Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is the ultimate crispy snack—salty, crunchy, and fun to eat. Twisting the strips creates ridges that cook up extra crisp with a tender, chewy center, giving every bite the perfect texture. It’s a quick, no-mess breakfast addition or snack you can make in just minutes.

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This method went viral for a reason. The air fryer cooks the bacon evenly without splattering oil everywhere, and twisting it helps it stay juicy while still crisping beautifully on the outside. Serve it with eggs, stack it on sandwiches, or snack on it straight from the plate; you’ll be hooked after the first bite.

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Crunchy twisted bacon garnished with crisp green leaves, adding freshness to every bite.

Ingredients

  • Bacon – Thick cut or regular.
Cut bacon

How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot before cooking. While it heats, take each slice of bacon and twist it tightly into a spiral. A firm twist helps it keep its shape as it cooks.

Arrange the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket, making sure the strips aren’t overlapping—air needs to circulate for even crisping. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then check for doneness. Depending on thickness, you can cook a little longer for extra crisp edges.

Twisted bacon lines the air fryer basket, spaced apart so each spiral crisps perfectly.
Arrange the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket.
crispy twisted bacon lines the air fryer basket.
Check for doneness. Cook a little longer for extra crisp edges.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess grease. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes so it firms up to maximum crispiness before serving.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Twist the bacon tightly to help it keep its shape.
  • Thick-cut bacon may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
  • For a sweet-and-salty flavor, sprinkle brown sugar before cooking.
  • Want spicy bacon? Dust with smoked paprika or chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Twisted bacon upgrades breakfast plates with eggs and pancakes, adds crunch to burgers and sandwiches, and makes an eye-catching snack on charcuterie boards. It’s also great crumbled over salads, baked potatoes, or creamy pasta dishes for a crispy finish.

Twisted bacon strips in sharp focus, showing their crispy texture.

Storage

Store cooled twisted bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Freezing isn’t ideal, since bacon can dry out once reheated.

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Crunchy twisted bacon garnished with crisp green leaves, adding freshness to every bite.

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Chef Jenn
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon cooks fast, stays juicy, and crisps beautifully thanks to the spiral twist. Perfect as a breakfast side, snack, or crunchy topping.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 9 slices bacon thick-cut or regular

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Twist each slice of bacon tightly into a spiral shape.
  • Place the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
  • Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness.
  • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Twist the bacon tightly to help it keep its shape.
  • Thick-cut bacon may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
  • For a sweet-and-salty flavor, sprinkle brown sugar before cooking.
  • Want spicy bacon? Dust with smoked paprika or chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 437mgPotassium: 131mgVitamin A: 24IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword air fryer bacon, crispy bacon, twisted bacon, viral bacon recipe
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