Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: Your New Favorite Crunchy Obsession
Hey there, kitchen rockstars! 👋 Raise your hand if you’ve ever stood at the stove dodging bacon grease splatters like it’s an Olympic sport. 🙋♀️ What if I told you there’s a way to make insanely crispy, swoon-worthy bacon with zero drama, minimal cleanup, and a fun twist—literally? Enter your air fryer, the MVP that transforms humble bacon into edible magic wands with ridges so crunchy, so golden, they’ll make you wanna high-five your appliance. This isn’t just bacon—it’s twisted bacon, the viral sensation that’s equal parts playful and perfection. Perfect for lazy brunches, next-level BLTs, or sneaky midnight snacks (no judgment here!). Let’s turn that sizzle into celebration!
Bacon, Grandma, and the Joy of Messy First Attempts
Picture this: 10-year-old me, standing on a wobbly stool in my Grandma Betty’s kitchen, determined to “help” fry bacon. Spoiler: It ended with a grease volcano erupting on her vintage floral wallpaper. 💥 Years later, while taste-testing bacon-wrapped everything at a Texas food truck rally, I discovered twisted bacon—a revelation! But recreating it? My first batch resembled crispy caterpillars escaping the pan. Cue the air fryer: my game-changer. No more grease fireworks, just pure twisted joy. Now, every time I make these, I imagine Grandma Betty’s chuckle from above… probably saying, “’Bout time you found a smarter way, sweet pea.”
What You’ll Need (Spoiler: It’s Mostly Bacon!)
- 9 slices bacon – Chef’s tip: Thick-cut works BEST—it holds twists without snapping! Regular bacon? Still delish, but twist gently. Sub with turkey bacon for leaner vibes (add 1 tsp oil to prevent dryness).
Wait, just bacon? Yep! The beauty lies in simplicity. But choosing quality bacon matters. Smoked applewood? Hello, campfire coziness! Maple-glazed? Sweet-salty heaven. Avoid super-thin slices—they crisp too fast and lose the twist.
Let’s Twist & Sizzle: Your Foolproof Roadmap
- Twist Time! Take one bacon slice. Hold ends firmly, twist it like you’re wringing out a tiny towel (but gently!). Rotate 3-4 times until it resembles a spiral. Pro hack: Slightly room-temp bacon twists easier! Cold bacon = snap risk.
- Basket Ballet Arrange twists in a SINGLE layer with space between—they’re like introverts needing personal bubbles! Overcrowding = floppy bacon. Secret weapon: Lightly spritz basket with oil to prevent sticking (trust me!).
- Air Fry Alchemy Set to 375°F (190°C). Cook 8-10 min for chewy-meets-crisp bliss (my fave!), or 12-14 min for deep crunch. Flip halfway! Watch closely after 8 mins—air fryers vary wildly.
- Patience, Padawan Transfer twists to a paper towel. WAIT 3-5 mins. They crisp up dramatically while resting—like bacon’s grand finale!
Why flip? Ensures even rendering! That pooled fat = flavor gold. See smoke? Pause and sprinkle 1 tbsp water in the drawer—stops burning without sogging bacon.
How to Serve Your Twisted Masterpiece
Slide these spirals onto a warm platter with toothpicks for snacking. Brunch superstar? Lean ’em against fluffy scrambled eggs or tuck into avocado toast. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with warm maple syrup or dunk in spicy ketchup. For epic sandwiches, layer twisted bacon on a buttery biscuit with tomato and arugula—it clings to fillings like a flavor hug!
5 Twists on Twists (Because Why Not?)
- Sweet Heat: Brush twists with maple syrup + sprinkle chili flakes pre-cook.
- BBQ Boss: Toss cooked twists in smoked paprika + brown sugar.
- Garlic-Parm: Shower warm twists with grated parm + garlic powder.
- Candied Crunch: Press brown sugar onto twists pre-air-fry (adds caramelized crust!).
- Turkey Twist: Use turkey bacon + brush lightly with olive oil. Cook 1-2 mins less.
Confessions from My Twisted Kitchen
Okay, real talk: My first test batch? I twisted so tight they shrank into bacon knots. Lesson: Relaxed twists = better texture! These also freeze beautifully—cool completely, store in ziplocks, and reheat 3 mins in air fryer. They’ve become my secret weapon for parties; I once brought a mountain to a potluck, and they vanished faster than my willpower near chocolate. 🥓✨
Your Burning Bacon Questions—Answered!
Q: Why did my twists unravel?
A: Likely over-twisted or thin bacon! Thick slices + gentle spirals hold best. A light press after flipping helps too.
Q: Can I use the oven instead?
A> Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a sheet pan (20-25 mins). But air fryer wins for speed + crispness.
Q: Bacon stuck to the basket! Help!
A> Spritz that basket pre-bacon! Or use parchment with holes cut for airflow. Non-stick spray works too.
Q: Is turkey bacon twist-worthy?
A> Yes! Brush lightly with oil before twisting—it lacks natural fat. Cook 1-2 mins less than pork.
Quick Nutrition & Prep Facts
Prep: 2 mins | Cook: 8-14 mins | Serves: 3
Calories: ~140 per serving | Low-carb/Keto-friendly!
Note: Values vary by bacon brand/thickness. For crispier bacon, fat renders more, lowering calories slightly.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
- Total Time: 16 mins
- Yield: 3 1x
Description
Crispy edges, tender chew, and a fun-to-eat twist—Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is the perfect combo of texture and flavor. Whether for brunch, snacking, or next-level sandwich topping, this viral favorite is ridiculously easy and totally addictive.
Ingredients
9 slices of bacon
Instructions
Twist each slice of bacon tightly from end to end.
Place twists in the air fryer basket with a bit of space between each one.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for chewy texture or 12–14 minutes for crispier bacon.
Let cool slightly—they crisp up more as they rest.
Serve as is or with your favorite breakfast plate!
Notes
Crispy, savory, and super snackable—this bacon twist is about to be your new favorite bite.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 8 - 14 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 140 per serving
Final Thoughts: Let’s Hear It for the Twist 🎉🥓
Who knew one little twist could bring so much joy? Whether you’re team chewy or ride-or-die crunchy, twisted bacon is that magical combo of fun-to-make and impossible-to-resist. It’s proof that small changes—like a spiral instead of a flat fry—can turn ordinary into unforgettable.
I hope this recipe adds a little more crunch to your mornings, a little more fun to your party platters, and a lot more “wait, you made THAT in the air fryer?!” to your kitchen confidence. Remember: perfection isn’t the goal—crispy happiness is. So get in there, twist like no one’s watching, and savor every golden bite.
Next time you’re craving something salty, crispy, and downright addictive, skip the stovetop and grab your air fryer. Because when life gets messy, bacon should never be. 💁♀️
