Bacon gets better when you twist itcrispier edges, pockets of caramelized fat, and a shape that just looks fun on the plate. Air fryer twisted bacon turns an everyday breakfast staple into something a little more special, with almost no mess and barely any hands-on time.
I stumbled on this technique during a particularly hectic January morning in 2019, twisting strips out of habit while testing breakfast apps for the blog. The spirals crisped up beautifullyedges crunchy, centers still tenderand I’ve been hooked ever since. The key is not twisting too tight; leave a little room so hot air can circulate and render the fat evenly without any rubbery spots.
PrintAir Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe Easy and Irresistible
Enjoy crispy and flavorful air fryer twisted bacon with this easy bacon recipe. Perfect for quick breakfast ideas, this crispy bacon recipe delivers tasty results with minimal effort using your air fryer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
Instructions
- Twist each side of a bacon strip until fully curled.
- Place all twisted bacon pieces in the air fryer basket or on a rimmed baking tray.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes until the bacon is crisped to your liking.
Notes
- One pound of bacon has about 18 slices
- Serving size is 2 slices
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 80kcal
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g + 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Why This Method Works So Well
Twisting bacon before air frying isn’t just for looksit actually changes the texture. The spirals create uneven surfaces that crisp faster than flat strips, while the tighter folds hold onto just enough fat to stay juicy in the center. You get contrast in every bite: crunchy ridges and tender pockets.
The air fryer’s circulating heat hits every angle of the twist without flipping, which means no splatter, no babysitting, and no grease-soaked paper towels. It’s one of those techniques that feels a little fancy but requires zero extra skilljust a quick hand twist and you’re done.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses exactly one ingredient: bacon. That’s it. No seasonings, no oil, no extras. The simplicity is part of the charmyou’re letting the bacon’s natural flavor and fat do all the work.
- Bacon: One pound gives you about 18 slices, which serves nine people at two slices each. Regular-cut works best; thick-cut can twist but takes a few extra minutes to crisp.
- Air fryer: Any model works. If your basket is small, cook in batches rather than crowdingair needs space to circulate.
- Tongs or a fork: For pulling hot bacon out safely without tearing the twists.
How to Make It
Start by holding each strip of bacon at both ends, then twist it in opposite directions until the whole piece spirals. Don’t crank it too tightleave a little breathing room between the loops so heat can get in and render the fat evenly.
Lay each twisted strip in the air fryer basket or on a rimmed baking tray if your model uses one. They can touch slightly, but don’t stack them. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13 to 15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark if you like softer bacon or closer to 15 for extra-crispy edges.
No flipping needed. The spirals cook evenly on their own, and the fat drips into the basket below, leaving you with bacon that’s crispy where it counts and still a little chewy in the curls.
Timing and Temperature Guide
| Texture Preference | Temperature | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chewy-crisp (soft center) | 350°F | 12–13 minutes |
| Balanced crisp (recommended) | 350°F | 13–14 minutes |
| Extra crispy | 350°F | 14–15 minutes |
| Thick-cut bacon | 350°F | 16–18 minutes |
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Pro Tip: If your bacon is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for five minutes before twisting. It’ll be more pliable and less likely to tear at the folds.
- Don’t overlap the twists in the basketair circulation is what makes them crisp without flipping.
- Check at the 12-minute mark if it’s your first time. Every air fryer runs a little differently, and you’ll learn your sweet spot fast.
- Save the rendered fat in the bottom tray for cooking eggs or sautéing vegetables later in the weekit’s liquid gold.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Serve warm straight from the basket for breakfast alongside eggs and toast, or let them cool slightly and pack into a sandwich for crunch that holds its shape. The twists also work beautifully as a garnish for salads or layered into a breakfast casserole.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for two to three minutes to bring back the crisp without drying them out.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight) | Up to 4 days | Air fryer, 325°F, 2–3 min |
| Freezer (freezer bag) | Up to 1 month | Thaw, then air fryer 3–4 min |
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
While the recipe itself is just bacon, you can play with the type you use. Turkey bacon twists work in a pinch, though it won’t crisp quite as deeply. For a sweet-savory spin, dust the raw twists lightly with brown sugar or a pinch of smoked paprika before air fryingjust a whisper, not a coat.
If you want to batch-cook for a crowd, twist all the bacon ahead of time and store the raw spirals on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge for up to a day. Then air fry in waves as guests arrive, keeping finished batches warm in a low oven.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Twisted Bacon )
How long does it take to cook twisted bacon in the air fryer?
Cook twisted bacon strips for 8-12 minutes at 400°F, depending on your preferred crispiness. Thicker cuts may need an extra 2-3 minutes. Check at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking. The twisted shape helps bacon cook more evenly than flat strips.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F before adding the bacon. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Preheating also reduces overall cooking time.
Should I flip the bacon while cooking?
Flip the twisted bacon halfway through cooking, around the 5-6 minute mark. This ensures both sides cook evenly and develop that golden-brown color. Use tongs to gently turn each piece without untwisting the shape.
How do I prevent grease from smoking in the air fryer?
Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. This prevents grease from burning and smoking. Empty the drip tray if cooking multiple batches to avoid buildup.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can twist the bacon strips up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Cook fresh for best results. Cooked twisted bacon can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.
In just 13 to 15 minutes, you’ll have air fryer twisted bacon that’s ridged with caramelized edges and tender in all the right spots. No flipping, no splatterjust bacon that looks as good as it tastes. It’s one of those little upgrades that makes breakfast feel special without any extra fuss.
Try brushing the raw twists with a touch of maple syrup or a pinch of cayenne before air frying for a sweet-heat surprise. You can also prep the spirals the night before and store them flat in the fridgejust toss them in the basket straight from cold. If you’ve got leftover bacon fat in the tray, save it; it’s perfect for crisping potatoes or sautéing greens later in the week.
I’d love to see how your twists turn outtag me if you snap a photo, or let me know in the comments if you tried a flavor spin. Did bacon ever show up twisted at your family table growing up, or is this a fun new find? Save this one for a lazy weekend breakfast or whenever you want something simple that still feels a little indulgent. Happy twisting!
