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Get ready for bacon that's fun and crunchy all at once. By using an air fryer, you'll have mouthwatering, curly bacon with barely any effort. Twisting each strip gives it a cool shape and a texture that's equal parts crispy edges and soft middle. It's always the biggest hit anytime I make breakfast or brunch for friends and family.
The first time I made bacon twists, my family tore through them. We like how the shapes get crispier and the middle stays tender. I never have any left over—everyone dives right in.
Tasty Ingredients
- Beef bacon: Grab the thickest slices you find. Thicker pieces keep their curly shape and get nice and crunchy without turning hard. Steer clear of bacon that's not sliced evenly, or it might not cook at the same speed.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Give Bacon a Spiral:
- Take a strip and twist both ends, making a tight curl. Do that for each piece. The tighter you twist, the more crunchy it gets and the cooler the curl looks.
- Pop It in the Air Fryer:
- Lay out all your bacon curls in the basket—space them out so they're not crowded. Tiny air fryer? Work in small groups so each gets crispy all over.
- Let It Get Crispy:
- Set your fryer to 350°F. Let the bacon cook for 13–15 minutes. Start peeking at 12 minutes to get it just how you like it. Want extra crunch? Let it go a bit longer.
- Dish It Up Fast:
- Once your bacon turns golden and crispy, pull it out with some tongs (it's hot!). Set on a paper towel if you want to lose some fat. Enjoy it right away so it's at its best.
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Beef bacon is my go-to since it holds flavor and stays juicy in the air fryer. My own kids always have fun seeing who made the wildest curls and love helping out.
Keeping It Fresh
Bacon curls are best eaten right away but you can store extras in a sealed box in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in the fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to bring the crunch back. Skip the microwave—it just makes them soggy.
Swap Suggestions
Want to switch it up? Try classic pork, turkey, or even plant-based strips. Just be mindful—thinner or leaner ones cook faster and can get tough. The twist trick works on any kind.
How to Serve Them
Serve curly bacon on a breakfast platter with fruit and scrambled eggs or tuck into a sandwich for extra crunch. The spiral shape is great for parties—dip them into maple syrup or spicy honey for a tasty twist.
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Backstory and Fun Facts
Bacon's always been a morning favorite but putting a twist on it changes everything. This easy trick boomed online because air fryers make the whole thing fast and mess-free so you always get top-notch bacon.
Common Questions
- → What's the trick for extra crispy twisted bacon?
Give each strip a tight twist and preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Let it cook until it's as crunchy as you want, adding a few minutes if you like it extra crispy.
- → Can I try this with types of bacon besides beef?
Definitely! Turkey or pork bacon work well too. Just watch the time because thickness and fat levels can be different.
- → How do I lay out the bacon inside the air fryer?
Spread the twisted bacon out in one layer so nothing’s stacking up. This way, everything cooks nice and even since the heat can move around each piece.
- → What should I do if my bacon's extra thick?
When you’ve got thick slices, just leave them in a couple more minutes. Peek in and stop when they look perfect to you.
- → Should twisted bacon be eaten right away?
It’s best to eat twisted bacon fresh and warm for the crispiest, tastiest result.