Bacon doesn’t need much to be perfect, but a little twist changes everything. Air Fryer Twisted Bacon turns ordinary strips into crispy, spiraled bites that cook evenly and look way more fun on the plate.
I tested this during a particularly chaotic Sunday brunch last springthree pans going, coffee everywhere, and I needed bacon fast. Twisting the strips before they hit the air fryer basket kept them from curling up into themselves, and the fat rendered out so clean. After a decade of writing about shortcuts that actually work, this one’s a keeper.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon delivers crispy, flavorful bacon with a delightful twist. This simple recipe ensures perfectly cooked strips with just the right amount of softness in every curl. Enjoy a quick and tasty breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound bacon
Instructions
Twist each bacon strip by holding both ends and rotating until fully curled.
Lay all twisted bacon strips evenly in the air fryer basket or on a rimmed baking tray.
Air fry at 350 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches the crispness you prefer.
Notes
One pound of bacon has about 18 slices Serving size is 2 slices
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Category:Breakfast
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:2 slices
Calories:80kcal
Sodium:320mg
Fat:7g
Saturated Fat:2.5g
Unsaturated Fat:1g + 3g
Protein:5g
Cholesterol:15mg
Why You’ll Love This Twisted Bacon Hack
Twisting each strip before it hits the basket sounds fussy, but it actually saves you from flipping halfway through. The fat renders evenly, the edges crisp up without burning, and you get those soft, tender spirals in the middle that make every bite interesting.
Hands-off: No flipping, no babysitting, no grease splatter on your stovetop.
Works for any thickness: Whether you grabbed regular-cut or thick-cut bacon, the twist keeps it from curling into itself.
Looks impressive: Great for brunch plates, breakfast boards, or when you just want your bacon to feel a little more special.
What You’ll Need
This is about as simple as it gets. One ingredient, one piece of equipment, and five minutes of prep while your coffee brews.
Bacon: One pound gives you about 18 slicesenough for a family breakfast or meal prep for the week.
Air fryer: Any size works. If your basket is small, cook in batches and keep the first round warm in a low oven.
Pro Tip: Let the bacon sit at room temperature for a few minutes before twisting. It’s easier to handle and won’t tear as you spiral it.
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
The process is quick and satisfying. Once you get into a rhythm, twisting the strips becomes oddly meditativelike folding laundry, but with better results.
Step
What to Do
1
Hold both ends of one bacon strip and twist it gently until the entire piece spirals.
Set air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13–15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
4
Remove carefully (the fat will be hot), let rest for a minute, and serve.
Note: If your bacon is on the thicker side, add a minute or two. For extra-crispy edges, bump the temp to 375°F for the last two minutes.
Quick Tips and Tweaks
Here’s what I’ve learned after making this more times than I can countusually when I’m trying to get breakfast on the table before someone leaves the house.
Don’t overlap: Give each twisted strip a little breathing room so the air circulates evenly.
Save the drippings: Pour the rendered fat into a jar once it cools. It’s gold for frying eggs or roasting vegetables.
Prep ahead: Twist the bacon the night before, lay it on parchment in the fridge, and air fry it in the morning.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover twisted bacon keeps beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep or busy mornings when you just need to grab and go.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tip
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 5 days
Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp
Freezer (wrapped in foil or freezer bag)
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight, then air fry or microwave for 30 seconds
Pro Tip: If you’re packing it for lunch, tuck a twisted strip into a breakfast sandwich or crumble it over a salad. The spirals hold their shape even after reheating.
It took me weeks to get Air Fryer Twisted Bacon just right. My first attempts came out either too greasy or dried out, until I learned the trick was all in the temperature and timing. Now they turn out crispy, evenly cooked, and so much easier than the oven method.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Twisted Bacon )
What temperature should I use for cooking twisted bacon?
Set your air fryer to 375°F for perfectly crispy twisted bacon. This temperature allows the fat to render slowly while creating those beautiful crispy edges. Cook for 8-12 minutes depending on your preferred crispiness level.
How do I twist the bacon properly?
Hold one end of the bacon strip and gently twist the other end in a spiral motion. Make loose twists rather than tight ones to ensure even cooking. The bacon should look like a corkscrew when you’re done.
Do I need to flip the bacon during cooking?
Yes, flip the twisted strips halfway through cooking for even browning. Use tongs to gently turn each piece at the 4-5 minute mark. This ensures both sides get perfectly crispy without burning.
Should I preheat my air fryer first?
Preheating for 2-3 minutes helps achieve more consistent results with this recipe. It ensures the bacon starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket. Most modern air fryers heat up quickly, so this step only takes a few minutes.
What type of bacon works best for twisting?
Regular cut bacon works best for this dish as it’s flexible enough to twist without breaking. Thick-cut bacon can be harder to twist and may cook unevenly. Choose bacon that’s not too cold from the fridge for easier handling.
You’re Going to Love This
This Air Fryer Twisted Bacon takes about fifteen minutes and delivers crispy edges with tender, spiraled centers that make every bite feel special. The fat renders clean, the texture stays interesting, and honestly, it just looks better on the plate. You’ll love how simple it is to pull off something that feels this polished.
If you want a little sweetness, brush the twisted strips with maple syrup during the last two minutes of cooking. For a spicy kick, dust them with smoked paprika or cayenne before they go in. Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer for a couple minutesthey crisp right back up. A trick I picked up from a friend who meal-preps breakfast: twist a whole pound on Sunday night, keep it covered, and fry it fresh each morning.
If you make this, I’d love to see how your spirals turn outtag me or drop a photo in the comments. Did you twist bacon as a kid, or is this your first time giving it a go? Either way, save this one for your next brunch or share it with someone who deserves really good bacon. It’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel a little more yours.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
