This step-by-step guide will show you how to microwave bacon to perfection in simple and easy steps. Microwave bacon is crispy, easy, quick and a healthy alternative to pan-frying. It is mess-free and perfect for when you don't need bacon grease.

five microwaved streaky bacon on a plate.

I love me a good bacon butty, that is bacon sandwiched in between 2 slices of bread (toasted or plain with butter)

There are many ways in which you can cook your bacon, you can cook it in the oven or on the stovetop (pan-fried). Cooking bacon in the microwave is the easiest and quickest way if you are short of time and you want your bacon to be ready in a jiffy.

It doesn't matter if you like your bacon, chewy or crispy, the microwave cooking method will deliver on that and more. This cooking method is quick, if I am not cooking a large batch, I can be guaranteed crispy bacon under 5 minutes.

That said, microwave cooking times may vary slightly depending on the make and the wattage. Mine is 1000W and does it go above and beyond with getting my cooking right.

a hand holding up two crispy microwaved bacon.

Why you will love microwave bacon

It is quick and easy, perfect for when you are only cooking for one or two people

It is great for when you don't want to heat up the whole kitchen just because you want to eat bacon

Microwave bacon is great when you don't have use for bacon grease

Bacon cooked in the microwave is time-saving and faff-free, and yes, clean-up is very easy when you use this cooking method.

What you will need

Bacon: streaky bacon or rasher bacon and it can be smoked and unsmoked, preferably thin cut.

Kitchen towel

Microwavable safe plate

How to cook bacon in the microwave

Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels, I used 3, just enough to fill the plate

Arrange fresh bacon in a single layer side by side on the paper towel making sure they are not overlapping.

five streaky bacon lined on a kitchen paper towel.

Place another kitchen paper towel on the bacon this would prevent splattering.

a plate of bacon in a plate covered with paper towel.

Place the plate in the microwave and microwave the bacon on high for 3 minutes (this is assuming your microwave is 1000w) Check the bacon after 3 minutes to determine if you would be needing more time or not.

If the bacon needs more time, continue to cook at 30 seconds intervals. Do keep an eye so you do not overcook the bacon.

Make sure you keep an eye, so as to not overcook the bacon, It is worth knowing that the bacon will become crispier as it cools,

Carefully remove the plate from the microwave as it would be hot, serve the bacon as desired immediately.

To enjoy your bacon safely, make sure to check it is thoroughly cooked before eating it.

How to store

Cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container.

To reheat: simply reheat in the microwave the same you cooked it but only for about 20-30 seconds. You can also reheat it in an air fryer @175C/365F for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through to your liking.

FAQs

How long to microwave bacon

This will be dependent on the power of your microwave and the thickness of your bacon. Start with 3 minutes on high and check on it before increasing time to every 30 seconds.

How much bacon per person

I would say 2-3 rashers for one person and if you're serving multiple people, obviously more because everyone loves crispy bacon!

Is microwaved bacon healthy?

Yes, it is definitely healthier than pan-frying because it doesn't require any need for excess grease. That said, bacon should be cooked thoroughly to remove enough fat. Microwaving does this effectively too, especially if lined with a kitchen paper towel.

Is it safe to microwave bacon

Yes, it is safe to microwave bacon, in order to avoid an oil splatter in the microwave, microwave it in between kitchen paper towels, that way all the grease soaks into the paper towel, which makes it healthier as you have less oil to worry about.