How to Cook Perfectly Crispy Turkey Bacon in a Toaster Oven

Cooking turkey bacon to crispy, mouthwatering perfection is easier than you think – all you need is a toaster oven. As a tasty lower-fat alternative to regular bacon turkey bacon deserves to be treated right. With the right techniques you can make bakery-quality turkey bacon from the comfort of your own kitchen.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook turkey bacon in a toaster oven, from start to finish. You’ll learn foolproof tips for preparing, cooking times temperature settings, and more to help you nail crispy turkey bacon every time.

Benefits of Using a Toaster Oven

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, let’s review the main advantages of using a toaster oven instead of other cooking methods:

• Even heating: Toaster ovens are designed to distribute heat evenly from multiple directions, preventing cold or burnt spots. This allows the turkey bacon to cook uniformly.

• Perfect crispiness: The concentrated heat from a toaster oven is ideal for achieving deliciously crispy turkey bacon.

• Speed and convenience: Cooking in a toaster oven is significantly faster and easier than using the oven or stovetop. It requires minimal prep and attention.

• Healthier cooking: Turkey bacon has less fat than regular bacon, and cooking it in the toaster oven allows some of the fat to drip away, further reducing calories.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey bacon every time:

1. Pat the Turkey Bacon Dry

Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the turkey bacon slices dry on both sides. This removes excess moisture from the curing process, allowing the bacon to get extra crispy.

2. Preheat Toaster Oven to 400°F

Preheating is a must for even cooking. Set your toaster oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat, which usually takes 5-10 minutes.

3. Line Baking Sheet with Foil

For easy cleanup, line a metal baking sheet with aluminum foil. The foil will catch any drippings.

4. Arrange Bacon Slices in Single Layer

Place the turkey bacon slices on the foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding will steam the bacon instead of crisping it.

5. Cook 10-15 Minutes

Cook the turkey bacon for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. Cooking times vary based on your toaster oven and the bacon’s thickness.

6. Flip and Cook 5-10 More Minutes

Halfway through, flip the bacon slices over using tongs. Cook 5-10 more minutes until the desired crispness is reached.

7. Transfer to Paper Towels

When finished cooking, use tongs to transfer the crispy turkey bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This absorbs excess grease.

8. Let Cool Before Serving

Let the turkey bacon cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This firms it up. Enjoy on its own or on burgers, sandwiches, salads and more!

Toaster Oven Temperature Tips

I recommend cooking turkey bacon at 400°F, but you may need to adjust the temperature based on your specific toaster oven model. Here are some tips:

• If it cooks too slowly and isn’t getting crispy, increase the heat to 450°F next time.

• If it burns on the outside before the inside is done, lower the temp to 375°F.

• Watch it closely the first 1-2 times to identify the ideal temp for your toaster oven.

Cooking Time Suggestions

The approximate cooking time is 10-15 minutes per side, but bacon thickness impacts cook times. Here are tips for adjusting:

• For thin slices around 1/16-inch thick, start with 8 minutes per side.

• For thicker slices up to 1/4-inch, increase cook times up to 18 minutes per side.

• Regardless of thickness, keep a very close eye on it to avoid burning.

Toaster Oven vs. Oven

While you can cook turkey bacon in a traditional oven, the toaster oven has some distinct advantages:

• Faster preheat: A toaster oven preheats in just 5-10 minutes, while a full-size oven takes 15-20 minutes.

• Speed: The average toaster oven cooks turkey bacon in 10-20 minutes total. An oven takes closer to 30 minutes.

• Concentrated heat: The heating elements in a toaster oven are right next to the bacon, crisping the surface better.

• Smaller batches: A toaster oven is ideal for cooking 1 pack of bacon at a time. Large ovens aren’t as efficient for small batches.

Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to prevent common turkey bacon cooking mistakes:

• Don’t overload the pan. Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping.

• Don’t skip preheating. This can lead to uneven cooking.

• Don’t use thick baking sheets, which can inhibit heat transfer. Opt for thin, metal sheets.

• Don’t let bacon overlap or it will stick together. Keep slices separate.

• Don’t forget to flip halfway through. This ensures even browning.

Cooking Crispy Turkey Bacon

Crispy, delicious turkey bacon from your toaster oven is just minutes away! With the right techniques like preheating, using foil, and closely monitoring cook times, you’ll have bakery-style turkey bacon anytime. Experiment with additions like pepper or maple syrup to spice it up. Enjoy your crispy turkey bacon on its own or on sandwiches, burgers, breakfast tacos and more.