How to cook frozen bacon in the oven, stovetop or Air Fryer Frozen Bacon is here. Easy way to cook meat from frozen to get it crispy and cooked thru. Quick breakfast idea you’ll love.
What’s the fastest way to cook frozen bacon? We have a simple trick that will get it cooked all the way through and crunchy all over. Less grease too baking it in the oven where it drips away as it cooks. Best way to make sheet pan bacon ever. (affiliate links present).
Cooking frozen turkey bacon is easier than you think! With the right techniques, you can transform those frozen slices into deliciously crispy and crunchy bacon in no time.
As a busy mom who relies on turkey bacon as a quick protein source for my family learning how to cook frozen slices perfectly has been a total game changer. No more sad soggy bacon here!
In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen turkey bacon from oven and stovetop methods to how long it takes. Let’s dive in!
Why Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon?
I know frozen anything doesn’t sound too appetizing. But hear me out on the benefits of cooking frozen turkey bacon
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No thawing time needed – I can go from fridge to pan in minutes when I’m in a rush.
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Longer freezer shelf life – Turkey bacon lasts way longer frozen vs refrigerated.
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More time to multitask – I can prep other breakfast components while it cooks.
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Fewer dishes – No soggy thawed bacon juices leaves my cutting board clean.
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Cooks up crispy – The frozen state helps it get crunchy, not chewy.
I always keep a stock of frozen turkey bacon packs for busy mornings. Let’s look at the best cooking methods.
Oven-Baking Frozen Turkey Bacon
Using the oven to cook frozen turkey bacon delivers consistent results and intensifies the smoky flavors.
Here’s how I oven-bake it to crispy perfection:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
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Arrange frozen turkey bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Remove crispy bacon from oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
The oven lets you walk away while it cooks. Just flip halfway and keep an eye on doneness at the end.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon on the Stovetop
For quick breakfast sides, the stovetop is my go-to for cooking frozen turkey bacon. Follow these steps:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. No need to add oil with the bacon’s fat.
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Add the frozen turkey bacon strips in a single layer.
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Cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
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Remove when browned and crispy to a paper towel-lined plate.
I use tongs to flip and prevent splatter. Cook times vary based on your stove and slice thickness.
How Long to Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon
Cooking times can vary based on the method. Use these general guidelines:
- Oven at 400°F: 16 to 20 minutes
- Skillet on medium heat: 5 to 7 minutes per side
- Air fryer at 400°F: 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway
- Microwave: 2 to 4 minutes total
No matter the appliance, frozen turkey bacon needs a few extra minutes over normal cook times. Watch it closely as it cooks.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Turkey Bacon
Cooking any frozen food – especially leaner turkey bacon – has unique challenges. Here are my tricks for success:
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Use single layers and don’t overcrowd the cooking surface.
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Flip halfway through oven or air fryer cooking for even crisping.
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Cook at medium heat on the stovetop and stir frequently.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals, changing position.
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Let it rest 1-2 minutes after cooking as carryover cooking continues.
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Blot with paper towels to remove excess grease for a crispier texture.
Follow these tips and you’ll get crunchy, flavorful turkey bacon every time!
Why You’ll Love Turkey Bacon
Not sold on turkey bacon yet? I was skeptical at first too. But after switching, I actually prefer it now for a few reasons:
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Fewer calories and less fat than pork bacon.
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Packed with protein to keep you full and energized.
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Compliments savory flavors without overpowering.
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Holds up better when baked or air fried for crispy texture.
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Easier on the wallet than premium pork bacons.
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Satisfies the salty, smoky, crispy craving in a “better-for-you” way.
Next time you need a quick protein or bacon-y crunch, reach for turkey bacon. It delivers on nutrition and taste.
Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
One of the easiest ways to cook frozen turkey bacon is in the air fryer. It delivers perfectly crispy bacon in just minutes!
Here’s how to make it in the air fryer:
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F and spray basket with oil.
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Add frozen turkey bacon in a single layer.
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Cook for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Remove crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Air frying minimizes splatter and doesn’t require much oil. And the results are consistent crunchy bacon every time!
Serving Up Success
As you can see, cooking frozen turkey bacon comes down to proper techniques. Now that you know the ideal methods and cook times, you can stop worrying about frozen packs in your freezer.
Instead, embrace the convenience of cooking frozen turkey bacon for fast, wholesome breakfasts and more. Crumble it on salads, add it to sandwiches, or enjoy it as a crispy snack.
The next time you need a protein punch, don’t be intimidated by that frozen pack. You’ve got this! Just follow these tips for oven-baked or stovetop crispy, crunchy turkey bacon every time.
Who’s ready to cook up some tasty frozen turkey bacon? I’ve already got the oven preheating! This leaner bacon deserves a permanent spot in every freezer.
How to Cook Bacon From Frozen
If cooking bacon in the oven you will follow these basic directions. You can also print out a recipe card at the end of this post to keep them close by.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Put foil over the baking sheet and put the wire rack on top.
- It’s easy to thaw frozen bacon. Just take it out of the package, microwave it for 30 seconds, flip it over, and cook it again for 30 seconds. With a knife, it should be easy to separate the bacon pieces now. To thaw bacon enough, you could use the defrost setting, leave it in the fridge for a few hours until it’s soft enough to pull apart, or put the package in cold water for 20 minutes until it’s soft.
- Separate the bacon slices and place them on a rack. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The time will depend on how thick your slices are and how crispy you want them to be. When cooking in a frying pan, start on low heat and wait until it’s warm. Then, raise the heat and cook until it’s crispy.
If you use a pan, have a plate lined with paper towels ready because the grease won’t drain that way. Remove and serve with egg bites or crumble and add into your Crockpot breakfast casserole for the morning!.
Air Fryer Frozen Bacon
It takes just 10 minutes to make this in a Cosori or Ninja Foodi and turns out great, link at top of this post for temp. and time. We love pig so much we buy it online in bulk. This helps with the number of times I have to go to the store, and when you find great deals I can really load up and store for later.
You can certainly cook bacon in the air fryer from defrosted this way. If it is rock hard you could follow the microwave directions same as below. Add a few more minutes if it isn’t defrosted but check often. One minute too long can be the death of your slices of pig and that would be tragic.
Next, put some sausage links in the air fryer. This will be a meat lover’s dream way to start the day. These are some of our favorite air fryer breakfast recipes that we’ve written about on the blog over the years.
Can you cook turkey bacon from frozen?
Can you cook turkey bacon from frozen?
Reheat in a 350°F preheated air fryer for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed and beginning to crisp up again. To cook from frozen: Cook sliced turkey bacon directly from frozen. Simply follow the instructions in the recipe, but add 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
How long to cook turkey bacon in air fryer?
Adjust the cooking time if necessary to get it as crispy as you prefer. Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 9-10 minutes. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes for extra crispy bacon! You can totally cook frozen turkey bacon in the air fryer! Cook directly from frozen (you don’t need to defrost it first).
Can you cook frozen Bacon in the oven?
If you have frozen bacon you want to cook in the oven, you need to separate it before you cook it all the way through in there. If the pieces are not separated, then they won’t brown on all sides evenly, and you will end up with some odd-looking bacon.
How long does it take to cook turkey bacon?
The crispiest bacon is fully cooked bacon. It will take longer than someone who likes their bacon softer and chewier. Usually, you can finish cooking a pack of thick-cut turkey bacon in about 7 minutes. Cured bacon may take up to 10 minutes to finish cooking.
Can you eat thawed bacon if it’s frozen?
Don’t worry about frozen bacon’s expiration date. As long as it was fresh when it was frozen, it will be safe to eat. Remove moisture from melted frost by dabbing your thawed bacon with a paper towel before cooking or frying. When thawing bacon in cold water, do not let it get exposed to air or water.
Is air frying turkey bacon healthy?
Air fryer turkey bacon is lean, salty, and delicious. Get ready to be blown away! There are plenty of reasons to love this recipe. Here are my top three: It’s healthier than pork bacon. Regular bacon has almost twice the calories and over three times the fat as turkey bacon. Additionally, air frying bacon eliminates the need for excess oil.