Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this incredibly easy and undeniably delicious Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Achieve perfectly crispy, savory strips every single time with minimal fuss!
Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: Your New Favorite Breakfast Side
Is there anything better than perfectly cooked bacon? It’s a classic for a reason, gracing breakfast plates, sandwiches, and salads with its irresistible salty crunch. But what if we told you there’s a simple trick to make your bacon even better, more consistently crispy, and with less mess? Enter Air Fryer Twisted Bacon.
This innovative method transforms ordinary bacon strips into delightful, rope-like twists that cook evenly and achieve an incredible texture in your air fryer. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves bacon but dreads the messy stovetop splatters or uneven oven results. Using just one key ingredient – bacon – and your trusty air fryer, you’ll whip up a breakfast side that’s not only impressive but also surprisingly simple. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is virtually foolproof and guarantees a delicious outcome that will have everyone asking for more.
The air fryer, known for its ability to create crispy textures with less oil, is the perfect tool for this technique. It circulates hot air around the twisted bacon, ensuring every inch gets beautifully rendered and crisp without swimming in grease. This means a healthier option without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture you crave. So, if you’re ready to discover a fun, unique, and unbelievably easy way to enjoy bacon, look no further than this fantastic Air Fryer Twisted Bacon recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, Air Fryer Twisted Bacon offers several compelling advantages that make it a must-try for any bacon enthusiast:
- Unmatched Crispiness: The twisting method ensures that more surface area of the bacon is exposed to the hot air, leading to a consistently crispy texture from end to end. No more soggy middle sections or burnt edges!
- Even Cooking: The twisted shape allows for better air circulation around each piece, resulting in a more uniform cook. Every bite offers that perfect balance of chewiness and crunch.
- Less Grease, Less Mess: The air fryer’s design drains excess fat away from the bacon, making for a less greasy final product. Plus, containing the cooking in the air fryer basket means fewer splatters on your stovetop or oven, simplifying cleanup significantly.
- Quick & Convenient: Air frying bacon is generally faster than oven baking and requires less active monitoring than pan-frying. It’s ideal for busy mornings or when you need a quick side dish.
- Unique Presentation: The twisted shape adds a gourmet touch to your plate, making it an excellent option for brunches, holiday breakfasts, or simply elevating an everyday meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need bacon (and optional salt and pepper) to create this masterpiece. It doesn’t get much simpler!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
For optimal results, I highly recommend using center-cut bacon. Its slightly shorter length often fits perfectly into most air fryer baskets without needing to be cut. However, if you only have standard-length bacon, simply cut each strip in half before twisting. Thick-cut bacon can also be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it will require a few extra minutes to achieve desired crispness.
Absolutely! Thick-cut bacon works wonderfully in the air fryer and yields an even meatier, more satisfying twisted strip. The key is to be mindful of the cooking time. Since thick-cut bacon has more mass, it will naturally take longer to cook through and become crispy. Start with the recommended cooking time, then check for your desired level of crispness. If it’s still a bit soft or not quite cooked to your liking, add 2-4 minutes to the cooking time and check again. Repeat until perfect.
Twisting bacon is more than just a novelty; it offers significant advantages in texture and moisture. The twisting action creates a compact, rope-like shape that cooks incredibly evenly, ensuring uniform crispness across the entire strip. This prevents those common issues where parts are burnt while others remain chewy. Furthermore, the twists help to trap some of the rendered bacon drippings within, keeping the bacon moist and flavorful internally while the exterior crisps up beautifully. It’s a fantastic way to maximize flavor and texture in every bite.
The “perfect” level of crispness for bacon is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer it slightly chewy, while others desire it shatteringly crisp. The best way to determine doneness is by keeping a close eye on your bacon during the last few minutes of cooking. Look for a deep golden-brown color and a firm, crisp texture. As it cools, bacon tends to crisp up a little further, so it’s often best to remove it from the air fryer just before it reaches your absolute ideal crispness.
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t own an air fryer or simply prefer using your oven, you can still enjoy delicious twisted bacon. To do so, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Prepare the bacon strips by twisting them as instructed for the air fryer method. Arrange the twisted bacon on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces don’t touch. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece of bacon. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat before serving.
Certainly! This twisted bacon technique works beautifully with various types of bacon, including turkey bacon, beef bacon, or plant-based bacon alternatives. Just be aware that leaner options like turkey bacon tend to cook faster and render less fat. Keep a very close eye on the cooking time, as it might require significantly less time than traditional pork bacon. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than suggested, and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare, but it happens!), allow the cooked twisted bacon to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days. While technically possible, I generally do not recommend freezing cooked bacon, as it can significantly alter the texture upon thawing and reheating, often resulting in a less desirable, rubbery consistency.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of breakfast and brunch items. Consider serving it alongside classic scrambled or fried eggs, fluffy pancakes or waffles, a savory breakfast casserole, or even a fresh fruit salad. For a heartier meal, it’s excellent with home fries, grits, or a breakfast burrito. Don’t limit it to just breakfast; it’s also a fantastic addition to BLT sandwiches, salads, or crumbled over baked potatoes for a delightful burst of flavor and texture!
Essential Ingredients for Twisted Bacon
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You truly need only one star ingredient, with an optional seasoning for those who enjoy a little extra kick.
Ingredients Needed:
- Center-Cut Bacon: This is the hero of our dish. While regular bacon works too, center-cut bacon is often a bit shorter and more uniform, making it ideal for twisting and fitting neatly into most air fryer baskets. Choose a good quality bacon for the best flavor and texture.
- Salt and Pepper (Optional): A pinch of freshly ground black pepper can enhance the savory notes of the bacon, and a tiny sprinkle of salt can sometimes bring out its natural flavor even more, though bacon is inherently salty. Feel free to skip if you prefer pure bacon goodness.
How to Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating perfectly crispy twisted bacon in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your specific air fryer model requires preheating, now is the time to do it. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, promoting even crisping.
- Prepare the Bacon Strips: Take one strip of bacon at a time. Hold it at one end and begin to twist or twirl it tightly along its entire length, forming a long, rope-like shape. The key here is to create a firm, consistent twist. A tighter twist generally holds its shape better during cooking and results in a more uniform crispness. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will still be delicious!
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Carefully place the twisted bacon ropes into the basket of your preheated air fryer. It is crucial to arrange them in a single layer without any pieces touching. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. You will likely need to cook the bacon in multiple batches, especially if you’re making a larger quantity.
- Season (Optional): If you enjoy a bit of extra flavor, lightly season the twisted bacon strips with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the bacon for 6-10 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of your bacon strips (thicker bacon will take longer), the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, and your personal preference for crispiness. Start checking around the 6-minute mark. For thicker bacon or extra crispness, you might go closer to 10-12 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Once the twisted bacon has reached your desired level of crispness, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket using a pair of tongs. Immediately transfer the cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. This crucial step allows any excess bacon drippings to drain away, resulting in an even crispier and less greasy final product. Continue cooking any remaining batches, ensuring you drain the basket of any accumulated fat between batches if necessary. Serve your delicious Air Fryer Twisted Bacon hot and enjoy!
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Twisted Bacon
To ensure your Air Fryer Twisted Bacon turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most important rule for air frying anything, especially bacon. Give each twisted strip enough space for the hot air to circulate freely around it. If the basket is too full, the bacon will steam rather than crisp, leading to a chewy, less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use Parchment Paper (Optional, with caution): Some air fryer users like to line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup. If you choose to do this, ensure the parchment paper is specifically designed for air fryers and has holes to allow air circulation. Never use parchment paper that blocks the airflow or extends beyond the food, as it can be a fire hazard due to the intense air circulation. For bacon, it’s often easier to just clean the basket afterward.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers cook quickly and can vary greatly from model to model. Keep an eye on your bacon, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent it from burning. The difference between perfectly crisp and burnt can happen in a flash.
- Drain Excess Fat: Bacon renders a lot of fat. While most air fryers have a drip pan, it’s good practice to periodically check and empty any excessive fat build-up from the bottom of the basket during longer cooking sessions or between batches. This helps maintain consistent cooking temperature and prevents smoking.
- Experiment with Thickness: Different bacon thicknesses will require different cooking times. Get to know your air fryer and how it handles your preferred bacon type. Adjust times by a minute or two at a time until you find your sweet spot.
- Consider Flavor Variations: While delicious plain, you can experiment with flavors. Before air frying, try brushing the twisted bacon with a little maple syrup for a sweet and savory “candied” bacon, or sprinkle with a pinch of brown sugar and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes & Bacon Creations You Must Try!
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of air frying, or if you’re always on the hunt for more ways to enjoy bacon, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal:
- Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)
- Southern Home Fries
- Breakfast Pizza
- BLT Quesadilla
- Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
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2 minutes
10 minutes
12 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 12 ounces center-cut bacon
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Take one strip of bacon and twirl/twist it tightly to form a long rope. The tighter the twist, the better the shape for the finished product.
- Lay the twisted bacon into the basket of the air fryer, ensuring pieces are not touching. You may need to do this in batches. Optional: Season bacon with a little salt and pepper.
- Air fry for 6-10 minutes, depending on bacon thickness and desired crispness.
- Take the twisted bacon out with tongs and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to catch any excess drippings. Repeat for remaining batches.
Notes
- Center-cut bacon is recommended, but regular bacon can be used by cutting it in half.
- This recipe is easily doubled, but remember to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Turkey bacon or other alternative bacon types work well; just monitor cooking time as they may cook faster.
- For oven baking instructions, refer to the FAQ section above.
Breakfast
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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