Cooking bacon in a microwave can be a convenient and quick way to get crispy results without using a pan. To achieve crispy bacon in the microwave, follow these steps:
Choose the right bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for microwaving, as it cooks more evenly and quickly. Thicker bacon may require more time and can be trickier to get crispy without burning.
Prepare a microwave-safe dish: Use a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe bacon tray with a raised design to allow the grease to drip away from the bacon, promoting crispiness.
Line the dish: If you're using a microwave-safe plate, you can place a paper towel or microwave-safe parchment paper on the plate to catch any splatters and make cleanup easier.
Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon strips flat on the microwave-safe dish, making sure they don't overlap. You can cook several pieces at once, but don't overcrowd the plate, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Cover the bacon: To prevent messy splatters, cover the bacon with another microwave-safe dish or a microwave-safe cover. This helps trap the steam and ensures more even cooking.
Microwave on high: Start by microwaving the bacon on high power for about 4 to 6 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the bacon. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If you're unsure about the appropriate cooking time, start with shorter intervals and increase as needed.
Check for doneness: After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the cover (it will be hot) and check the bacon's doneness. It should be lightly browned and crispy. If it's not fully cooked, you can continue microwaving in short intervals until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Drain and serve: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease before serving.
A few tips to consider:
- Microwaves can vary in power, so it's essential to adjust the cooking time based on your microwave's wattage and the desired crispiness.
- Cooking time will also depend on the number of bacon strips you're cooking at once, so you may need to experiment to find the best cooking time for your preferred quantity.
- Be cautious when handling hot dishes and bacon, as they can cause burns.
While microwaving bacon can yield crispy results, it may not achieve the same level of crispiness as pan-frying or baking in an oven. If you have a bit more time, you might consider using a conventional oven to cook bacon for a more evenly crispy result.