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.