Air Fryer TikTok Twisted Bacon—If you have seen this viral video on TikTok about cooking more bacon strips in your air fryer, this is the recipe for you! Below, I will show you how to make air fryer twisted bacon perfectly!

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
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What Is Twisted Bacon?

Twisted bacon is a trendy cooking method that has gained popularity on social media platforms from a viral TikTok recipe. Instead of laying bacon strips flat on a cooking surface, the bacon is twisted or spiraled before baking, which gives it a fun and unique shape.

The twisting technique can make the bacon crispier and ensures even cooking. It also allows for more pieces to fit on a baking sheet or in the air fryer, making it an efficient way to prepare larger quantities. Not only is it visually appealing, but many claim it enhances the bacon’s texture, providing a perfect balance between crispy edges and chewy centers.

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.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Quick and Easy
  • Only one pan to clean up
  • You can make large batches
  • The bacon is not sitting in grease while it cooks up!
  • Delicious and packed with flavor

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe

Elevate your bacon game by giving it a delightful twist, quite literally! Twisted bacon cooked in the air fryer provides a crispy, unique take on a classic breakfast staple, ensuring every bite is an indulgent treat. You will love this fun way of cooking your bacon, and of course, who doesn’t love twisted bacon hack?

Raw bacon on a greaseproof sheet on a worktop, with brown sugar and a black measuring cup next to it.

Remember that the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list, as well as the nutritional information, are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. ​

  • Bacon Strips: Raw bacon will work, but opt for high-quality, classic bacon, regular bacon, or thick-cut bacon to get the best flavor and texture.
  • Olive Oil or Cooking Spray (optional): A light spritz can ensure the bacon doesn’t stick to the basket, although the natural fats from the bacon usually suffice.
  • Seasonings (optional): Seasonings can elevate the flavor profile of your twisted bacon, whether it’s freshly cracked black pepper, brown sugar for a sweet twist, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
  • Maple Syrup (optional): For those who prefer a hint of sweetness to contrast the savory, drizzling a bit of maple syrup over the bacon before cooking can make it truly irresistible.

How To Cook Twisted Bacon In Air Fryer

Unleash a new level of crispiness and fun with twisted bacon in the air fryer. This trendy approach to bacon ensures that every inch gets evenly crispy, and the spiraled presentation makes it a unique treat perfect for impressing guests or simply jazzing up your breakfast routine.

Air fryer basket filled with strips of uncooked twisted bacon.

How To Twist Bacon: 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.

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

Arrange the Bacon: 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 cooked in air fryer

Cook: 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.

Check & Flip: Halfway through the cooking process, open the air fryer and flip the twisted bacon to ensure even cooking.

Finish: 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.

Serve & Enjoy: Serve your twisted bacon with your favorite breakfast food, a side of maple syrup, or as an easy snack!

Note: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or glazes to kick your twisted bacon and give it an extra flavor. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a sprinkle of brown sugar or a brush of maple syrup!

Twist Bacon Air Fryer Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • 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!
A white plate with a fried egg and two twisted strips of bacon on it. There is a hand lifting a third twisted strip of bacon and dipping it into the fried egg's yolk.

Pro Tips For Cooking Twisted Bacon In Air Fryer

  • Consistent Twisting: Try to keep the twists relatively consistent when twisting the bacon. This ensures even cooking, so every bite has that perfect crispy texture.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer can make a difference, just as an oven does. It ensures the bacon starts cooking immediately once it’s placed inside.
  • Don’t Overlap: Ensure the bacon strips don’t overlap in the air fryer. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking. Use the basket space wisely!
  • Regular Checking: Depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer’s model, the cooking time can vary. It’s a good idea to check the bacon midway during the cooking process to ensure it’s not overcooking.
  • Shake the Basket: Midway through the cooking, gently shake the basket or use tongs to shift the bacon. This helps in even cooking.
  • Adjust Time for Thickness: If you use thicker bacon slices, you might need to adjust the cook time. Thicker slices might require an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pat Dry: Once you’ve removed the bacon from the air fryer, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. This makes the bacon even crispier!
  • Season Immediately: If you want to add any additional seasonings (like a sprinkle of brown sugar, herbs, or a drizzle of maple syrup), do so immediately after removing it from the air fryer while the bacon is still hot.
  • Safety First: Always use heat-resistant tongs or oven mitts when removing the basket from the air fryer, especially if you’re checking the bacon midway.
  • Let it Rest: Like most fried foods, letting the bacon sit for a minute after cooking can enhance its crispy texture.

Personal preferences vary, so experiment with your bacon’s cooking time to achieve your desired crispiness!

Consistent Twisting: Try to keep the twists relatively consistent when twisting the bacon. This ensures even cooking, so every bite has that perfect crispy texture.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer can make a difference just like an oven. It ensures the bacon starts cooking immediately once it's placed inside.

Don't Overlap: Ensure the bacon strips don’t overlap in the air fryer. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking. Use the basket space wisely!

Regular Checking: Depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer's model, the cooking time can vary. It's a good idea to check the bacon midway during the cooking process to ensure it's not overcooking.

Shake the Basket: Midway through the cooking, gently shake the basket or use tongs to shift the bacon. This helps in even cooking.

Adjust Time for Thickness: If you use thicker bacon slices, you might need to adjust the cook time. Thicker slices might require an additional 2-3 minutes.

Pat Dry: Once you've removed the bacon from the air fryer, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. This makes the bacon even crispier!

Season Immediately: If you want to add any additional seasonings (like a sprinkle of brown sugar, herbs, or a drizzle of maple syrup), do so immediately after removing it from the air fryer while the bacon is still hot.

Safety First: Always use heat-resistant tongs or oven mitts when removing the basket from the air fryer, especially if you’re checking the bacon midway.

Let it Rest: Like most fried foods, letting the bacon sit for a minute after cooking can enhance its crispy texture.

Personal preferences vary, so experiment with your bacon's cooking time to achieve your desired crispiness!

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. It also makes for a fun presentation and allows for even cooking.

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. Always check the bacon during cooking to ensure it doesn’t burn.

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

Can I reuse the bacon grease? Yes, bacon grease is flavorful and can be used in various recipes like frying eggs or making popcorn. Just ensure to strain it and store it in an airtight container.

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. Just ensure the bacon strips don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.

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.

How to cook twisted bacon in oven: Cook twisting bacon in oven at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process.

A plate filled with cooked bacon twists.

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

There is nothing better than bacon in the air fryer. It is one of the first foods that people try in the air fryer. And the question became how do I make more bacon in my air fryer? The answer was simple, Air Fryer Twisted Bacon.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound bacon, any kind

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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