Are you a fan of turkey bacon but always forget to thaw it out before cooking? Fear not, because cooking frozen turkey bacon is easier than you might think!
Whether you prefer crispy strips or a more tender texture, there are several methods to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook frozen turkey bacon, including in the oven, on the stove, and even in the air fryer.
Plus, we’ll share tips for thawing your bacon safely and efficiently. So grab a pack of frozen turkey bacon and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon?
Cooking frozen turkey bacon is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Why Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon?
Many people choose to cook frozen turkey bacon for its convenience and versatility. It allows you to have bacon on hand whenever you need it without worrying about it going bad. Additionally, cooking frozen turkey bacon can save you time in the kitchen as you don’t need to wait for it to thaw before cooking. This is especially useful when you’re in a rush or have unexpected guests over.
Another benefit of cooking frozen turkey bacon is that it can be cooked using a variety of methods. You can cook it in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even in an air fryer. This means that no matter what cooking equipment you have available, you can still enjoy delicious and crispy bacon.
Cooking frozen turkey bacon is also a great way to reduce food waste. If you have leftover bacon that you know you won’t be able to use before it goes bad, simply freeze it for later use. This way, you won’t have to throw away any perfectly good bacon.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Bacon Safely
When it comes to thawing frozen turkey bacon, it’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure that it is safe to eat. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends three safe ways to thaw bacon: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave. It’s important to never defrost bacon on the kitchen counter or at room temperature as this can lead to bacterial growth.
The best practice for thawing turkey bacon is to plan ahead and thaw it in the refrigerator. Simply place the unopened package of bacon in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly over a period of 24-48 hours. However, if you need to thaw your bacon quickly, you can use the cold water method.
To thaw turkey bacon using the cold water method, keep the bacon unopened in its original packaging and place it in your sink with a grate or cooling rack underneath. Run a consistent stream of cold water over the package, making sure not to simply soak it in a bath of water. The pressure from the flowing water helps with the thawing process and there is less chance of leakage. Bacon should thaw in 30 minutes and should be cooked immediately. Do not refreeze.
Another option for thawing frozen turkey bacon is to use the microwave. Follow instructions for “defrosting meat” on your particular microwave. You can defrost in the original packaging for a few minutes at a time, but do not leave unattended as if the bacon gets hot there is a risk of plastic melting.
It’s important to note that if you’re wanting whole strips of bacon, the best way to evenly and quickly thaw it is to submerge bacon that is still in packaging or in a zip-top bag in hot tap water. However, this method should only be used for cuts of meat that are small enough that they will defrost in the hot water quickly. Larger pieces of meat will take too long to defrost and thus will be sitting in the hot water for too long which can lead to bacterial growth.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon In The Oven
Cooking frozen turkey bacon in the oven is a great option for those who want to enjoy crispy and delicious bacon without the hassle of cooking it on the stove. To get started, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, place a single layer of frozen turkey bacon slices on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Make sure that the individual slices do not touch each other to ensure even cooking. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the turkey bacon slices over. This will help to ensure that both sides of the bacon are cooked evenly. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
Once the turkey bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the wire rack. This will allow any excess grease to drain off, resulting in crispy and delicious turkey bacon.
Cooking frozen turkey bacon in the oven is a great option for those who want to enjoy a quick and easy breakfast without sacrificing taste or quality. Try this method today and enjoy delicious and crispy turkey bacon in no time!
Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon On The Stove
To cook frozen turkey bacon on the stove, you will need a large skillet and a pair of tongs. First, place the frozen bacon in the skillet and turn the heat to medium. Make sure that none of the strips are overlapping to ensure even cooking. As the bacon thaws in the pan, you will be able to pull apart the strips using tongs. Make sure to flip the bacon over to thaw from both sides. It will take around 15-20 minutes for the bacon to become crispy.
If the outer pieces crisp up first, just remove them from the pan and transfer them to a cookie sheet. Put the cookie sheet in the oven at 250F to keep the cooked bacon warm while the rest cooks. This method is simple and efficient, but it does require some attention and flipping of the bacon to ensure that it cooks evenly.
Another option is to cook turkey bacon on a preheated skillet with some vegetable oil until it’s crispy and browned. This method is perfect for those who want their turkey bacon to have a similar texture to pork bacon. Simply preheat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place four strips of turkey bacon in the skillet and cook, turning strips every 2-3 minutes and adjusting heat as necessary until it’s deeply browned and crispy (around 8-10 minutes). Transfer strips to paper towel-lined plate and serve.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon In The Air Fryer
One of the easiest and quickest ways to cook frozen turkey bacon is in the air fryer. You don’t need to defrost the bacon first, which makes it perfect for those busy mornings when you’re short on time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
Step 2: Place as many slices of frozen turkey bacon as you can fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If the slices are too long, you can cut them in half.
Step 3: Cook for 5 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and flip the bacon over.
Step 4: Place the basket back in the air fryer and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
Step 5: Carefully remove the turkey bacon from the air fryer using tongs to avoid scratching the basket. Serve immediately or save for meal prep.
The great thing about cooking frozen turkey bacon in the air fryer is that it comes out hot and crispy every time. Plus, it’s a healthier option than pork bacon because it’s leaner and doesn’t have as much grease. You can use this crispy turkey bacon for so many other delicious meals, like adding it to breakfast potatoes, air fryer burgers, or crumble it into salads. It’s also a perfect keto snack!
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Frozen Turkey Bacon
When cooking frozen turkey bacon, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that it comes out perfectly cooked and delicious. Here are some tips to help you cook frozen turkey bacon:
1. Thawing: It’s important to thaw your frozen turkey bacon before cooking it. The best way to do this is by placing the bacon in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also use the hot water method mentioned above, but make sure to follow the guidelines carefully.
2. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Lay the thawed bacon strips on the wire rack, making sure not to overlap them. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the strips and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the thawed bacon strips. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until crispy.
4. Microwave Method: Place the thawed bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Timing: The cooking time will depend on how thick your bacon slices are and how crispy you want them to be. Keep an eye on them while they’re cooking to make sure they don’t burn.
6. Storage: If you have leftover cooked turkey bacon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
By following these tips, you can cook frozen turkey bacon that is perfectly crispy and delicious every time!