Name: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 slices bacon

If you love crispy, flavorful bacon but want to try something a little different, this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe is a game changer. It’s perfect for mornings when you want a fun twist on a breakfast classic or whenever you crave that irresistible crunch with a bit of flair. The twisting technique not only looks impressive but also helps the bacon cook evenly and stay juicy inside while turning beautifully golden outside.

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image — Air Fryer Twisted Bacon, crispy bacon twists, bacon recipes, easy breakfast bacon, twisted bacon cooking tips

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

I’ve found that this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe brings a simple ingredient to life with a twist—literally. It’s quick enough for busy mornings but special enough for the weekend when you want to impress without stress.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Twisting the bacon strips helps lock in moisture while the air fryer crisps the outside.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The 400°F heat crisps bacon edges while the spiral shape gives every bite a perfect crunch.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You only need bacon—no grease, no mess, no fuss.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Hands-off cooking means you can focus on other dishes or relax with your morning coffee.

Ingredients at a Glance

Choosing the right bacon sets the stage for success in this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe. Look for slices with a good balance of meaty and fatty parts for that unbeatable texture and flavor.

Bacon slices: Opt for high-quality thick-cut bacon if you want meatier twists that hold their shape well without burning too quickly.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed steps are in the printable recipe card at the bottom for easy reference.

How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe

Step 1 — Preheat Your Air Fryer to Crispy Perfection

Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 3 to 5 minutes. This preheating is essential because it gets the air fryer nice and hot, ensuring your twisted bacon cooks evenly with that perfect crisp. Skipping this step might leave you with unevenly cooked bacon, and no one wants that.

Step 2 — Twist Each Slice into Spirals

Take a slice of bacon and gently twist it into a spiral shape. This is where the magic happens—the twists help the bacon get crispy all around while keeping some juicy bits inside. Don’t twist too tight or the bacon could cook unevenly. I like a loose spiral so each bite has a great balance of crunchy and tender.

Step 3 — Arrange Twisted Bacon in the Basket Without Overlapping

Place each twisted bacon slice carefully into your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. This spacing allows hot air to circulate freely, which is key to getting that golden, satisfying finish. Trying to shove them all in will lead to chewy, less crisp bites, so give them a bit of elbow room.

Step 4 — Cook Until Crispy and Golden

Cook the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it because air fryers vary, and you may prefer your bacon a touch less or more crispy. When they reach a toasty golden color and your kitchen smells that irresistible bacon aroma, it’s time to take them out.

Step 5 — Drain and Cool Before Enjoying

Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to soak up any excess grease. Let the twists cool for a few minutes to firm up that crisp texture. They’re incredible straight out of the fryer but cooling helps the shape hold and makes them easier to handle.

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Things to Remember

From my own kitchen tweaks, I’ve learned a few tips that make this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe foolproof and even more delicious every time.

Doneness Cue: Look for rich golden browning around edges and a slight firmness when pressed.
Temperature Trick: Keep your air fryer set to a high heat (400°F) for quick, crisp results—lower temps can dry the bacon.
Make-Ahead Move: Twist your bacon the night before and keep it chilled; then air fry fresh in the morning for hassle-free prep.
Common Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the basket, which traps steam and leads to limp twists instead of crisp spirals.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love serving this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of maple syrup to add a sweet-spicy balance. A dash of smoked paprika or chili powder also complements the savory fat in the bacon, making each bite pop with extra excitement.

Plays Well With

This twisted bacon pairs perfectly with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy toast, and vibrant fruit salads. You’ll also find it a fun addition to sandwiches or crispy crumbled over salads to add texture and flavor.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For casual meals, arrange the twisted bacon on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh herbs for color contrast. For special occasions, serve the twists in a decorative glass or cup as a crispy edible garnish—guests love the playful presentation!

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Use an airtight container lined with a paper towel to store leftover twisted bacon. In the fridge, it stays nicely crisp for up to 3 days. You’ll notice it’s best eaten soon to keep that fresh, crunchy texture intact—after that, it might soften a bit but reheats well.

Freezing Tips

These twisted bacon pieces freeze well if laid out on a parchment-lined tray first, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture. I’ve found freezing maintains flavor but the bacon may not be quite as crisp as fresh.

Reheating Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe Without Drying Out

Reheat your twisted bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness without drying it out. Alternatively, microwave on low power wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to keep moisture. Oven reheating at 375°F on a wire rack also works well to avoid sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use thick-cut bacon for this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe?

Absolutely! Thick-cut bacon holds the twist shape better and yields meatier bites, though cooking time might be a minute or two longer depending on your air fryer model.

Do I need to flip the bacon while cooking?

No flipping is necessary since the twisted shape allows the air fryer to crisp the bacon evenly all around, making this method super hands-off.

What if my bacon twists don’t stay twisted?

If your bacon strips are very thin or soft, try chilling them in the fridge for 15 minutes before twisting—this firms them up and makes shaping easier.

Can I add seasonings before air frying?

Yes! Sprinkle black pepper, smoked paprika, or brown sugar on the twists for extra flavor. Just be mindful that sugar can caramelize quickly in the air fryer, so watch closely.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe is a surefire way to add a little fun and crunch to your breakfast table. It’s simple, quick, and always impresses anyone lucky enough to get a plate. I love how it transforms everyday bacon into something extra special with just a little twist—and I think you’re going to enjoy it just as much in your kitchen!

Full Printable Recipe