Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

What I like about this air fryer method is that twisting the bacon creates more exposed edges, so you get better crisping than with flat strips. The part I pay attention to most is spacing. If the twists touch or the basket gets crowded, the bacon steams in its own grease instead of browning well.

This version keeps it simple: twist, air fry at 375°F (190°C), then drain briefly on paper towels. Center-cut bacon is the easiest fit for most baskets, and the finished twists come out crisp, savory, and easy to serve with breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

• 8 to 12 slices center-cut bacon (about 340g)
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt, optional
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon fine ground black pepper, optional

Ingredient note: I’d keep the seasoning light here because bacon already brings plenty of salt. Fine salt and pepper work best if you use them, since they stick to the twists more evenly than coarser seasonings. If you want to try different finishing salts or peppers, Selefina has good options.

Center-cut bacon is the most practical choice because it twists neatly and fits the basket more easily. If you only have regular sliced bacon, cut long strips in half crosswise before twisting so they fit without folding over.

How to Make Twisted Bacon in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes if your air fryer browns better with immediate heat. Make sure the basket or tray is clean and dry. You usually do not need oil, but a very light spray is fine if your basket tends to stick.
2. Twist the bacon: Twist each slice firmly into a rope shape. If a strip is too long for your basket, cut it to fit before twisting. I find this works best when the twist is fairly tight, since loose strips can relax as the fat renders.
3. Season lightly: If using the salt and pepper, sprinkle them on very lightly. Too much seasoning can easily overpower the bacon.
4. Arrange in a single layer: Place the twisted strips in the basket in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if needed so the bacon crisps instead of steaming.
5. Air fry until crisp: Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model. Start checking early, especially with thinner slices or smaller, more powerful baskets. I usually look for deeply browned edges, rendered fat, and twists that look crisp on the outside rather than pale or floppy.
6. Flip if needed: If your air fryer browns unevenly, flip the strips or rotate the basket halfway through cooking. This is especially helpful with thicker bacon or oven-style air fryers.
7. Drain and serve: Transfer the bacon to paper towels for 1 to 2 minutes. It will firm up a bit more as it cools, so serve it right away for the best texture.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Twisted Bacon

375°F (190°C) is a solid starting point for twisted bacon. For most center-cut slices, 8 to 12 minutes is the right range, but bacon is one of those foods where the visual cue matters more than the clock.

I rely on color and texture here because air fryer models vary. Start checking once the bacon looks browned around the edges and the fat has rendered. If the center of the twist still looks soft, give it another minute or two and check again.

How to Keep Twisted Bacon Crisp in the Air Fryer

This is where the texture can go wrong. If the basket is crowded, the bacon sits in too much hot grease and trapped steam, so the outside stays softer than it should.

Keep the strips separated, cook in batches if needed, and move the finished bacon to paper towels right away. If you want a more classic flat-strip version, see Crispy Air Fryer Bacon.

Air Fryer Bacon Troubleshooting

The twists are opening up

Twist the bacon more tightly before it goes into the basket. If the strips are long, cut them into shorter pieces first so they fit without bending.

The bacon is smoking

Too much rendered fat in the basket is usually the cause. Cook smaller batches, and if you are making multiple rounds, carefully pour off excess grease once the air fryer is safe to handle.

The bacon is browning unevenly

Flip the twists or rotate them partway through cooking. Some air fryers simply brown harder on one side or in one corner.

The bacon is still too soft

Add 1 to 2 more minutes and check again. Thick slices often need longer, while turkey bacon needs closer checking so it does not dry out.

Bacon Thickness Notes for Twisted Bacon

Regular sliced bacon works, but you may need to cut it in half crosswise before twisting if the strips are too long for your basket. Center-cut still gives the easiest shape and most even fit.

Thick-cut bacon needs more time and usually benefits from flipping so both sides brown evenly. If you are using thicker slices, see Air Fryer Thick Cut Bacon for a similar approach.

Turkey bacon can be used, but it behaves differently from pork bacon and dries out faster. Twist it only as much as it will hold, then start checking earlier than you would with standard bacon.

What to Serve with Twisted Bacon

Serve it with eggs, toast, pancakes, waffles, or brunch potatoes. It also fits well into breakfast sandwiches or biscuit sandwiches.

Leftover pieces can be crumbled over salads or baked potatoes. For a sweeter version, try Air Fryer Candied Bacon.

How to Store and Reheat Twisted Bacon

Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you stack the pieces, place parchment between layers to reduce sticking.

To reheat, warm the bacon in the air fryer at a lower temperature until heated through and re-crisped. Check often, since bacon can go from reheated to overdone quickly. It will not be quite the same as freshly cooked, but it still works well for breakfast sandwiches, salads, or crumbling over other dishes.

You can also twist the bacon ahead and refrigerate it uncooked for a short time, but I would still cook it the same day for the best shape and texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition is approximate and will vary with the brand and thickness of bacon used.

• Serving size: 1/4 of recipe, about 2 to 3 twisted bacon strips
• Calories: about 190
• Protein: about 13g
• Fat: about 15g
• Carbohydrates: about 0g

• Per 100g: about 225 calories, 15g protein, 18g fat, 0g carbohydrates