Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Add Preferred SourceAir 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.
Ingredients
- Bacon – Thick cut or regular.
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.
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.
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.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
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
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.
