I’ve always been a fan of bacon. Its irresistible aroma in the morning and that perfect balance of salty and savory makes it one of my favorite breakfast staples. But over the years, I’ve realized that achieving crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the mess of frying on the stove can be a little tricky. That’s when I discovered the magic of the air fryer. The result? Bacon that’s perfectly crisp, less greasy, and full of flavor, all with minimal cleanup.
Experimenting with twisted bacon in the air fryer has been a game-changer. Twisting each strip not only looks fun but also allows for extra crunchy edges that are almost addictive. I love serving this as a snack for brunch or pairing it with eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast. Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch and savory goodness, making it an absolute must-try in my kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bacon: The star of this recipe, bacon should be thick-cut for best results. Thick slices hold their shape better when twisted and give a satisfying crunch without burning too quickly. Choose a quality bacon brand with balanced fat content for flavor and crispiness.
Brown Sugar (optional): Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the twisted bacon. It enhances the savory flavor and gives a lightly glazed finish that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a gentle kick and balances the sweet and salty flavors. It also adds a subtle layer of aroma when cooking in the air fryer.
Cooking Spray: A light coat of cooking spray on the air fryer basket prevents the bacon from sticking while still allowing it to crisp up nicely. You can also use a little oil if preferred, but a spray works best for even cooking.
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Prepare the Bacon
Start by laying your bacon slices flat. If you want to add brown sugar and black pepper, sprinkle each slice evenly on top. Twist each strip gently into a spiral shape, which will help create those irresistible crispy edges.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up quickly.
Arrange the Bacon
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the twisted bacon strips in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the bacon evenly.
Cook the Bacon
Air fry the twisted bacon for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway through. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Adjust the time as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Choose thick-cut bacon for optimal twisting and crispiness.
- Keep the twists even so the bacon cooks uniformly.
- Use brown sugar sparingly if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Check the bacon a minute or two early if you like it slightly chewy, or a little longer for extra crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, but regular bacon may curl more and cook faster, so keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Do I need to flip the bacon halfway through?
Not necessarily. Twisting the bacon allows it to cook evenly, but flipping once can ensure extra crispiness.
Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?
Absolutely! The bacon will still be crispy and delicious without it; the sugar just adds a caramelized sweetness.
How long can I store leftover bacon?
Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Can I freeze twisted bacon?
Yes! Freeze raw twisted bacon on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.