Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to pork bacon for those watching their waistlines or cholesterol levels. While it contains less fat and sodium than pork bacon, cooking turkey bacon properly is key to achieving that coveted crispy texture. In this blog post, we’ll cover various cooking methods for turkey bacon as well as tips and tricks to ensure yours turns out flavorful and crisp every time.
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
For those looking for a quick and easy cooking method that produces crispy results, an air fryer is a top option for cooking turkey bacon.
Air fryer cooking time: 8-10 minutes at 380°F.
Place turkey bacon strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. No need for oil—the convection heat crisps it nicely on its own. Flip the strips halfway through for even cooking.
The results? Turkey bacon with a texture just as crispy as deep fried pork bacon, but with a fraction of the fat and calories. An air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
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Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon
For those without an air fryer, the oven works just as well for cooking turkey bacon to crispy perfection.
Oven cooking time: 12-15 minutes at 400°F.
lay strips in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. The rack allows air circulation below for an extra-crisp finish. Some prefer laying strips on foil for easier cleanup. Either way, be sure to flip strips halfway through.
Oven baking turkey bacon lets each strip cook evenly and reach ideal crispness without needing to frequently flip on the stovetop. It’s the best method if you need to cook a larger volume.
Stovetop Turkey Bacon
While requiring more babysitting, the stovetop works for cooking just a few slices of.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lay in strips in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Flip frequently to prevent burning.
The stovetop imparts nice browning and caramelization but requires constant monitoring. It’s best for those wanting a quick hot breakfast of just a couple strips.
Microwave Turkey Bacon
For the laziest of mornings, microwaving turkey bacon gets the job done in just minutes.
Lay bacon strips between paper towels and microwave 1-2 minutes until crisped, flipping halfway. Microwaving in short bursts prevents overcooking.
Though convenient, microwaved bacon lacks the rich maillard browning of other methods. Still, it’s an option worth considering for a simple breakfast on busy mornings.
Turkey Bacon Doneness
For optimal texture and flavor, turkey bacon should cook until evenly browned and very crisp. When bent slightly, it shouldn’t snap but have some flexibility. Some recommend cooking an extra 30 seconds to 2 minutes beyond when it appears done to ensure maximum crispness.
Overcooked loses moisture and flexibility, becoming hard and brittle. Undercooked bacon risks gumminess. So carefully monitor cooking times based on thickness of the bacon for the perfect doneness.
Health Benefits of Turkey Bacon
Compared to pork bacon, turkey bacon is lower in total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown of 3 cooked strips vs 3 slices of pork bacon:
Nutrient | Turkey Bacon | Pork Bacon |
---|---|---|
Calories | 50 | 108 |
Total Fat | 4g | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1g | 3g |
Sodium | 370mg | 620mg |
By swapping in , you shave off over 50 calories and significantly less fat and sodium per serving making it a healthier breakfast or sandwich topping choice. Plus turkey bacon contains more protein and zinc for sustaining energy levels.
Turkey Bacon Recipe Ideas
Once you’ve perfected your cooking technique, put that crisp turkey bacon to good use in these delicious recipes:
- Breakfast Casserole – Layer strips with eggs, cheese and vegetables for the ultimate morning meal.
- BLT Salad – Top greens with diced tomatoes, avocado and bacon for a fresh lunch.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates – Stuff medjool dates with cream cheese and wrap in for a decadent appetizer.
- Loaded Baked Potato – Top a baked potato with sour cream, green onions and crumbled bacon bits.
- Bruschetta – Top toasted bread with diced tomatoes, onion and chopped bacon.
- Mac and Cheese – Add crumbled bacon to a creamy macaroni dish.
So in summary, with a few simple cooking tips can satisfy those bacon cravings just as well as the pork variety. Experiment to find your favorite preparation method for a healthier breakfast or snack.
FAQs
Turkey bacon can be cooked several ways to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Common methods include baking in the oven, pan frying on the stovetop, or using an air fryer. It’s best to cook it at around 400°F, flipping periodically, until evenly browned and very crisp. Cooking times will vary based on the thickness and brand but are typically 8-15 minutes.
Absolutely! With the right cooking method and timing, can become just as crispy as traditional pork bacon. An air fryer or oven baking are ideal for achieving superior crispness thanks to the circulating hot air. Be sure to cook it longer than you think – an extra minute or two makes a difference. The key is cooking until very brown and crispy while still slightly flexible.
The best overall bacon cooking method depends on personal preference and the number of slices being cooked. Oven baking allows hands-free cooking of a large volume while retaining crispness. For just a few slices, stovetop pan frying allows careful monitoring but requires constant flipping. An air fryer cooks bacon very evenly and crispy with minimal mess. Microwaving is convenient but doesn’t develop the rich flavor of other techniques.
Whether turkey bacon or pork bacon, the goal is to cook it until deeply browned and extremely crispy while preventing burning or charring. Most experts recommend baking bacon in the oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Cook at 400°F, flipping strips halfway, until the fat is fully rendered and bacon is nicely browned and very crisp, about 12-15 minutes. Bacon is best cooked until the edges are lacy and brown but it remains somewhat flexible when bent. Proper doneness achieves maximum flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, makes for a healthier spin on a breakfast classic without compromising flavor. While it may take some experimenting to nail down preferred cooking times and methods, the air fryer, oven, and stovetop all allow to reach a satisfyingly crispy texture when baked until very well browned. Regardless of how it’s prepared, adds great taste, protein and versatility to many dishes from breakfast casseroles and scrambles to salads and appetizers. So don’t be afraid to swap in with the right execution, it can satisfy those bacon cravings just as well as the pork version.