Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: Crispy, Juicy, and Fun to Make

Introduction

Bacon has always been one of those universally loved foods—crispy, smoky, salty, and indulgent. It pairs beautifully with breakfast staples like eggs and pancakes, adds flavor to sandwiches and burgers, and can even be enjoyed on its own as a snack. But have you ever tried twisted bacon in an air fryer? This cooking method has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason.

Air fryer twisted bacon isn’t just another way to cook bacon—it transforms the entire experience. By twisting each strip before cooking, you get a perfect balance of crispy edges and slightly chewy, juicy centers. The air fryer ensures even cooking, reduces grease compared to pan-frying, and produces bacon that is both delicious and visually appealing. Twisted bacon makes for a fun party snack, a creative breakfast dish, or even a topping for salads and charcuterie boards.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of air fryer twisted bacon. We’ll explore its history and popularity, discuss the science behind why twisting works so well, provide a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, and share tips, variations, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll be more than ready to whip up your own batch of irresistible twisted bacon.

Why Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Works So Well

Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand why this technique is such a hit.

The Twist Locks in Texture – When you twist bacon strips, you create layers. The outer edges crisp up while the inner folds stay slightly tender. This gives you the best of both worlds: crispy and chewy in one bite.
The Air Fryer Circulates Heat Evenly – Unlike frying on a stovetop (where bacon can curl unevenly or burn in spots), the air fryer’s hot air circulation ensures that the bacon cooks evenly on all sides.
Less Grease, Less Mess – The air fryer design allows excess grease to drip away from the bacon. You still get that smoky, savory flavor, but without swimming in oil. Plus, cleanup is much easier.
It’s Visually Appealing – Twisted bacon has a fun, spiral look that makes it stand out. This makes it perfect for entertaining or for Instagram-worthy food photos.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients.

Basic Recipe Ingredients:

1 package of bacon (thick-cut works best, about 12–16 slices)

Optional Flavor Additions:

1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sweet and smoky caramelization)
1 teaspoon black pepper (for a peppery kick)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (for a sweet glaze)
A pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bacon cooks evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Take each strip of bacon and hold one end firmly while twisting the other end until it forms a spiral shape. The tighter you twist, the chewier the bacon will be. Looser twists create more crispiness.

Step 3: Season (Optional)

If you’d like to add flavor, sprinkle brown sugar, pepper, or any of your chosen seasonings over the bacon strips before cooking. You can also brush them with a thin layer of maple syrup for a sweet touch.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the twisted bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap too much, as this can prevent even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Bacon

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your preferred level of crispiness.

Thinner bacon: 8–9 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: 10–12 minutes

Check the bacon halfway through and flip if necessary (though many air fryers cook evenly without flipping).

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Twisted Bacon

Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. Thin slices may break when twisting.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each strip room to crisp up.
Experiment with twists—tight twists for chewy centers, looser twists for crispier results.
Line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but make sure it’s perforated for airflow.
Store leftovers properly—refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.

Flavor Variations

Air fryer twisted bacon is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun variations:

Sweet & Spicy Bacon – Sprinkle brown sugar and cayenne pepper before cooking.
Garlic Parmesan Bacon – Toss cooked bacon with grated Parmesan and garlic powder.
Maple-Glazed Bacon – Brush strips with maple syrup before twisting.
Smoky BBQ Bacon – Rub strips with a light coating of BBQ seasoning.
Everything Bagel Bacon – Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before cooking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Twisted bacon is delicious on its own, but it can also elevate many dishes. Try serving it:

As a breakfast side with eggs, pancakes, or waffles.
On a burger for added crunch and flavor.
As part of a charcuterie board—it adds a fun texture and savory element.
Crumbled over salads for a smoky crunch.
Dipped in chocolate or caramel for a sweet-and-salty treat.

Health Considerations

While bacon is an indulgent food, using the air fryer makes it slightly healthier than pan-frying. The air fryer reduces the amount of grease, and you don’t need to add extra oil. If you’re watching your sodium or fat intake, consider pairing bacon with lighter sides like fresh fruit, whole grains, or vegetables to balance the meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer twisted bacon is more than just a food trend—it’s a delicious and fun way to enjoy bacon like never before. By twisting each strip, you create a unique texture that combines crispiness and chewiness in every bite. The air fryer makes cooking bacon simple, quick, and less messy, all while enhancing the flavor.

Whether you keep it classic with plain twisted bacon or experiment with sweet, spicy, or smoky seasonings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. From breakfast tables to party platters, air fryer twisted bacon is a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

So, grab a pack of thick-cut bacon, fire up your air fryer, and twist your way to crispy perfection!