Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon to Crispy, Crunchy Perfection

Bacon lovers, rejoice! Cooking frozen turkey bacon is totally doable and can result in deliciously crispy slices every time. As a busy mom who relies on turkey bacon as a quick protein source for my family, learning how to cook frozen slices to perfection has been a total game changer.

No more sad, soggy bacon here! Whether you prep ahead and stock up on frozen turkey bacon or just forgot to thaw a pack, you can make this leaner bacon variety taste amazing. I’ll walk through everything from oven and stovetop methods to how long to cook frozen turkey bacon.

Grab a pack from the freezer and let’s get cooking!

Why I Love Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon

I know I know – frozen anything doesn’t exactly sound appetizing. But hear me out on why cooking frozen turkey bacon is so convenient

No thawing time needed. I can go from fridge to pan in minutes when I’m in a rush.
Longer freezer shelf life. Turkey bacon lasts way longer frozen vs refrigerated.
More time to multitask. I can prep other parts of breakfast while it cooks.
Fewer dishes to wash. No soggy thawed bacon juices leaves my cutting board clean.
Cooks up crispy. The frozen state helps it get crunchy, not chewy.

I always keep a stock of frozen turkey bacon packs on hand for busy mornings. Let’s explore the easiest cooking methods.

Oven-Baked Frozen Turkey Bacon

Using the oven to cook frozen turkey bacon delivers consistent results and concentrates the smoky flavors.

Here’s how I oven-bake it to crispy perfection:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Arrange frozen turkey bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet.
Bake for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove crispy bacon from oven and transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

The nice thing about the oven is you can walk away while it cooks. Just be sure to flip the bacon halfway through and keep an eye on doneness at the end.

Stovetop Frozen Turkey Bacon

For a quick breakfast side, the stovetop is my go-to for cooking frozen turkey bacon. Follow these steps:

Heat a skillet over medium heat. No need to add oil with the bacon’s fat.
Add the frozen turkey bacon strips in a single layer.
Cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
Remove when browned and crispy to a paper towel-lined plate.

I like to use tongs to flip the bacon and prevent splatter. Cook times may vary based on your stove and thickness of the slices.

How Long to Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon

Cooking times can vary a bit based on the method, so 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 which appliance you use, frozen turkey bacon will need a few extra minutes beyond normal cook times. Watch it closely as it cooks.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Frozen Turkey Bacon

Cooking any frozen food—especially leaner turkey bacon—comes with some unique challenges. Here are my tricks to ensure success:

Use single layers and don’t overcrowd the cooking surface.
Flip halfway through oven or air fryer cooking for even crisping.
Cook at medium heat on the stovetop and stir frequently.
Microwave in 30 second intervals, changing position.
Let it rest 1-2 minutes after cooking as carryover cooking continues.
Blot with paper towels to remove excess grease for a crispier texture.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Bacon

Not totally sold on turkey bacon yet? I get it. I was skeptical at first too. But after making the switch, I actually prefer it now for a few reasons:

Fewer calories and less fat compared to pork bacon.
Packed with protein to keep you full and energized.
Compliments savory flavors without overpowering.
Holds up better when baked or air fried for crispy texture.
Easier on the wallet than premium pork bacons.
Satisfies the salty, smoky, crispy craving in a “better-for-you” way.

Next time you’re prepping a bacon-loaded breakfast bake or need a quick protein boost, reach for turkey bacon. It delivers on taste and nutrition.

Serving Up Success

As you can see, successfully cooking frozen turkey bacon comes down to proper technique. Now that you know ideal cooking methods and times, you can stop worrying about frozen packs languishing in the back of the freezer.

Instead, embrace the convenience of cooking frozen turkey bacon for fast breakfasts, wholesome brunches, and beyond. I love crumbling up the crispy cooked pieces on top of salads or using them in club sandwiches.

So next time you’re in need of a protein punch, don’t be intimidated by that frozen pack. You’ve got this! Just follow my tips for oven-baked or stovetop crispy, crunchy turkey bacon every time.

Now who’s ready for a tasty turkey bacon breakfast? I’ve got the oven preheating already! This leaner bacon variety deserves a spot in every freezer.

Can you cook turkey bacon from frozen?

FAQ

Do I need to thaw turkey bacon before cooking?

While you don’t need to thaw frozen bacon before cooking, it can make the strips easier to handle and speed up the cooking process.

Can you cook frozen bacon without defrosting?

It is safe to cook other frozen bacon in the oven, stove or under the grill without defrosting them first. But remember, with different meats, the cooking time may take about 50% longer than thawed pork products.

What’s the best way to cook frozen bacon in the oven?

Turn on the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the bacon on the prepared baking sheet, in a single layer. (If you are using frozen bacon, you DON’T need to thaw it.) Bake for 15-25 minutes, until the bacon is as golden and crisp as you like.

How do you defrost frozen bacon?

Submerging in cold water: Immerse your sealed bacon in cold tap water, changing it every 30 minutes for faster thawing (i.e., about an hour). Using the microwave: Place bacon strips on a paper towel, use the defrost setting on low power and turn bacon regularly for immediate thawing in minutes.

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 do you cook frozen Bacon in the oven?

How to cook frozen bacon in the oven, stovetop or air fryer is here. Easy way to cook meat from frozen to get it crispy and cooked thru. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cover baking sheet with foil and place wire rack on top. Unwrap bacon and put on a plate. Put into microwave for 30 seconds, flip over, and again cook for 30 seconds.

How long do you cook turkey bacon in the oven?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200ºC). Line turkey bacon slices on the wire rack, making sure not to overlap. Place the wire rack on top of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, flip the turkey bacon and bake for another 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve.

Can You air Fry turkey bacon?

If you need to air fry more bacon you may have to do it in several batches. Cook for 5 minutes and then flip the turkey bacon and cook for another 5 minutes. Carefully remove the cooked turkey bacon from the air fryer and serve while it is still hot.