Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon! This easy recipe combines crispy, twisted bacon with a deliciously sticky brown sugar glaze, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack. Ready in just minutes, it’s a fun twist on traditional bacon that everyone will love. Enjoy the irresistible flavor and crunch of this unique dish today!

A plate of crispy Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon drizzled with a sticky glaze, showcasing its delicious caramelized texture and enticing sweetness.
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Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon is one of the latest crazes on TikTok, and I swear this recipe started in the Air Fryer Group! We were all trying to figure out how to get more Bacon into the air fryer basket. Twisting it was the way to go.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Bacon Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER, HOW TO MAKE BACON IN THE OMNI AIR FRYER (BY INSTANT POT), AIR FRYER MILLION DOLLAR BACON, AIR FRYER, BROWN SUGAR CANDIED BACON and my mother’s recipe for AIR FRYER BROWN SUGAR BACON KNOTS.

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon

Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon! This unique twist on traditional bacon combines crispy, caramelized goodness with a hint of sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Each twist of bacon is coated in a flavorful mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of cayenne for a delightful kick. Cooking in the air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy texture while keeping the bacon tender and juicy.

Perfect as a brunch treat or a party appetizer, this candied bacon is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy it on its own, or use it to elevate your favorite dishes!

Plate of Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon, showcasing crispy, caramelized bacon twists with a glossy, sweet glaze.

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon Ingredients

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon on table.
  • Bacon
  • Pure Maple Syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon

Step-by-step process of making Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon, featuring raw bacon coated with brown sugar and spices, ready to be twisted and air-fried for a sweet and crispy treat.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. If you do not have a preheat cycle, let the air fryer run for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Step Two: In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and two tablespoons of brown sugar. Take the Bacon and lay the strips flat on a cutting board or piece of wax paper. Brush both sides of each piece of Bacon with the maple mixture.

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon cooking in the air fryer basket, showcasing the crispy, caramelized strips as they prepare to become a sweet and savory snack

Step Three: 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. Sprinkle the tops of all of your maple-covered twists with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.

Step Four: Cook the Bacon at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, in the air fryer for about 8 minutes. Flip all the Bacon over, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and cook for another 7-8 minutes.

A plate of Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon, beautifully arranged and glistening with a sweet caramelized glaze, ready to be enjoyed as a delicious treat.

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon Recipe Tips

  • Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for the best results, as it holds its shape and crisps up nicely while cooking.
  • Prepare Your Coating: Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and slightly spicy coating that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
  • Twist for Even Cooking: Twisting the bacon not only creates a fun presentation but also allows for even cooking and better caramelization of the sugary coating.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the twisted bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure that each piece gets the necessary air circulation for crispness.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, as cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the model of your air fryer. Start with a shorter time and check for doneness.
  • Let it Cool: Allow the twisted candied bacon to cool slightly before serving, as this will help it firm up and enhance the flavors.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the candied bacon right after cooking, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
Close-up of Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon served on a white plate, highlighting the crispy texture and rich, sweet coating.

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon? Yes, you can use regular bacon, but thick-cut bacon is recommended for better texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover twisted candied bacon? Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispness.

Can I make this bacon in the oven instead of the air fryer? Absolutely! You can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the candied bacon? Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your taste. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier? Yes! You can add more cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sugar mixture for an extra kick.

How do I know when the candied bacon is done? The bacon should be golden brown and crispy. Check it frequently during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Can I make this bacon ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the bacon and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to a day. Cook it in the air fryer just before serving for the best texture.

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Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon

5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Twisted Candied Bacon is one of the latest crazes that is happening on Tik-Tok, and I swear this recipe started in the Air Fryer Group! We were all trying to figure out how to get more bacon into the air fryer basket. Twisting it was the way to go.

Ingredients 

  • 2 – 12 oz packages of bacon
  • 1/8 cup of pure maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar – divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. If you do not have a preheat cycle, let the air fryer run for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.
  • In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
  • Take the bacon and lay the strips flat on a cutting board or piece of wax paper. Brush both sides of each piece of bacon with the maple mixture.
  • 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.
  • Sprinkle the tops of all of your maple-covered twists with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
  • Cook the bacon at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, in the air fryer for about 8 minutes. Flip all the bacon over, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Check the bacon. If it has reached your desired crispiness, then it is done cooking. If you prefer crispier bacon, cook for another 2-3 minutes and check again. When done, let the candied bacon cool while sitting in your air fryer basket. When it is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a serving platter.

Equipment

  • Air Fyrer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • To prevent smoking the bacon fat, you can pour about a 1⁄8 cup of water into the bottom of your
    frying basket.
  • This recipe makes 1⁄2 of the bacon as plain bacon and half of the bacon as candied bacon.
  • Thick cut and regular cut bacon will have different cook times. The times in this recipe are a good base
    for either cut; however, thicker cuts may take a little additional time.
  • This bacon is best served immediately; however, you can store the bacon in an airtight container in your
    refrigerator for 1-2 days if needed. Note that the texture will change once the bacon is cold or reheated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.1mg

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