Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried air fryer twisted bacon yet, you’re in for a real treat! I stumbled upon this method when I was craving something crispy but didn’t want to deal with the grease splatter from frying. The air fryer makes it SO easy—no mess, no fuss, just perfectly crispy bacon every single time. There’s just something magical about those twisted spirals—they get extra crunchy edges while staying tender inside. Trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll never go back to soggy, unevenly cooked bacon again!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Listen, this isn’t just bacon—it’s bacon that’s been absolutely transformed by the magic of your air fryer. Here’s why you’re about to become obsessed:
- Crazy crispy texture – Those twists create extra surface area for maximum crunch in every bite
- Ready in minutes – From fridge to plate in under 15 minutes (perfect for lazy Sunday mornings)
- No grease splatter disasters – Your stovetop stays clean while the air fryer does all the work
- Low-carb friendly – All the flavor without any of the guilt (I won’t judge if you eat the whole batch)
- Fun presentation – These twisted spirals look fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make
My favorite part? That beautiful sizzling sound when you open the air fryer basket—pure bacon bliss!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need one ingredient to make magic happen! I always reach for thick-cut bacon because it holds those perfect twists so much better than the flimsy stuff. Trust me, splurging on the good bacon makes all the difference here.
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (about 1/4 inch thick)
That’s it! Well, maybe some paper towels for blotting – because crispy bacon means business, and business can get a little greasy!
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Okay, let’s get down to the good stuff – making that perfect crispy twisted bacon! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will make you feel like a kitchen genius. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be crunching away in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! I always set mine to 375°F because it’s the sweet spot. Hot enough to crisp up the bacon beautifully without burning it. This takes about 3 minutes – just enough time to prepare your bacon twists!
Step 2: Twist the Bacon
Here’s where the magic happens! Take each bacon slice by both ends and gently twist it into a spiral shape, like you’re wringing out a tiny towel. Don’t worry about perfection – rustic twists taste just as good! The key is keeping them evenly thick so they cook uniformly.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Now for the easy part! Arrange your twisted bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket – no overlapping! Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through. Keep an eye on them after 7 minutes – you want that perfect golden brown color. The smell will tell you when they’re getting close! Keep an eye on them after 7 minutes – you want that perfect golden brown color. The smell will tell you when they’re getting close!
Step 4: Serve
Carefully remove your masterpiece (those spirals will be HOT!) and let them rest on a paper towel for just a minute. This helps them get extra crispy as they cool slightly. Then dig in while they’re still warm – that first crunchy bite is absolute heaven!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of batches, I’ve learned all the tricks for foolproof twisted bacon:
- Thick-cut is non-negotiable – Thin bacon just can’t hold those beautiful twists!
- Give them space – Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping (trust me, I learned the hard way)
- Peek often – All air fryers run slightly different, so check after 7 minutes
- Paper towel trick – Blotting right after cooking makes them extra crispy
- Fresh is best – Eat immediately for maximum crunch (not that they’ll last long anyway!)
Pro tip: If your twists start to unravel during cooking, just press them gently with tongs – they’ll crisp right back into shape!
Variations for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Just when you thought bacon couldn’t get better – wait until you try these fun twists (pun totally intended)! My favorite way to jazz it up? A quick brush of brown sugar glaze before cooking – the caramelized crunch is next-level. Feeling spicy? A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika gives it a nice kick. For something savory, try rubbing the twists with garlic powder or rosemary before air frying. The possibilities are endless, just like my bacon cravings!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Oh, the places these crispy spirals can go! I love them piled high on a breakfast plate with sunny-side-up eggs – the runny yolks are perfect for dipping. They’re fantastic crumbled over salads for instant crunch, or just grab a handful straight from the basket when snack attacks hit. My guilty pleasure? Using them as fancy cocktail garnishes – because why should martinis have all the fun? For other fun appetizer ideas, check out these air fryer brie and cranberry bonbons.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because these disappear so fast! But if you somehow manage to save some, here’s how to keep that crispy magic alive: Store cooled bacon twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cravings strike again, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. Just don’t microwave them unless you want sad, rubbery bacon (we’ve all been there!).
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up – these numbers are estimates based on standard thick-cut bacon. Your exact counts might vary slightly depending on the brand, but here’s the general scoop per crispy twist:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 0g (yes, really!)
Remember, bacon is bacon – deliciously indulgent and perfect for low-carb lifestyles. Enjoy every crispy bite guilt-free! If you are interested in learning more about the general science behind air frying, you can check out this FDA resource on using air fryers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it! Thin bacon tends to shrivel up and lose its twist in the air fryer. Thick-cut holds its shape beautifully and gives you that perfect meaty-to-crispy ratio we all crave.
How do I prevent my twisted bacon from burning?
The key is checking early and often! All air fryers are a little different. Start peeking at the 7-minute mark – if they’re browning too fast, just lower the temp to 350°F. And always flip halfway – that ensures even cooking without the char.
Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can totally prep the twists ahead! Just twist your bacon and store them in the fridge on parchment paper until you’re ready to cook. The actual air frying only takes minutes – perfect for last-minute breakfast emergencies!
Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon in Just 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 pieces 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Crispy twisted bacon made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Twist each bacon slice into a spiral shape.
- Place twisted bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove when crispy and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check bacon frequently to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer bacon, twisted bacon, crispy bacon