How Long To Cook Bacon In Microwave: Perfect Times & Tips

Cook bacon in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice, then add 20–30 seconds.

If you came here to learn how long to cook bacon in microwave, you are in the right place. I test methods, wattages, and tools to explain how long to cook bacon in microwave with simple steps and pro tips. This guide is built to get you crisp, even bacon fast, with less mess and full control.

The Right Time: What Affects Microwave Bacon Cook Time

Microwaves cook by exciting water and fat. Bacon varies by cut and fat. That is why time shifts a lot.

Key factors that change how long to cook bacon in microwave:

• Microwave wattage: Higher wattage cooks faster. A 1200W unit can be 30% faster than a 900W unit.
• Slice thickness: Thick-cut bacon needs more time or lower power for even heat.
• Number of slices: More slices need more minutes due to crowding and steam.
• Setup and tools: Paper towels, racks, and crisper trays change airflow and fat drain.
• Desired doneness: Chewy takes less time. Shatter-crisp takes more.
• Starting temp: Cold bacon from the fridge cooks slower than bacon at room temp.

If you still ask how long to cook bacon in microwave, start with 1 minute per slice. Then add 15–30 seconds until it looks right.

Step-by-Step: Cook Perfect Bacon in the Microwave

Follow this simple method for even, crisp results.

1. Line the plate: Use a large microwave-safe plate. Lay two paper towels on it.
2. Arrange slices: Place bacon in a single layer. Do not overlap. Add a top paper towel layer to limit splatter.
3. Set power: Use full power for regular slices. Use 70–80% power for thick-cut.
4. Initial cook: Start with 1 minute per slice. Example: 4 slices = 4 minutes.
5. Check and adjust: Look for browned edges and bubbling fat. Add 15–30 seconds as needed.
6. Rest: Let bacon rest 30–60 seconds. It will crisp more as steam escapes.
7. Drain: Move bacon to a clean paper towel to wick extra fat.

Pro tip: Rotate the plate halfway on older ovens for even heat. This simple step can fix hot spots and helps nail how long to cook bacon in microwave in your kitchen.

Time Guide by Wattage, Thickness, and Quantity

Use these starting points. Microwaves vary. Add time in short bursts.

Standard-cut pork bacon, 1000–1200W:

• 1–2 slices: 1.5–2.5 minutes total
• 3–4 slices: 3–4 minutes total
• 5–6 slices: 4–6 minutes total
• Add 15–30 seconds if you want extra crisp

Lower wattage, 700–900W:

• Add 20–30% more time to the above ranges
• Rotate the plate for even cooking

Thick-cut bacon:

• Power: 70–80%
• 2–3 slices: 3.5–5 minutes
• 4–6 slices: 5–7 minutes
• Add 20–30 seconds until the fat is well rendered

Turkey bacon:

• 1–2 slices: 45–90 seconds
• 3–4 slices: 2–3 minutes
• It browns less, so judge by firmness, not color

Pre-cooked or shelf-stable bacon:

• 1–2 slices: 10–20 seconds
• 3–4 slices: 20–40 seconds

Microwave crisper tray or rack:

• Cuts time by 10–20% due to better fat drain and airflow

Rest time:

• Always let bacon sit 30–60 seconds. This helps finish crisping and answers how long to cook bacon in microwave with less guesswork.

In my tests:

• 4 slices regular cut, 1200W, paper towel setup: 3 minutes 30 seconds plus 30-second rest.
• 4 slices thick-cut, 1100W, 80% power on a crisper tray: 5 minutes plus 45-second rest.

This is the fastest path to learn how long to cook bacon in microwave for your exact setup.

Doneness, Safety, and Texture Tips

Visual cues beat the clock. Look for golden brown edges, steady sizzle, and a firmer feel. Some chew is fine if that is your style.

Food safety guidance suggests pork should reach 145°F in the meaty parts. Bacon is thin and fatty, so exact temps are hard to probe. Resting also helps heat even out after the cook.

For shatter-crisp bacon:

• Use full power for the last 20–30 seconds.
• Keep slices in a single layer.
• Let fat drain well on clean towels.

For tender-chewy bacon:

• Use 70–80% power and shorter bursts.
• Stop when the fat is mostly rendered but not dark.

These cues let you judge how long to cook bacon in microwave without stress.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overcrowding the plate:

• Fix: Cook in batches. Leave space between slices.

Cooking thick-cut at full power the whole time:

• Fix: Start at 70–80% power. Finish at full power for 20–30 seconds.

No absorbent layer:

• Fix: Use paper towels or a rack. Fat drain is key to crisp.

Ignoring wattage:

• Fix: Learn your oven’s wattage. Adjust time by 20–30% if it is low.

Skipping rest time:

• Fix: Rest 30–60 seconds. It boosts crisp and even heat.

If you keep missing how long to cook bacon in microwave, one of these is often the reason.

Tools and Setups: Paper Towels vs Trays vs Plates

Paper towels on a plate:

• Best for easy cleanup and less splatter.
• Great for 1–6 slices.

Microwave crisper tray or rack:

• Raises bacon above grease. Crisper results and faster time.
• Good for thick-cut bacon.

Silicone bacon trays:

• Reusable, drain fat well, easy to clean.
• Watch for manufacturer heat limits.

Glass vs plastic plates:

• Use microwave-safe glass or ceramic. They heat evenly.
• Avoid thin plastic. It may warp.

Covers:

• Use a vented microwave cover or the top towel. This limits mess without steaming the bacon.

These tools help you dial in how long to cook bacon in microwave with less trial and error.

Nutrition, Grease Handling, and Cleanup

Drain the fat:

• Move cooked bacon to fresh paper towels. This drops grease and keeps it crisp.

Save or discard grease:

• Pour grease into a heat-safe jar if you cook with it later.
• If you toss it, let it cool and solidify. Then trash it. Do not pour it down the drain.

Cleanup:

• Wipe the plate while warm for easy cleaning.
• If the microwave smells smoky, heat a bowl of water with lemon for 2 minutes. Wipe it down.

A tidy setup makes the time choice on how long to cook bacon in microwave much easier each morning.

Frequently Asked Questions of how long to cook bacon in microwave

How long to cook bacon in microwave for 2 slices?

Start with 1.5–2 minutes at full power for standard-cut bacon. Add 15–30 seconds until edges brown and the fat bubbles.

How long to cook bacon in microwave for thick-cut strips?

Use 70–80% power and start with 3.5–4 minutes for 2–3 slices. Add 20–30 seconds until the fat is well rendered.

What if my microwave is only 900 watts?

Add 20–30% more time to standard guides. Rotate the plate halfway to even out hot spots.

Can I stack bacon to save time?

Avoid stacking. Overlap traps steam and causes rubbery spots. Cook in batches for the best texture.

Is bacon safe if it looks pale but feels firm?

Cook a bit longer. Look for some browning and steady bubbling. Pale bacon often means fat is not fully rendered.

How do I keep bacon from getting chewy in the microwave?

Use a rack or extra paper towels so grease drains away. Finish with a 20–30 second burst at full power.

Does turkey bacon need less time?

Yes. It is lean and cooks faster. Start with 45–60 seconds for 1–2 slices and add short bursts.

Conclusion

You now have a clear plan for fast, crisp results in any kitchen. Start with 1 minute per slice, adjust by wattage, and finish with short bursts and a brief rest. Use a rack or paper towels so the fat can drain and your bacon can snap.

Test this method once and note your exact time. Next time, you will know it by heart. Try a crisper tray, save your bacon fat, and share your best time for your microwave in the comments.