Microwave Bacon is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook crispy, savory bacon with minimal mess and cleanup. Perfect for busy mornings or quick meals, this method delivers surprisingly consistent results in just a few minutes, making it a popular choice for anyone who wants bacon without using a stovetop or oven.
The process works by using paper towels to absorb excess grease while the bacon cooks in the microwave. As the heat rapidly renders the fat, the strips become crisp and golden. The paper towels help prevent splattering and keep the bacon from sitting in its own grease, resulting in a cleaner, lighter texture.
To make Microwave Bacon, strips are typically laid out in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Another layer of paper towel is placed on top to catch any splatter. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the bacon and the power of the microwave, but it usually takes just a few minutes. The bacon continues to crisp slightly after it is removed, so it’s often taken out just before it reaches the desired level of crunch.
One of the biggest advantages of this method is convenience. There is no need to preheat a pan, watch for splattering oil, or deal with stovetop cleanup. It’s especially useful for small portions or when cooking bacon as part of a larger breakfast spread. Many people also use this method in dorm rooms or small kitchens where stovetop cooking is limited.
Microwave Bacon can be used in the same way as traditionally cooked bacon. It pairs well with eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. It can also be crumbled over dishes like baked potatoes, potato galette or pasta for added flavor and crunch.
While it may not have the exact smoky depth or even sear of pan-fried bacon, Microwave Bacon is an excellent alternative when speed and simplicity are the priority. With a little attention to timing, it can still deliver a satisfying balance of crisp edges and tender bites.
Quick, practical, and mess-free, Microwave Bacon is a reliable kitchen shortcut that makes enjoying crispy bacon easier than ever, especially on rushed mornings or when you just want a fast, flavorful addition to your meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon use as many slices as you need
Instructions
- Place a microwave-safe plate lined with two layers of paper towels.
- Lay the bacon strips on the plate in a single layer.
- Cover the bacon with another paper towel to prevent splatters.
- Microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how crispy you want your bacon.
- Check the bacon halfway through and rearrange if needed for even cooking.
- Once cooked, let it sit for a minute to allow the bacon to crisp.
Nutrition
This is the best way to make bacon! It’s so easy and super crispy. Love it!
I totally agree! Microwave bacon is life-changing! 😍
Really? I thought bacon should only be cooked in a skillet! 🤔
My bacon never got crispy. I think the paper towels soaked too much. Also, mine might be thicker cut than the recipe assumes.
Sooo good! Perfectly crispy! Who knew it could be this simple?
Bacon in the microwave? No way!!!
No more grease splatters on my stove! Thanks for sharing this microwave method, lifesaver!
Yum! Just made it and came out great! Who needs a frying pan?
Bacon in the microwave? Really? Just fry it like normal! 😒
I tried it but my bacon ended up too chewy, maybe my microwave is too strong? Not sure. 🙁
I tried this and my bacon ended up a little rubbery. Next time, I’m sticking to the pan.
This is a game changer! Perfect bacon in minutes!
I tried this and it really does work! So quick and easy! No more messy pans.
The only downside is the paper towels but what can you do.
Yeah, it’s kinda annoying. But the bacon is so good, it’s worth it!
I guess it works fine, but I prefer the traditional way of cooking it on the stove. Just doesn’t taste the same.
I was skeptical at first, but wow, this really works! #GameChanger
I always thought bacon had to be cooked in a pan! This is a lifesaver! Thanks for sharing!
Bacon in the microwave? Sounds like sorcery. But hey, I’ll try anything once!
I don’t know… microwaving bacon just ain’t right. It tastes weird.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but this really works. My bacon was crispy and delicious!
Wow, that’s awesome to hear! I’ve always struggled with making bacon in the pan. I’ll have to give this a try!
Why would you put bacon in the microwave? Just fry it like everybody else!
Super quick and easy! I’ll never go back to the frying pan.
I usually fry, but this microwave thing is kinda weird. Does it really taste good?
My dog is begging for bacon too, haha! Time to share some!
Why would you ever microwave bacon? That’s just wrong!
Not sure if I’m sold on this. I heard you can’t get the same crispness. Anyone else have thoughts?
I’ve tried this method and it works fine! You just gotta make sure to watch it while it’s cooking. I’ve gotten pretty crispy bacon in the microwave.
Nah, I don’t think it can be as good as frying it in a pan. Bacon deserves the real treatment, not a microwave.
Bacon can be made in microwaves? Who knew! 😲
I love how quick it is. I can make it while I prep eggs! 10/10 would recommend!
This is the best way to cook bacon! No mess at all!
Totally agree! This method saves so much time and keeps my kitchen clean. Love it!
I dunno, I really like my bacon fried in a pan. This microwave thing seems weird…
Meh. I burnt mine. Watch it carefully, people!
This is the best way to cook bacon! So easy and quick.
I did this in like 5 minutes and now it’s my go-to for breakfast! Thanks!
Tried this—wow. The paper towels really help with the splatter, and the crispness was on point. Mine took closer to 6 minutes though.
Totally agree—paper towels are the real MVP here. I get much less mess and the bacon actually crisps instead of going chewy.
I tried it but mine still popped like crazy 😅 maybe my microwave runs hot? I also needed nearer 7 minutes. Still tasty though.
I don’t trust microwaves for bacon. Seems sketchy to me.
Seems fine to me, lol. Bacon is bacon. Ain’t no sketch, just cook it and eat it! 😜
I totally get where you’re coming from! Microwaves can be weird. But bacon in the microwave is actually pretty good. Just gotta keep an eye on it!
I tried this but my bacon ended up kinda chewy. Maybe I should’ve cooked it longer?
Yeah, cooking it longer can definitely help! I usually go for 6 mins for extra crunch.
Nah, I think microwaving just doesn’t make great bacon. Better off frying it!
OMG, I didn’t know making bacon could be this easy! Thanks!
This is a game changer! Perfect bacon in minutes!
I thought bacon was supposed to be crispy. This was just soggy…
I hear ya! Sometimes microwaving just doesn’t cut it for bacon. Have you tried frying it in a pan? Much crispier!
Soggy bacon? That’s a bummer. But honestly, I always get it crispy in the microwave. Just gotta keep an eye on it.
Best bacon method ever! I’m never going back to the pan again!
So fast and convenient! Just toss it in and grab a coffee ☕
Why would anyone want microwave bacon when you can fry it? Just saying.
4–6 minutes felt kinda vague. Mine was done at like 3:30, but I guess that’s my microwave being older.
I tried it and it made my bacon chewy, not crisp. I think my paper towel might’ve been too thick or I undercooked. Will adjust.
Be careful… my paper towel caught a little smoke at 6 minutes. Next time I’ll keep it closer to 4-5 and watch like a hawk.
Not sure if my bacon brand was thicker, but 4 minutes was not enough. I added another minute and it got there. Would make again though.
This worked way better than I expected—no greasy splatter everywhere. Mine took closer to 6 minutes, but it crisped up nicely after resting.
Interesting… mine is usually 8-10 minutes, so 4-6 feels a little optimistic for my microwave 😅 But resting definitely helps.
Yes! I always dread bacon in the microwave but the paper towel cover trick is legit. Glad yours turned out great.
Meh. Tastes okay but not as crispy as oven bacon. Also, the paper towels get drenched.
Totally agree—mine turns out “done” but not that crisp oven-bacon crunch. I also end up swapping the towels halfway because they get soaked through.
I found that if I use *thicker* paper towels (and keep an eye on the time), it crisps better. But yeah, the towels get drenched—maybe try fewer slices or pat them dry before microwaving?
Why is everyone acting like this is normal?? Bacon in a microwave feels wrong… BUT it was edible. 😅
I love how quick this is for breakfast. Also the “let it sit for a minute” step mattered a lot—so many people forget that.
I’m skeptical. Microwave bacon just sounds gross, like it won’t taste the same. But I guess if you let it rest a minute, it’s okay.
Um… four slices is not enough for my family. If you do more, do it in batches or it won’t cook right. Learn from me 😅
My bacon curled up a bit, but flipping/rearranging halfway saved it. Still way better than I expected from a microwave.
The steps are super simple, but 4-6 minutes feels like a big range. I burned mine at the high end… not your fault though, my timing skills are trash.
I was skeptical, but the paper towel trick actually helps a lot. It did splatter a tiny bit, though, so don’t skip the top towel.
Not gonna lie, I hate cleaning bacon mess. This is awesome. The kitchen stayed clean mostly.
Is 4–6 minutes too broad? I did 4 and it was kinda chewy, like “not quite bacon” chewy. Next time I’ll just start at 5.
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about bacon in a microwave. It smells good, but I always worry it’ll come out chewy. Mine was more crispy than I expected.
I did 4 minutes first like the instructions said, then added 1 more. Turned out chewy at first but second round fixed it.
Tried this and it actually worked way better than I expected. Cleanup was super easy too—no grease everywhere.
I burned mine at 6 minutes. Maybe my microwave runs hotter. Next time I’ll do 3–4 and check constantly.
“Use as many slices as you need” is not helpful lol. Also my microwave is old so the timing was totally off. Still, it was edible.
Tried this today—super convenient and honestly way less mess than the pan. Mine took closer to 6 minutes for that crispy vibe.
Finally, bacon without the whole oven/smell chaos. I did 5 minutes and it came out crispy but not burned. Easy.
Yes! Microwave bacon is the only way I do it now—no greasy oven cleanup. 5 mins usually nails it for me too.
Honestly super easy. I used 6 slices and it still cooked evenly after I rearranged halfway. Love it.
I was skeptical, not gonna lie. But it worked! I did flip/rearrange halfway and that helped a lot.
It kinda burned my bacon… maybe I set the wrong power? Also the smell was intense but that’s bacon I guess. Not bad overall.
Maybe your bacon was too thick? Mine always burns if I leave it too long on high. I do like 2–3 minutes and flip/rearrange, then another minute.
Oh no 😅 I’ve totally done the same thing—microwaves vary a lot. Next time try 3–4 min first, then add time in 30–45 sec bursts. Glad it was still okay!
Kinda weird cooking bacon in a microwave, but hey, results matter. The fat rendered nicely and it crisped while resting.
Honestly microwave bacon is the only way I can do it on busy mornings. The paper towels trick is legit—always ends up crispy while it rests.
I was skeptical too, but 5 minutes on high got me perfect crunch. The resting minute makes a big difference. Thanks!
Worked great but my paper towels somehow got a little burnt at the edges. I still ate it. 😅
4–6 minutes on high… I’m skeptical. Bacon usually takes longer than that for me. But I tried 5 minutes and it was decent.
Tried this and wow—crispy without the mess. 4 minutes worked great for my microwave. Definitely keeping this in the rotation.
This is kinda dangerous. Paper towels + high heat + bacon grease = no thanks. I’ll stick to pan-frying.
I was skeptical but tried it. The paper towels did their job. Bacon was crisp and not burnt. Will make again.
I tried it and it was okay… Mine needed closer to 6 minutes to get truly crisp, but it didn’t burn. Not bad at all.
Same here—I was doubtful, but the paper towels really saved me from the grease splatter. Came out crisp and way easier than pan-frying.
This is genius. I’ve been doing stovetop forever but I hate the grease splatter. Microwave + paper towels is the move.
It burned on the edges even though I rearranged halfway. Maybe my microwave runs hot? Still edible but not my favorite.
Tried this and omg—way less mess than the pan. I did 5 minutes and it was perfect. Definitely using the paper towels trick again.
Yes!! The paper towel trick is the move—way less grease mess. 🙌 I usually do around 5 min too and it comes out perfect.
Mine came out chewy in the middle even after 5 minutes. I think my microwave runs cool. Still edible, just not ‘crispy’ like expected.
Quick and easy. But my paper towels started smoking and I got scared for a sec lol. Still tasted great.
This is genius. Also the cleanup was like, nonexistent. I did 4 slices and 4 minutes—perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
Right?? The paper towels really do the heavy lifting. I did 5 slices and it still cleaned up super fast.
Microwave bacon is kinda wild but I can’t lie… this seems way easier than the pan. Gonna try with turkey bacon too.
Honestly, it worked but my microwave is old so it took closer to 7 min. Still came out crispy-ish. Don’t skip rearranging halfway.
Microwave bacon is the best lazy hack. Paper towels really do the trick—satisfying crunch after it sits for a minute.
The instructions are super simple (love that), but “use as many slices as you need” is not super helpful. I used 10 slices and it took way longer.
Why did it smoke so much in my microwave? I followed the steps and used paper towels, but still—maybe my microwave is old.
Worked great for me! I did 4 minutes and it was perfect. Paper towels definitely help with the grease.
Microwave bacon is the best lazy hack. 5 minutes on high for me and it was perfect—crispy edges, not burnt.
I tried this once and totally agree—microwave bacon is faster than pan-frying and you still get those crispy edges. I do 5 min too.