Learning how to cook turkey bacon couldn’t be easier! This simple guide will show you how to create a perfectly crispy texture every time. Whether you’re looking to use the air fryer or the oven, this post is for you!
We’re all told there are health benefits of switching from pork bacon to turkey bacon, but turkey bacon always seems to turn out bland and floppy. Well, that problem ends today!
I’ll show you how to achieve crispy and flavorful bacon in no time using the oven or air fryer. Spoiler alert — it’s much easier than you think!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Consistent: Once you try this recipe, you’ll know how to cook turkey bacon with your eyes closed! Find the optimal crisp for you, then put things on repeat!
- Easy: You don’t have to sit beside a hot pan and watch your bacon like a hawk. Using the oven or the air fryer means a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
- Less mess: No more bacon grease splatters on you or your kitchen! Both of these methods require very little effort in the cleanup department.
What Is Turkey Bacon?
Unlike pork bacon, which comes from the belly of a pig, turkey bacon is made from a mixture of dark and light turkey meat. It is seasoned to taste like bacon, then pressed into strips.
Since it’s a leaner cut of meat than pork bacon, the cooking technique is important in yielding a flavorful and crispy texture that will make you think twice before reaching for pork again. Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered!
Is Turkey Bacon Healthier Than Pork Bacon?
Turkey bacon and pork bacon can both be part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. But, if you’re a die-hard bacon lover, switching a few mornings to turkey bacon may have some positive impacts on your waistline!
Turkey bacon contains fewer calories, fewer “bad” fats, and less cholesterol, making it a slightly better option for anyone with an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes. Regardless of whether it’s pork or turkey, it’s best to consume bacon in moderation!
What You’ll Need To Cook Turkey Bacon
See the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Turkey bacon: If you are trying to be more mindful of your cholesterol intake, turkey bacon is the ideal choice! I usually opt for nitrate-free, uncured turkey bacon since I like that it contains natural ingredients as opposed to chemical preservatives. Go for brands like Trader Joe’s, Applegate Naturals, and Wellshire for the best options.
- Air fryer or oven: I’ve laid out options for how to cook turkey bacon in both an air fryer and an oven. I personally love how crispy my air fryer gets the slices, but you can also achieve similar results in the oven.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon In The Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep The Bacon
First, you will need to add the turkey bacon slices to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the strips are not overlapping for optimal crispiness! If they are too long, cut the pieces in half.
Step 2: Air Fry The Bacon
Air fry the turkey bacon at 390 degrees F for 5 minutes. Flip the slices over, then cook them for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you prefer your bacon.
Step 3: Finish Cooking
Remove the turkey bacon from the air fryer, and serve it while hot and crispy! If you have more turkey bacon, continue cooking it the same way until all the remaining slices are gone.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Optionally, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Bake The Bacon
Place the strips of turkey bacon on the wire rack, being careful not to overlap them. Bake the turkey bacon for 10 minutes, then flip the strips and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until crispy.
Note: The exact amount of time will vary based on the thickness of your bacon, your oven, and how crispy you prefer your bacon. I recommend starting to check on them after the 13 to 14-minute mark.
Step 3: Drain The Bacon
Remove the turkey bacon from the oven, and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease. Serve the strips while warm!
What To Serve With Turkey Bacon
For a full breakfast spread, serve your turkey bacon with recipes like breakfast casserole with sausage, sheet pan pancakes, hashbrown casserole, or pressure cooker hard-boiled eggs.
Alternatively, use it as a garnish for soups and salads, or as an addition to sandwiches like BLTs. The options are virtually endless!
Recipe Variations
- Use a toaster oven: If space is an issue in your kitchen (or you don’t own an oven), use a toaster oven! Follow the same principles and guidelines for using a regular oven.
- Add seasonings: For an extra kick, add a crack of black pepper before baking or air-frying your turkey bacon!
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Pat it dry: If your turkey bacon appears a little wet when you remove it from the package, make sure to thoroughly pat it dry for optimal crisp-ability.
- Use a wire rack: Bake the turkey bacon on a wire rack for the best airflow all around the strips, which helps them crisp up beautifully. For easier cleanup, place a sheet of parchment paper or foil underneath the wire rack!
- Flip the bacon: Don’t forget to flip the bacon at the halfway point, which will ensure an even crisp on both sides.
- Keep a close eye: All oven temperatures vary slightly. Once you flip your turkey bacon, keep a closer eye on how quickly it’s browning to prevent it from burning.
What To Do With Leftovers
If you end up with leftover turkey bacon, store the strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
The easiest way to reheat the slices is in the air fryer. Set it to 300 degrees F, and cook the bacon in a single layer for 3-4 minutes, or until hot again. You can also heat the strips up in a microwave in 30-second bursts, or you can use a toaster oven set to 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
Additional Recipes
If you enjoyed learning how to cook turkey bacon, be sure to check out a few more of my best how-to recipes:
- How to cook bacon in the oven
- How to cook spiral ham
- How to make a charcuterie board
- How to cook brisket in the oven
- How to make mashed potatoes
- How to cook bratwurst in the oven
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook turkey bacon?
Depending on the method of cooking, cooking turkey bacon takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
What is the fastest way to cook turkey bacon?
The fastest way to cook turkey bacon is by using an air fryer. It will take about 8-10 minutes to fully cook, depending on the thickness and how crispy you want it.
Can you overcook turkey bacon?
Yes, one of the most important tips is to not overcook turkey bacon. If it’s overcooked, it will turn out dry and leathery.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet with rack
Ingredients
- 1 package turkey bacon
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- Add turkey bacon slices to air fryer basket in a single layer. If they are too long, cut the pieces in half.
- Cook at 390 °F degrees for 5 minutes. Flip the slices over. Cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on how crisp you prefer your bacon.
- Remove turkey bacon from air fryer and serve warm.
- Cook remaining bacon slices.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400 °F and place baking rack on top of baking sheet.
- Place strips of bacon on baking rack, careful not to overlap. Bake 10 minutes, then flip bacon strips and bake another 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and place on paper towels to drain any remaining grease.