The recovery of high-value carbon fibers (CFs) from carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) is essential for advancing sustainability goals. In this study, CFs were extracted from CFRP using a microwave pyrolysis method known for its efficiency and environmental friendliness. The pyrolysis process was optimized through the response surface methodology to minimize carbon residue accumulation on the CFs' surface. The microwave pyrolysis of CFRP was simulated using COMSOL software to analyze temperature distribution patterns. The optimal parameters for microwave pyrolysis were determined as follows: a temperature of 543.7 °C, a holding time of 22.8 minutes, and a microwave power of 840.9 W, resulting in a residual carbon rate of only 3.7 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination revealed no visible surface damage to the CFs. Analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy indicated a slight reduction in the crystallinity and graphitization level of the CFs due to the presence of deposited carbon. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results suggested increased oxygen-containing functional groups. The comparative microstructural analysis between the pyrolyzed and pristine CFs showed no significant disparities. These results demonstrate the successful recovery of CFs through rapid resin pyrolysis in CFRP using microwave irradiation.