Crispy edges, golden spirals, and that perfect snap when you bite inair fryer twisted bacon turns breakfast into something a little fancy without any extra fuss. You twist the strips before cooking, and the air fryer does the rest.
I started making these during a Sunday brunch test back in spring 2019, mostly because I wanted bacon that looked impressive but didn’t leave my stovetop splattered. The twist helps the fat render evenly while the edges get shatteringly crispsomething I learned after about twenty batches for the blog. My neighbor texted me later that week asking if I’d “done something different” because her kids kept asking for “the curly bacon.”
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe Easy and Irresistible
Enjoy a simple and delightful air fryer twisted bacon recipe that’s both crispy and tender in the curls. This easy bacon air fryer method produces perfectly twisted bacon strips that deliver a flavorful twist on the classic crispy bacon recipe, ideal for breakfast or snacks.
Grab a slice of bacon and hold each end firmly, then twist it until fully coiled.
Keep twisting each strip in the same way, arranging all twisted strips evenly in your air fryer basket or on a rimmed baking tray.
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the twisted bacon for about 13 to 15 minutes, checking to ensure it crisps to your liking.
Notes
One pound of bacon typically contains around 18 slices. The suggested serving size is 2 slices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This twist on breakfast bacon delivers perfectly crispy edges without the stovetop mess. The spirals cook evenly because the air circulates around every curve, rendering the fat while keeping the center tender.
Minimal cleanup: No grease splatter on your stove or countertopsjust a quick wipe of the basket.
Looks fancy, feels easy: The twisted shape makes brunch feel special, but it only takes seconds to twist each strip.
Customizable crispness: You control the final texture by adjusting the time by a minute or two.
One-pound batch: About 18 slices fit in most baskets, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list couldn’t be simplerjust one pound of bacon. I prefer standard-cut slices because they twist easily without tearing, but thick-cut works if you add a couple extra minutes to the cook time. Look for packages with uniform slices so they cook at the same rate.
Equipment: You only need an air fryer. I use a basket-style model, but tray versions work just as welljust make sure the bacon strips aren’t overlapping too much or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Hold each end of a bacon strip and twist it like you’re wringing out a towelkeep turning until the whole piece spirals into a tight corkscrew. Place each twisted strip in the basket or on a rimmed tray, leaving a little space between them so the hot air can work its magic.
Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13 to 15 minutes. The lower temperature lets the fat render slowly without burning the edges. Check at the 12-minute mark if you like softer bacon, or let it go the full 15 for extra snap.
Pro Tip: If your bacon is cold from the fridge, it twists more easily and holds its shape better during cooking.
Step
Time
What to Look For
Twist strips
5 minutes
Tight spirals, no overlapping
Air fry at 350°F
13–15 minutes
Golden edges, fat mostly rendered
Rest
5 minutes
Crisps up further as it cools
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Bacon continues to crisp as it cools, so pull it a minute early if you’re unsureit firms up beautifully on the plate. If your slices unravel during cooking, try twisting them tighter next time or securing the ends with toothpicks (remove before serving).
Don’t overcrowd: Leave at least a quarter-inch between strips so air circulates freely.
Flip halfway (optional): Most air fryers cook evenly without flipping, but if your model has hot spots, turn the strips at the 8-minute mark.
Save the drippings: Pour the rendered fat into a glass jar once cooledit’s perfect for sautéing vegetables or frying eggs later in the week.
How to Serve and Store
Serve these warm alongside scrambled eggs, tucked into a breakfast sandwich, or crumbled over a salad for a smoky crunch. They also make a fun appetizer when paired with maple syrup for dippingthe sweet-salty combo always wins over guests.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for two to three minutes to bring back the crispness, or microwave for 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry (though it won’t be quite as crunchy).
Storage Method
Duration
Best For
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 4 days
Meal prep, quick breakfasts
Freezer (parchment-lined)
Up to 1 month
Batch cooking, future brunches
Counter (paper towel-lined plate)
2 hours max
Serving at a party
Variations and Swaps
While the classic version uses regular bacon, turkey bacon works in a pinchjust reduce the cook time to 10 to 12 minutes since it has less fat. For a sweet-savory twist, brush the strips lightly with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar before twisting (watch closely after the 10-minute mark to avoid burning).
Spice it up: Dust twisted strips with black pepper, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne before cooking. The seasonings stick to the curves and create little pockets of flavor in every bite.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Twisted Bacon)
How long does it take to cook twisted bacon in the air fryer?
Twisted bacon typically takes 8-12 minutes at 375°F, depending on thickness and desired crispiness. Check at 8 minutes and add time as needed. The twisting helps cook more evenly than flat strips.
What temperature should I use for this recipe?
Set your air fryer to 375°F for perfectly crispy results. This temperature allows the fat to render properly while creating that golden-brown finish. Lower temperatures may result in chewy bacon.
Do I need to flip the bacon during cooking?
Yes, flip the twisted bacon halfway through cooking for even browning. Use tongs to gently turn each piece at the 4-6 minute mark. This ensures both sides get crispy.
How do I prevent the bacon from untwisting while cooking?
Twist the bacon tightly and place it seam-side down first. The initial cooking will help set the shape. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can cause pieces to unfurl and stick together.
Should I drain grease during cooking?
Drain excess grease halfway through cooking if your basket has more than 2 tablespoons. Too much grease can cause smoking and uneven cooking. Save the rendered fat for other cooking uses.
You’ll love how air fryer twisted bacon turns outgolden spirals with crispy edges in just fifteen minutes, no grease splatter across your stovetop. The bacon stays tender in the center while those curves get shatteringly crunchy, exactly what weekend brunch needs. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but feels effortless, the kind you’ll make again next Saturday.
Try brushing the twists with a little maple syrup before cooking for a sweet-salty glaze, or dust them with smoked paprika if you want a hint of heat. Leftover bacon keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four daysjust reheat in the air fryer for two minutes to bring back that crispness. A trick I picked up from my cousin’s farmhouse kitchen: save those bacon drippings in a glass jar and use them to fry eggs or sauté green beans later in the week.
Did this recipe remind you of lazy Sunday mornings growing up, when bacon meant the whole house smelled like comfort? I’d love to see your twisted bacon creationstag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below with your favorite way to serve them. Save this one for your next brunch gathering or tuck it away for a weekday treat when you need something special without the fuss.
