How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave?

Cooking bacon doesn’t have to mean firing up the stove or dealing with a greasy mess. If you’re looking for a faster, cleaner, and surprisingly effective way to enjoy crispy, savory bacon, the microwave might be your new best friend. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step method to get perfect results every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Plate

Start by grabbing a large, microwave-safe plate. Line the plate with two to three layers of paper towels. This will absorb the excess grease as the bacon cooks and help keep your microwave clean. Make sure the paper towels cover the entire surface of the plate.

If you have a microwave bacon tray, you can use that instead. These trays are designed to elevate the bacon slightly, allowing the grease to drip away during cooking. However, regular paper towels work just as well for most people.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon Strips

Lay the bacon strips directly on top of the paper towels. Try to place them side by side in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking, leaving some parts undercooked while others become too crispy.

If you need to cook more than will fit in one layer, it’s best to cook in batches. Avoid stacking bacon strips unless you’re using a bacon tray that allows for layered cooking.

Step 3: Cover the Bacon

Place another layer of paper towels over the bacon. This top layer helps prevent grease from splattering inside your microwave, which makes cleanup easier. It also helps the bacon cook more evenly by trapping some of the heat and moisture.

Make sure the paper towel is loosely placed—don’t press it down too tightly. You want to let steam escape while still containing splatter.

Step 4: Microwave the Bacon

Put the plate in the microwave and cook on high power. A good rule of thumb is to microwave for about 1 minute per slice of regular-thickness bacon. For example, 4 slices will typically take 4 to 5 minutes.

Keep in mind that microwave power levels vary. If your microwave has a lower wattage (under 1,000 watts), you may need to add extra time. If it’s higher, start with less time and check frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5: Check and Adjust if Needed

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the plate using oven mitts or a towel—it will be hot. Lift the top paper towel and check the bacon. If it’s not quite done to your liking, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness.

For extra crispy bacon, you may need to go slightly beyond the 1-minute-per-slice estimate. Just be careful not to overdo it, as bacon can go from crispy to burnt very quickly in the microwave.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a clean paper towel or plate to cool slightly. This allows any remaining grease to drain off and the bacon to crisp up further. Wait a minute or two before serving—it’ll be hot!

Tips for Best Results

Adjust for Thickness and Type of Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal. Thin-cut bacon cooks faster and gets crispier more easily in the microwave, while thick-cut bacon needs extra time and often stays a bit chewier. If you’re using thick-cut slices, start with an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute and check frequently to avoid undercooking or burning.

Similarly, flavored bacon—like maple or peppered—can cook differently due to added sugars or spices. Keep a close eye on these types, as they can burn more quickly.

Use the Right Amount of Paper Towels

Paper towels are your best friend when microwaving bacon. For most setups, use two or three layers underneath the bacon to soak up grease, and one or two on top to prevent splatter. If you notice the paper towels getting soaked too quickly, try adding another bottom layer next time.

Too few paper towels can lead to a greasy mess and uneven cooking, while too many can prevent the bacon from crisping properly.

Microwave in Batches for Larger Quantities

If you’re cooking more than five or six strips of bacon, it’s better to work in batches rather than cramming everything onto one plate. Overlapping or crowding the bacon will result in uneven cooking and less crispy strips.

Microwaving in smaller, even batches ensures every piece cooks properly and gives you more control over texture.

Know Your Microwave’s Power

Microwave wattage plays a big role in cooking time. Higher-wattage microwaves (1,000 watts or more) cook bacon quickly, often in less than a minute per slice. Lower-wattage models will require longer cooking times and may need multiple adjustments.

If you’re unsure of your microwave’s wattage, start on the conservative side. It’s easier to add 30 seconds than to rescue overcooked bacon.

Experiment with Crispiness Levels

Everyone has a different bacon preference—some like it chewy, others prefer it super crispy. The microwave makes it easy to tailor bacon to your taste. For chewier bacon, reduce the cook time slightly. For crispier results, increase the time in short intervals and use fresh paper towels for each batch to absorb more grease.

Remember: bacon continues to crisp slightly after it’s removed from the microwave, so let it rest for a minute before making your final judgment.

Let It Rest Before Eating

Allowing the bacon to rest for just 30 to 60 seconds on a clean paper towel after microwaving can enhance the texture. This resting time lets residual heat finish the cooking process and helps the bacon reach that perfect crispy edge.

Resist the urge to bite in immediately—the bacon will be hot and potentially greasy. A short wait ensures better flavor and a safer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to cook bacon in the microwave?

Yes, cooking bacon in the microwave is completely safe when done correctly. Modern microwaves are well-equipped to handle this task, and using paper towels or a microwave-safe bacon tray helps reduce grease splatter and ensures even cooking. Always make sure to use microwave-safe plates and avoid any metal objects. As with any cooking method, be cautious when handling hot dishes and hot grease to avoid burns.

Does microwaved bacon taste as good as pan-fried?

Taste is subjective, but many people find microwaved bacon to be just as satisfying as pan-fried—especially when crisped properly. The microwave tends to cook bacon more evenly and with less curling, which some people prefer. You might miss the caramelized bits that come from frying in a skillet, but for convenience and speed, microwave bacon holds up surprisingly well.

If you’re craving that slightly smoky, pan-seared flavor, try using a bacon tray to replicate some of that texture by elevating the strips and letting the grease drain off as they cook.

How do I keep the bacon from becoming too chewy or too crispy?

Timing is key. For chewy bacon, cook it for slightly less than the standard one-minute-per-slice rule. For crispy bacon, you’ll want to add an extra 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your microwave’s power and the bacon’s thickness. Also, using fresh paper towels for each batch can improve crispness by soaking up more grease.

Be sure to let the bacon rest for 30–60 seconds after removing it from the microwave—it will continue to crisp as it cools.

Can I cook more than one layer of bacon at a time?

It’s possible, but not recommended unless you’re using a microwave-specific bacon tray that supports layering. Stacking bacon strips directly on top of each other leads to uneven cooking and inconsistent texture. If you must cook in larger quantities, it’s better to do multiple batches. This way, every strip gets properly cooked and you avoid a greasy, underdone mess.

What should I do with the leftover bacon grease?

After microwaving, the paper towels will absorb most of the grease. You can simply let them cool and discard them in the trash—don’t pour grease down the sink, as it can clog your plumbing. If you want to save the grease for cooking (some people do!), carefully lift and pour the liquid grease from the plate into a heatproof container before it cools and solidifies.

Always handle bacon grease with caution, as it stays hot for several minutes after cooking.

Can I use wax paper or parchment paper instead of paper towels?

It’s best to stick with plain white paper towels for microwave bacon. Wax paper can melt or smoke in the microwave, and parchment paper might not absorb grease as well, leading to splattering. Paper towels are ideal because they absorb excess fat and help with even cooking. Just be sure they’re microwave-safe and free from printed ink or dyes.

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