How To Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon (+ Oven Directions)
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If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your bacon look no further than this air fryer twisted bacon recipe. The twisted shape is a fun addition to your breakfast table and the optional flavorings kick plain old regular bacon to the curb.
Cooking bacon in the air fryer is a game changer! It’s quick, hassle-free and delivers crispy bacon twists. And you can make it plain or use seasonings to amp up the flavor.
Technically all you need to make air fried twisted bacon is bacon, but it’s fun to change it up with different flavors. I’m including several of our favorite seasonings below but feel free to get creative and experiment. My new favorite is combining the sweet and spicy seasonings for a flavorful kick.
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We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
Why you should make this viral TikTok twisted bacon recipe
Although twisted bacon has been around forever you may have seen it trending on TikTok recently. I think it’s taken off because it’s a fun way to put a unique spin on traditional bacon, like when I made bacon roses for a bouquet.
Most of the TikTok recipes are oven-baked but I wanted to test making it in the air fryer. And it did not disappoint! Not only are the twists pretty, each piece is crispy but still soft. You know, like the best of both worlds! If you love a viral TikTok recipe, be sure to try out these pasta chips.
So say goodbye to the days of messy stovetops and burnt bacon strips. Remember this easy recipe the next time you want to elevate your breakfast or brunch, add a bacon twist to your burger toppings or need an easy dish for your game day parties.
New to air frying? Get the low down on maximizing your usage of this amazing small appliance, including easy clean up tips, with our best air fryer tips for beginners.
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
- Bacon – thicker slices work best with this recipe
Optional Flavor Ingredients
- Sweet: 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- Bold: 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Spicy: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make Twisted Bacon in the Air Fryer
Separate the bacon slices. If you are going to make different flavors, divide the slices.
Grab a strip of bacon and rotate it into a twist shape. Place it on a pan or plate and continue with remaining slices. Then add the seasoning if using.
Place the bacon twists in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. If you like crispy bacon, increase the cooking time until desired crispiness is reached.
Transfer the twisty bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain the grease before serving.
Tips for Making Bacon Twists
- One pound of bacon will yield approximately 16-17 slices. If you are using thick cut bacon you may have fewer slices.
- Thicker bacon strips work best with this recipe because the thinner strips don’t hold the twist shape as well and they tend to fall apart.
- Keep the bacon chilled until you are ready to get started. Twisting is much easier when using cold bacon.
- Depending on the model (size) of your air fryer you may need to cut the bacon strips in half before twisting, to make sure they will fit in the basket.
- For chewier bacon, make the twists looser. It’s OK for the twists to touch in the basket.
- For super crispy bacon make the twists tighter and leave a little room in between each one.
- Using a parchment paper liner makes for easier cleanup.
- Because there may be some excess grease in the bottom of your air fryer, it’s easier to clean it up before it congeals. Simply pour out what you can then wipe the bottom of the air fryer basket clean with a paper towel. You can finish washing with soapy water later.
Get the low down on our 12 must-have accessories for air fryer cooking.
How to Make Oven Baked Twisted Bacon
To make in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then follow the same instructions above. Bake for 20 minutes then flip the strips.
Continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the twists reach your preferred consistency – cook less time for chewy bacon and increase the cooking time for crispier bacon. Remove twists from the baking pan and drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I use turkey bacon to make twists?
Yes you can! Make sure to use a thicker cut bacon and follow the recipe as directed.
Ways to Serve Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
The options are unlimited for this popular breakfast food. You can serve it as a side dish with traditional breakfast or brunch fare like eggs, sweet cream waffles and pancakes or as an easy snack the whole family will love.
It’s also a fun addition to charcuterie boards and bloody Mary bars. Or pile the twists on a platter and watch them disappear at your next tailgating or game day party.
In the market for a new air fryer? Get the scoop on all the options to help you choose the right air fryer.
How to Store Leftover Bacon Twists
These are best when they are served fresh out of the air fryer, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until heated through.
More Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes:
- Air Fryer Breakfast Bombs {Scratch Made}
- Puff Pastry Egg Tarts {2 Ways!}
- Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
- Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts {3 Ways}
**Save Air Fried Twisted Bacon Recipe for Later**
Twisted Bacon in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, thicker cut works best
Flavor Option Ingredients:
- Sweet: 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- Bold: 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Spicy: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Remove bacon from packaging and separate the slices. If making multiple flavors, divide the bacon slices into the quantity you want per flavor. We did half brown sugar, 1/4 black pepper, and 1/4 cayenne pepper today.
- Twist each bacon strip and lay it out on a sheet pan or plate. Sprinkle bacon twists with seasoning, if using.
- Place the bacon twists in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° F for ten minutes. Cook a few more minutes if you prefer crispier bacon.
- Remove twists and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
Notes
- One pound of bacon will yield approximately 16-17 slices. The number of slices will vary based on the thickness of the bacon.
- Cold bacon is easier to twist. If your bacon has warmed up a bit, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- If your air fryer basket is smaller, cut the bacon slices in half before proceeding with the recipe.
- For crispier bacon: make the twists tighter and leave a little room between each twist in the basket.
- For chewier bacon: make looser twists and it’s OK if the twists are touching in the basket.
- Use a parchment paper liner for easier cleanup.
- Leftovers: bacon twists are best eaten fresh but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave or air fryer.
- Oven directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then make as directed. Bake for 20 minutes, turn the twists and continue baking for 18-20 minutes until desired doneness. Remove from oven and drain twists on paper towels.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
