Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Twists are a fun and easy spin on classic bacon. Twisting the bacon creates an extra crunchy texture, turning it into a crispy stick of pure bacon goodness. Ready in minutes, this twist on bacon is the perfect addition to any breakfast. Whether made in the air fryer or oven, with regular or thick-cut bacon, these twists are sure to give your breakfast a delicious upgrade!

Plate of crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon strips arranged neatly, showcasing their golden-brown, crunchy texture.
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Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is a fun and crispy twist on classic bacon! Ready in minutes, this recipe delivers extra crunchy, golden-brown bacon perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Try it today for an easy, delicious breakfast.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, some of my favorites are EGG ROLL WRAPS or my COPYCAT STARBUCKS COFFEE CAKE, but sometimes there’s nothing that beats my APPLE CRANBERRY LOAF.

Plate of crispy, twisted bacon strips fresh from the air fryer, perfectly golden brown and ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Extra Crispy: Twisting the bacon creates even crispier edges, giving it a delightful crunch.
  • Quick and Easy: It’s ready in minutes with minimal prep, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Less Mess: The air fryer reduces splattering, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a fun appetizer.
  • Customizable: Works with regular or thick-cut bacon to suit your preference.

Ingredients

Four crispy twisted bacon strips arranged on a plate, golden and perfectly cooked in the air fryer.
  • Bacon
  • Olive Oil or Cooking Spray (optional)
  • Seasonings (optional)
  • Maple Syrup (optional)

How To Make Air Fryer Bacon Twists

Twisted raw bacon strips placed in an air fryer basket, ready to be cooked to crispy perfection.

Step One: Start by twisting each strip of bacon tightly from one end to the other. The tighter the twist, the crisper your bacon will be. If you want to add some flavor, add it to the twist.

Step Two: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Step Three: Once twisted, place the twisted bacon sticks into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they don’t overlap. This ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness.

Twisted bacon strips sizzling in the air fryer, cooking to a crispy and golden brown finish.

Step Four: Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes. It’s essential to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent overcooking. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of your bacon and the brand of your air fryer. Thin-cut bacon will need less time than thick-cut bacon. Halfway through the cooking process, open the air fryer and flip the twisted bacon to ensure even cooking. Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Plate of crispy, golden brown Air Fryer Twisted Bacon ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

  • Add a little brown sugar to the bacon to get a caramelized bacon effect, for twisted bacon with brown sugar.
  • Sprinkle with black pepper or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. This is a great variation on twisted bacon with brown sugar and cayenne pepper!
  • Coat with a thin layer of barbecue sauce during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking for a smoky flavor.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon for cinnamon bacon twists.
  • You can cook your favorite vegetarian or vegan bacon in the same way!
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon on plate with fried egg.

Making Bacon Twists in The Oven

Indulge in the crispy delight of oven-baked bacon twists, a fun and tasty twist on traditional bacon! Perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack, these bacon twists are easy to make and deliver an irresistible crunch. Here are the simple way to make twisted bacon in the oven, without an air fryer:

Steps for Making Bacon Twists in the Oven

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Prepare the Bacon: Take strips of bacon and twist each one tightly to create a spiral effect.
  • Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
  • Bake the Bacon: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your desired level.
  • Drain and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bacon twists drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
A plate of crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon served alongside a perfectly fried egg, showcasing a delicious breakfast combination.

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe Faqs

Should I line my basket with aluminum foil? While you can use foil, or parchment paper, you really don’t need to, but for easier clean- up, you can use tin foil.

Why twist the bacon? Cooking bacon by twisting bacon enhances the texture, combining crispy edges and tender bites.

Can I season the bacon before air frying? Absolutely! Season with black pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup, or your favorite spices for added flavor.

What if I have thicker bacon slices? Thicker slices and thick cut bacon might need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer.

Do I need to add oil? No, bacon naturally releases fat when it cooks, so there’s no need to add any additional oil.

How do I store leftover twisted bacon? Store any leftover twisted bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or in the microwave for a quick snack.

Why is my bacon not crispy enough? Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the bacon and individual air fryer models. If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, simply cook it for another couple of minutes, checking regularly.

How many pieces can I cook at once? This largely depends on the size of your air fryer basket.

Can I use this method for other types of bacon? Yes! While the cooking time might vary slightly, you can use this method for turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or pancetta.

A plate of crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon served alongside a perfectly fried egg, showcasing a delicious breakfast combination.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

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Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

4.63 from 8 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is a fun and crispy twist on classic bacon! Ready in minutes, this recipe delivers extra crunchy, golden-brown bacon perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Try it today for an easy, delicious upgrade!"

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound bacon, any kind
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Twist each strip tightly, then place it in the basket of the air fryer. Continue to do this with the remainder of your bacon. It is OK for all the pieces to be touching/squished.
  • Cook the bacon at 400 degrees F in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.
  • Flip all the bacon over and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

Storing Leftover Twisted Bacon:
  1. Cool Completely: Before storing your twisted bacon, let it cool completely to room temperature. This prevents the bacon from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
  2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled twisted bacon to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure there’s no excess air in the container or bag to maintain the bacon’s crispness.
  3. Refrigeration: Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
  1. Air Fryer: For best results, reheat the twisted bacon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
  2. Microwave: Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Heat on high for 20-30 seconds, checking after 20 seconds to prevent over-crisping.
Freezing Instructions (for longer storage):
  1. Freeze Separately: To prevent the bacon pieces from sticking together, place them separately on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
  2. Store in Freezer Bags: Once frozen, transfer the bacon pieces to freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bags.
  3. Label and Freeze: Clearly label the bags with the date and contents. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Reheating from Frozen: Reheat directly from frozen using the air fryer method mentioned above, adding an additional 2-3 minutes to the reheating time.
Note: For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to consume the twisted bacon within the recommended storage timeframe. If you detect any off odors or see signs of mold, discard the bacon immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 375mgPotassium: 112mgVitamin A: 21IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg

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