Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is a fun and tasty take on regular bacon. By twisting the strips into spirals and using an air fryer, you get perfectly crispy and flavorful bacon that’s great for breakfast or as a snack. This simple recipe is quick to make and adds a playful twist to any meal.

Why You Will Love Making Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Twists

I love making twisted bacon in the air fryer—it only takes 5 minutes to prep, and the air fryer handles the rest. It cooks up perfectly crispy every time, and I use it for everything from a quick snack to a fun breakfast side, and I like that it’s a bit healthier since the extra grease drains away during cooking. The even heat gives it that ideal chewy-crisp texture, and honestly, it’s just fun to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Making crispy bacon twists in an air fryer is surprisingly simple. Here’s how you can get those perfect crispy spirals:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Prepare the Bacon

Take each strip of bacon and twist it tightly into a spiral shape. This not only makes them look great but helps them cook evenly.

Arrange in the Basket

Place the twisted strips in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping, as this will guarantee they all get that evenly cooked, crispy texture.

Cooking Time

Air fry the bacon for about 5 minutes. Depending on how crispy you like your bacon, you might want to adjust the time slightly. For extra crispiness, give it another minute or two.

Drain and Serve

Once your bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to soak up any excess grease. Let it cool for a few minutes, and then it’s ready to serve.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

To get the most out of your air fryer twisted bacon, here are some handy tips and tricks:

• Bacon Thickness: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it holds the twist better and offers a meatier texture. However, if you prefer a crispier outcome, go for thinner slices.
• Add Some Flavor: Before cooking, try sprinkling your bacon with a little brown sugar, maple syrup, or spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, and paprika for an extra flavor kick.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Keep the bacon strips from touching each other in the air fryer. This helps the hot air circulate properly and ensures all sides get crispy.
• Check Frequently: Since every air fryer is different, start checking the bacon around the 4-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
• How do I prevent the bacon from uncurling during cooking? Make sure to twist the bacon tightly and place it in the air fryer in a way that the ends are secured and don’t unravel easily. You can try using toothpicks to hold the shape but remove them before serving.
• Post-Cooking Crispiness: If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like right out of the air fryer, it will typically crisp up a bit more as it cools on a paper towel.
• Make Ahead: You can twist and store the bacon in your refrigerator overnight. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to cook.
• Can I make twisted bacon without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake twisted bacon in a conventional oven. Just lay the strips on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F until crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Got leftover twisted bacon? No worries—it’s easy to store and reheat while keeping that crispy texture. Let the bacon cool completely, then pack it into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until it’s nice and crispy again.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Looking to keep your wallet happy while whipping up some air fryer twisted bacon? Here are three savvy tips to save money without sacrificing taste or quality:

1. Buy Bacon in Bulk: Look for sales or bulk packs at your local warehouse stores.
2. Skip the Paper Towels: Use clean kitchen cloths instead of paper towels for draining grease.
3. Repurpose Bacon Grease: Collect bacon grease for use in other recipes instead of buying oils.

What to Serve with this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe

Twisted bacon from your air fryer can be more than just a tasty snack—it’s also a versatile side that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here’s what pairs well with it:

Breakfast Bonanza

For breakfast, air fryer twisted bacon is a star. Serve it with eggs—any style, from scrambled to sunny side up. It’s also fantastic when crumbled over an omelet.

Lunch and Brunch Ideas

Incorporate twisted bacon into your lunch or brunch menus with pancakes, waffles, or French toast, or add it to sandwiches or burgers for a smoky, crispy element. It’s especially good in a BLT or layered in a club sandwich. For a lighter option, chop the bacon into bits and sprinkle it over salads or baked potatoes.

Fancy Appetizers

Turn this bacon into a stand-out appetizer by pairing it with something sweet, like dates or melon. These make for perfect party starters that are as easy to make as they are delicious.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love

• Air Fryer Bacon
• Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks