Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is the ultimate snack or breakfast side — crispy, chewy, and full of flavor! Twisting the bacon before air frying creates ridges that cook evenly while trapping delicious flavor. Plus, it looks fun and makes a simple dish feel special.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- Optional:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for a caramelized touch)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (for a spicy kick)
- Maple syrup drizzle (for sweet & savory flavor)
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
- Preheat Air Fryer – Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Twist the Bacon – Take each strip and twist tightly from one end to the other.
- Arrange in Basket – Place twists in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd.
- Cook – Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
- For chewier bacon: cook closer to 8 minutes.
- For extra crispy: go up to 12 minutes.
- Drain & Serve – Remove bacon, place on paper towels to drain excess grease, and enjoy hot!
You Must Know
- Thickness matters: Thin bacon will cook faster and may burn; thick-cut works best for even twists.
- Grease management: Place parchment paper or foil underneath the basket if your fryer tends to drip.
- Batch cooking: Work in small batches so bacon crisps instead of steaming.
Topping Variations
- Sweet & Savory: Brush with maple syrup or honey before cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne.
- BBQ Flavor: Dust with smoked paprika and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Candied Bacon: Coat with brown sugar before air frying.
Make It a Meal
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.
- Crumble over salads or baked potatoes.
- Use as a fun garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails.
- Add to burgers or sandwiches for extra crunch.
Pro Tips
- Twist tightly — looser twists unravel during cooking.
- For even crispiness, don’t overlap bacon slices.
- Use an oil sprayer for a shinier finish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and re-crisp in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this with turkey bacon?
A: Yes! Turkey bacon works, but it cooks faster — check at 6–7 minutes.
Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: Preheating gives the bacon a crispier start, but you can skip it if short on time (just add 1–2 extra minutes).
Q: How do I stop bacon grease from smoking?
A: Add a tablespoon of water or a slice of bread to the bottom of the air fryer drawer to absorb grease.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches to keep twists crispy.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe
A fun breakfast side dish, this crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is a unique and easy way to achieve perfectly cooked bacon!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces center-cut bacon
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Take one strip of bacon and twirl/twist it to form a long rope, I find the tighter the twirl the better the shape will be for the finished product.
- Lay the twisted bacon into the basket of the air fryer, not touching. You may need to do this in batches. Optional: Season bacon with salt and pepper.
- Air fry for 6-10 minutes, depending on how thick the bacon is and your desired crispness.
- Take the twisted bacon out with a tong and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to catch any excess drippings with your air fry the rest of the bacon.
