Twisted Bacon
Bacon is already pretty close to perfect. It’s savory, crispy, and makes everything better. So, how could you possibly improve upon perfection? By twisting it. Literally. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen a video of someone pulling a beautiful, spiraled stick of bacon from an air fryer. My friend, you’ve witnessed the magic of twisted bacon.
This isn’t just a gimmick to look cool online (though it definitely does that, too). Twisting the bacon before air frying creates a totally unique texture. You get these wonderfully crispy edges combined with a satisfyingly chewy center. It’s the best of both worlds in every single bite. Forget flat, brittle strips that shatter when you look at them, or floppy pieces that didn’t quite crisp up. These bacon twists are sturdy, dippable, and ridiculously fun to eat.
Why Twisted Bacon is a Game-Changer
So what’s all the fuss about? Is it really that different from just laying a strip of bacon flat in a pan? In a word: yes.
- The Perfect Texture: By twisting the bacon, you create more surface area. The outside gets perfectly crispy from the circulating hot air, while the inside stays tender and chewy. It’s a texture combination that a flat strip just can’t replicate.
- Insanely Quick: The air fryer cooks these bacon twists in about 5 minutes. That’s faster than preheating most ovens and involves way less splatter than pan-frying.
- Less Grease, Same Flavor: The grease drips down into the bottom of the air fryer basket, away from your bacon. You get a less greasy final product without sacrificing any of that rich, savory flavor.
- Fun Factor: Let’s be honest, they just look cool. They’re perfect for dipping into eggs, standing up in a Bloody Mary, or adding a “wow” factor to a charcuterie board.
Just One Ingredient (Seriously!)
This might be the shortest ingredient list you’ll ever see. All you need is:
- Bacon: About 9 slices. Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe. It twists easily and gets crispy without burning.
That’s it! Of course, you can get creative with seasonings, but the basic recipe is beautifully simple.
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Ready for the easiest recipe of your life? Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Get your air fryer preheating to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. A hot start is key to getting that initial sizzle for crispy results.
Step 2: Twist the Bacon
While the air fryer preheats, get your bacon ready. Take one slice at a time and hold it at both ends. Twist it tightly in opposite directions until it forms a tight spiral. It should look like a little bacon rope.
Step 3: Arrange in the Basket
Place the twisted bacon sticks in your air fryer basket. You can stand them up, leaning them against the sides of the basket, or lay them down.
Just make sure they aren’t overlapping too much, so the hot air can work its magic on all sides. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and how crispy you like your bacon. I find that 5 minutes is the sweet spot for crispy-chewy, but if you like it extra crunchy, you might go for 6 or 7 minutes. Just keep an eye on it the first time you make it!
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Once the bacon is golden brown and crispy to your liking, carefully remove the twists from the air fryer. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra grease. Let them cool for a minute or two—they will get even crispier as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You have questions, I have answers. Here are some common queries about making twisted bacon.
Yes, but with some adjustments. Thick-cut bacon will work, but it will need a longer cooking time (closer to 8-10 minutes). Turkey bacon can also be used, but it’s leaner and might not get as crispy. Maple-glazed bacon is delicious, but watch it closely as the sugar can cause it to burn faster.
The key is to twist it tightly! When you twist the bacon strip, give it a good, firm spiral from end to end. Placing them snugly in the basket also helps them hold their shape as they cook and shrink.
Absolutely! This is where you can have fun. Before twisting, try sprinkling your bacon with black pepper, smoked paprika, a little brown sugar for a candied effect, or even some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
You sure can. You can cook a batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To get that fresh-cooked crispiness back, just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes to reheat.
The possibilities are endless! They are fantastic for dipping into the runny yolk of a fried egg. Use them as stir sticks for a brunch cocktail. Add them to a charcuterie board for a crunchy, salty element. Or, just eat them as a snack. No judgment here.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Ingredients
- 9 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Take each slice of bacon and twist it into a spiral shape.
- Place the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook the bacon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Once the bacon is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Let the twisted bacon cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ready to Join the Twist?
This Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is more than just a viral trend; it’s a genuinely better way to cook bacon. It’s fast, less messy, and delivers a texture that will make you wonder why you ever cooked it flat.
Give this recipe a try this weekend! Did you experiment with different seasonings? How did you serve them? Snap a picture, share it on social media, and tag us—we’d love to see your crispy creations. Happy twisting
