Turkey Bacon can be a challenge to cook, but you can learn my 2 methods for making perfectly crispy turkey bacon every time.
Turkey bacon is something that many people struggle with. They want to have it, but hate the texture. It’s just…mushy.
Not that long ago, I went to my fellowship and we had a big baked potato bar potluck. I volunteered to bring the turkey bacon.
When everyone started putting together their potatoes, I had several people ask… “This is turkey bacon?” and the next question was, “How did you make it crispy!?“
I make turkey bacon crispy with two different methods. Below I will share both methods that I use.
Turkey bacon has become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to regular pork bacon. While the nutrition profile is somewhat similar, many people prefer the leaner taste and texture of turkey bacon. However, a common complaint is that turkey bacon fails to get as crispy as pork bacon.
Luckily, with the right techniques, you can easily achieve crispy, delicious turkey bacon every time In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make turkey bacon with a perfect crisp texture
Why Turkey Bacon Doesn’t Get as Crispy
There are a few reasons why turkey bacon is prone to ending up chewy rather than crispy
-
Less fat content – Pork bacon is very high in fat, which renders out during cooking and crisps up the bacon. Turkey bacon contains less fat overall, so there is less to render and crisp the meat.
-
Thinner slices – Turkey bacon slices tend to be thinner than pork bacon. With less meat, the slices overcook quickly and don’t have as long to crisp up.
-
Added water – Many turkey bacons contain added water, which prevents the meat from crisping up properly.
-
Cooking method – Frying turkey bacon on too low of heat leads to steaming rather than crisping.
How to Buy Turkey Bacon for Crispy Results
To achieve crispy turkey bacon, it helps to choose the right product:
-
Check the ingredients – Choose turkey bacon with minimal added water or other fillers that may prevent crisping.
-
Get thick-cut – Thicker slices will crisp up better than thin-cut turkey bacon. Aim for at least 1/8 inch thick.
-
Uncured is best – Uncured turkey bacons have less water content and achieve crisper textures.
-
Opt for quality brands – Higher-end turkey bacons like Applegate or Wellshire Farms are less processed and crisp up better.
Cooking Methods for Crispy Turkey Bacon
Pan-Frying
Frying turkey bacon in a skillet is a quick and easy way to get it crispy. Use these tips:
-
Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan to evenly distribute heat. Nonstick is also fine.
-
Cook the bacon over medium-high heat. Too low and it will steam rather than crisp.
-
Add just 1/2 tablespoon oil or butter to prevent sticking. Too much fat causes steaming.
-
Cook the bacon in a single layer without overlapping to allow even crisping.
-
Flip the bacon frequently, every 30 seconds to 1 minute. Frequent flipping prevents cupping.
-
Cook to the desired level of crispness, typically 2-4 minutes per side.
Baking
For crispy turkey bacon with zero mess, oven-baking is the way to go:
-
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
-
Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the sheet without overlapping.
-
Bake at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until crisped to your liking, 15-18 minutes total.
-
For extra-crispy bacon, bake at 425°F, flipping occasionally, for 18-22 minutes total.
-
A wire cooling rack on the baking sheet allows air circulation for even crispness.
Air Frying
Air fryers quickly circulate hot air for crispy turkey bacon with minimal oil. Follow these tips:
-
Cut the bacon slices to fit your air fryer basket in a single layer.
-
Set temperature to 370-400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Check often and cook to desired crispness. Thicker slices may take longer.
-
Optional: Spray with oil for extra crispness since air fryers use little oil.
Tips to Maximize Crispness
-
Pat turkey bacon dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
-
Add spices and sweet glazes before cooking to boost flavor as turkey bacon crisps.
-
Drain cooked turkey bacon on paper towels to remove grease for an extra-crispy finish.
-
Allow cooked turkey bacon to cool slightly before eating, as it will continue to crisp as it cools.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat later in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Recipes for Crispy Turkey Bacon
Easy Pan-Fried Turkey Bacon
Ingredients:
- Turkey bacon slices
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter or oil.
- Cook bacon slices in a single layer for 2-4 minutes per side until crisped, flipping frequently.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Crispy Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon
Ingredients:
- Turkey bacon slices
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake 10 more minutes until crisped.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Bacon
Ingredients:
- Turkey bacon slices
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine glaze ingredients and brush onto turkey bacon slices.
- Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and caramelized.
The Secret to Crispy Turkey Bacon
The secret lies in using the right cooking method for your technique of choice. Pan-frying requires high heat with frequent flipping. Baking calls for high heat with ample air circulation. Air frying uses technology to crisp with no oil needed.
With a quality turkey bacon that isn’t overly processed, the right prep, and these simple tricks, you can enjoy turkey bacon with a satisfying, crispy texture every time. Ditch the chewy turkey bacon for good!
To Make Crispy Turkey Bacon Bits you will need:
- turkey bacon
- knife & cutting board
- paper towels
- cast iron skillet
- spatula
- duck fat
- plate or platter
To begin, pat the bacon dry with paper towels, wiping both sides of the slices.
Cut the bacon into thin strips. Set them aside for a moment.
Add a tablespoon or two of duck fat to your cast iron skillet. Heat these on high heat (not as high as your stove goes, but pretty high) until the fat is shimmering.
Add turkey bacon strips to the skillet in a single layer. Work in batches. Don’t move them.
Wait for a minute or two, until the bacon begins to brown and release from the surface of the skillet, then use a thin spatula to turn the strips over to fully cook.
When they are done, transfer the bacon to a platter or plate lined with paper towels.
Enjoy your CRISPY turkey bacon bits.
SLICES of turkey bacon can also be cooked the same way as the bits in a cast iron skillet. But turkey bacon is delicate and prone to tearing. I recommend cutting the slices in half, as they are a little easier to work with if you do it that way.
For perfectly cooked turkey bacon slices, I make them in my air fryer.
Watch the 2 Crispy Turkey Bacon Methods in the Video Below:
Any time I am making bacon bits or bacon crumbles, I make the bacon in my cast iron skillet.
To make it this way, there are three things you need.
Turkey bacon is extremely lean, and also very delicate. It is a serious challenge to cook it crispy.
To remedy the leanness, I add a little fat. My favorite fat to use is duck fat, because it can handle high heat without smoking. You can use another fat, but I’m telling you, give duck fat a try. It is also AMAZING for making skillet fried potatoes.
How to Make CRISPY Turkey Bacon | Cosmopolitan Cornbread
FAQ
Why doesn t turkey bacon get crunchy?
Do you cook turkey bacon the same as regular bacon?
How long is turkey bacon supposed to be cooked?
Is turkey bacon really healthier?
How to make turkey bacon crispy?
To make it this way, there are three things you need. Turkey bacon is extremely lean, and also very delicate. It is a serious challenge to cook it crispy. To remedy the leanness, I add a little fat. My favorite fat to use is duck fat, because it can handle high heat without smoking.
How to cook turkey bacon in the oven for best results?
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the turkey bacon on the baking rack. Bake the turkey bacon for 18-20 minutes, flipping it after 10 minutes of cooking time. Add more or less baking time depending on how crispy you prefer your healthy bacon.
Can you cook more than one package of turkey bacon?
*You can also bake less than a whole package, or cook more than one package. For more than one package, use an additional sheet-pan so that the slices are evenly spaced in one layer. Use a paper towel to pat the turkey bacon dry. Lay the turkey bacon out evenly on a sheet-pan.
What is the best uncured turkey bacon?
Albertson’s Signature Select, Uncured Turkey Bacon: Thick and tasty, but stayed more chewy and less crispy after baking. 2. Butterball Turkey Bacon: Thinnest of the 3, crisped up nicely but had to watch carefully so it didn’t burn. 3. Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon: Stay firm and slightly crisp, thin and yet felt like a good slice of bacon.