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This crispy twisted bacon is all about crunch—just pop it in your air fryer and give it a quick twist, and you’ll have irresistibly crisp bites in less time than it takes to make coffee. Every strip gets a cool fun shape and a mix of chewy middle and snappy edges. The look and texture make these the real MVP of any brunch table.
The first round I twisted up the bacon my whole crew couldn't stop snacking. It's got more crunch and somehow stays juicy inside. Every batch just vanishes.
Tasty Ingredients
- Beef bacon: Aim for the thickest cut slices you can find. They keep their shape best in the air fryer and come out snappy, not hard. Avoid bacon that's uneven or thin since it won't cook evenly or twist as well.
Detailed Easy Steps
- Give the Bacon a Twist:
- Grab both ends of a slice and spin it until you get a tight coil. Twist them all like this. Tighter twists mean more crunch and fun shapes.
- Pop into Your Air Fryer:
- Tuck all those spiral bacon strips into the basket but don't cram them. Leave some gaps so air can flow. If your fryer runs small do them in shifts so everything crisps up nicely.
- Cook It Up:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F. Let the bacon cook about 13-15 minutes and peek after 12 to catch your favorite crunch. Add little extra time if you like super crispy.
- Dig In:
- When the bacon looks deep golden and crispy, grab it with tongs out of the basket (it's hot!), and let it drain on paper towels if you want it less greasy. Best when eaten while still warm.
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I totally prefer beef bacon for the air fryer—rich and holds up to the heat so well. My kids always want to see who can twist theirs the curliest and are always up for helping out.
Smart Storage
This bacon is best right away but stashes fine in the fridge for up to three days—just seal it in a container. Warm it back up in the air fryer for two or three minutes at 350°F so it gets crisp again. Don't use the microwave unless you want floppy bacon!
Switch-Ups
Go for pork, turkey, or even plant-based bacon if you’d like. Keep an eye on the cook time for skinny or lean strips since they finish much quicker and can dry out faster. The twist shape is fun with all of them!
Fun Ways to Serve
Stack on a brunch board with scrambled eggs and fruit, or stuff the twists into sandwiches for extra crunch. The curly look makes these a real hit for parties—try them solo or dunk them in syrup or spicy honey.
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Where This Idea Came From
Bacon’s always been a breakfast favorite, but that one little twist makes it fresh and new. Folks everywhere got into the trend thanks to social media, and air fryers make it a breeze to get bacon just right with almost no mess.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I get twisted bacon extra crunchy?
Twist those strips super snug and pop them in the air fryer at 350°F. Check them as they go—if you want more crunch, just let 'em cook a bit longer.
- → Can I make this with other bacon types?
Sure, swap in pork or turkey bacon. Different kinds have different fat, so just watch your timing and check for doneness.
- → How should I stack the bacon in the fryer basket?
Lay out the twisted pieces in one layer. Give each one some space, so hot air can get all around and crisp them up evenly.
- → What if my bacon is thick-cut?
Thicker than usual? Just give them a few more minutes in the fryer and peek in to see if they're perfect for you.
- → Should I eat twisted bacon while it's still hot?
Definitely! It’s best fresh from the fryer when it’s really crispy and full of flavor.