieves similar crispness to stovetop methods. The key is using enough paper towels to absorb grease and allowing the 1-minute resting period after cooking, which continues the crisping process.

What's the safest way to handle hot bacon from microwave?

Always wait 1 minute after cooking before handling. Use tongs to lift bacon, never fingers. Keep paper towels intact during removal to contain grease. Place bacon on wire rack immediately to maintain crispness and prevent steaming.