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This crazy-good crunchy twisted bacon is ready in a snap with just your air fryer and barely any effort. Making spirals isn't just fun—it turns each piece super crispy on the outside with a little soft chew in the center. The crispy bits and texture boost make it the highlight of every brunch table.
The first time I tried twisting bacon before tossing it in the air fryer, my family demolished it. We’re all about the extra crunch outside and the juicy middle. It’s a snack that disappears fast every single time.
Tasty Ingredients
- Beef bacon: Grab thick slices for the best crunch—thicker ones hold their shape way better and get that perfect crisp without shattering. If you spot slices that look uneven, skip ‘em because they won’t cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Serve It Up:
- Pull out the bacon as soon as it’s golden and crisp. Use some tongs since it’s super hot. Drop it on paper towels if you want less grease, then dive in while it’s fresh for maximum crunchiness.
- Air Fry It:
- Fire up your air fryer at 350 F. Toss bacon in for roughly 13 to 15 minutes. Check after 12 minutes—bacon gets crispy fast near the end. If you want it extra crunchy, just add a minute or two.
- Fill Up the Air Fryer:
- Lay your bacon spirals into the air fryer basket, leaving a little room in between so hot air moves around. Crowded basket? Make a few batches to keep every piece crispy all over.
- Make Twists:
- Pinch both ends of a bacon strip and twist until it’s super tight. Do this for all your slices. The more you twist, the crispier and curlier it’ll be!
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Beef bacon is hands-down my go-to in the air fryer because it keeps its beefy flavor and stays juicy under all that crisp. My kids always want to see whose bacon curls get the wildest and love jumping in to twist strips together.
How to Store
You’ll get the best crunch if you eat twisted bacon fresh, but leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for about three days. For reheating, pop them back in the air fryer for two or three minutes at 350 degrees so they stay crispy. Skip the microwave, though—it just turns them soggy.
Ingredient Swaps
You can use pork bacon, turkey bacon, or even plant-based strips instead of beef. Just shave a minute or two off the cook time if they’re thin or low on fat—those cook super quick and can dry out. The twist trick works with every kind.
Serving Ideas
Make a breakfast board with twisted bacon, fluffy eggs, and fruit. Or, stuff them in a sandwich for extra crunch. They’re also seriously fun on appetizer trays—serve them on their own or dunk in things like spicy honey or maple syrup.
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How It Got Popular
Bacon’s been on morning menus forever, but twisting it gives classic strips some new flair. Social media made this method a hit because it looks wild and is easy—plus, no more greasy mess thanks to the air fryer.
Common Questions
- → What’s the trick for super crunchy twisted bacon?
Give each slice a good twist, set your air fryer for 350°F, and cook until they’re as crispy as you want. If you want them extra crunchy, leave them a minute or two longer.
- → Can I swap out beef bacon for another type?
Absolutely, you can try this with turkey or pork bacon. Just keep an eye out—different types and thickness might change how long they take to get done.
- → How do I lay out bacon strips in the air fryer?
Make sure twisted strips aren’t piled up. Lay each one down so there’s space in between, so hot air can reach every bit and cook them all through.
- → Got thick bacon slices—what now?
If your bacon’s thicker than usual, bump up the cook time by a couple minutes and peek in to see when it looks just right to you.
- → Should twisted bacon be eaten right away?
Oh yeah, it’s best when it’s piping hot and fresh for that max crunch and yum.