This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
If you’re wondering how to microwave bacon, so it’s crispy, no greasy splatters, and eliminate messy clean-up, you’re at the right place!
Cooking bacon in the microwave is simple; that said, it’s also very easy to overcook it and burn it. It seems like it goes from “almost ready” to “oh, no it’s burnt!” faster than you can open the door.
How to Cook Crispy Bacon in the Microwave
If you want bacon for breakfast or need it in a recipe but don’t have time to fry it in a skillet, the microwave is your next best option! Believe it or not, it’s possible to cook super crispy bacon in just a few seconds with the push of a button. If you’re wondering how to microwave bacon, follow the steps below.
- Layer
Place two paper plates on top of each other, and line them with at least two paper towels. - Add Bacon
Add 3-4 slices of bacon on top of the paper towels making sure they’re evenly spaced. - Cover
Place a third paper towel diagonally on top of the bacon, covering as much as possible. - Cook
Microwave your bacon for 2 minutes. - Check
After 2 minutes, check your bacon to see if the pieces are firm and crispy all the way through. Remove any fully cooked bits from the plate. - Continue cooking
If you still have soft centers, place your bacon in the microwave for 15 to 20-second intervals until it is completely crispy but not burnt.
Watch this video to see how it’s done, and find cooking alternatives if you don’t want to use a paper plate!
How Long to Microwave Bacon
The secret to cooking perfect bacon every time is in how long you cook it. Depending on the number of strips and thickness of your bacon slices, you will need to cook each strip of bacon for 1 minute to 1:30. Two to four strips of bacon will need between 2-4 minutes.
Remember that the number of slices being cooked and the thickness will determine how long to microwave your bacon.
I recommend microwaving 4 slices at a time, no more.
| Thickness | Time |
|---|---|
| Thin | 2 minutes |
| Medium | 3-4 minutes |
| Thick | 4-5 minutes |
No matter how thick your bacon is, I recommend starting with 2 minutes. Then, continue to cook it in 20-second intervals as needed.
Can you Get Crispy Bacon in the Microwave?
With the help of paper towels, you can get crispy bacon in the microwave. Paper towels help absorb excess grease and provide a surface to make your bacon crispy.
Be aware that you will need to do a little oven clean-up as the oil tends to drain through the paper towels onto the paper plate.
Never microwave bacon directly on a porcelain plate. It will get extremely hot.
How to Microwave Bacon Without Paper Towels
If you don’t want to use paper towels or paper plates to cook your bacon, you can do it by doubling and tripling the paper plates underneath the bacon and one on top to cover the bacon pieces.
Alternately, if you want to reduce waste, feel free to place your bacon in a microwave-safe dish, and follow the cooking instructions listed above.
Microwave Bacon Tray Method
Microwave bacon trays are specifically designed to keep the bacon elevated, allow the bacon fat to drip to the bottom, and have a cover to contain grease splatters.
All you have to do is place your bacon on the tray, cover it with the lid, and cook following the 2 minute and incremental time suggestions above.
The bacon grease will drip to the bottom, which you can save or disgard. Once the bacon is how you like it, lift it out of the tray and it’s ready to go.
What to Do with Leftover Bacon
Leftover bacon is a great problem to have, because it can be used in so many recipes. When I have a few extra pieces, I love to crumble them up and toss them in omelets, salads, or mini quiches. If you’re looking for ideas, there are tons of great meal prep recipes that use bacon.
How to Microwave Bacon
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
Instructions
Paper plate & towels method:
- Layer two paper towels on top of a thick paper plate. Place bacon slices on top and cover with a paper towel.
- Microwave on high, for 2 minutes and check for doneness. Add cooking time in 20-second increments until the bacon is cooked to your desired texture.
Reusable tray:
- Place bacon slices on top of the reusable tray and cover with the lid.
- Microwave on high, for 2 minutes and check for doneness. Add cooking time in 20-second increments until the bacon is cooked to your desired texture.
Gail M says
This recipe is a game changer! I tried it for sandwiches and it was perfect
Emily says
This was a life-saver Laura, thank you so much! This is so much easier than cooking it in a pan.
Jennifer says
Laura, you’re always making my mornings more easy and tasty!! My family loves bacon so this method to microwave bacon is one I need to try tomorrow. It looks so easy!!
Natalie says
This is such a great recipe! I can now make bacon in a split second and not get any dishes dirty! Thank you!
Katie says
What OMG I had no idea you could microwave bacon. Where has this tip been all my life??? It was perfectly crispy too!