I’ll be honest with you—I didn’t think bacon needed improvement. Bacon already had a pretty solid reputation in my kitchen. Then one random morning, half awake and craving something salty, I twisted a few bacon strips before tossing them into my air fryer. No big plan. No Pinterest inspiration. Just curiosity.
What came out 12 minutes later?
The crispiest, most evenly cooked bacon I’ve ever made at home.
I stood there eating it straight from the basket like a raccoon guarding treasure.
If you’ve ever dealt with floppy bacon, uneven cooking, or grease splatter all over your stove, air fryer twisted bacon might just change your routine forever.
Let’s talk about why this works, how to get it perfect every time, and all the little tricks I’ve picked up after making this more times than I probably should admit.
Why Twisted Bacon in the Air Fryer Just Works
Regular bacon lays flat. Flat bacon traps grease. Trapped grease = uneven cooking. That’s the whole problem right there.
When you twist bacon, you create natural gaps. Air flows around every ridge. Fat drips away instead of pooling. The result?
- Crispy edges
- Chewy-meaty center
- No soggy spots
Ever wonder why restaurant bacon always hits different? This is one of their quiet secrets.
My Air Fryer Setup (What I Actually Use)
I’ve tested twisted bacon in three different air fryers, and consistency matters here. I use the COSORI Pro II 5.8-Quart Air Fryer most days because it gives enough space for airflow without crowding.
If your basket feels cramped, cook in batches. I know waiting is annoying, but overcrowded bacon is a tragedy waiting to happen.
Ingredients (Short and Sweet)
This recipe stays beautifully simple.
You need:
- 8–12 slices bacon (regular-cut works best)
- Optional: black pepper, brown sugar, or chili flakes
That’s it. No oil. No spray. Bacon brings its own grease to the party.
How I Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon (Step by Step)
Step 1: Twist the Bacon
I grab each bacon strip and gently twist it from one end to the other. I don’t over-tighten it. Loose spirals crisp better.
Pro tip: If bacon tears while twisting, it’s usually too cold. Let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Arrange in the Basket
I place the twisted strips in a single layer. They can touch slightly, but I never stack them.
If your air fryer basket has a rack insert, even better. Elevation = airflow.
Step 3: Air Fry
I set my air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook time: 10–14 minutes
- Flip: Not needed (seriously)
At around minute 8, I check progress. Thick bacon needs more time. Thin bacon finishes faster.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
I transfer the bacon to paper towels for one minute. Then I eat one immediately because patience is overrated.
How Crispy Should Twisted Bacon Be?
This part is personal. I like mine deep golden with a slight chew in the middle.
Here’s a quick guide:
- 10 minutes → chewy-crisp
- 12 minutes → balanced crunch
- 14 minutes → shatter-level crisp
Ever bitten into bacon so crispy it snaps? Yeah… that.
Regular vs Thick-Cut Bacon (What Works Best)
I tested both because science.
Regular-cut bacon:
- Twists easily
- Cooks evenly
- Best for this method
Thick-cut bacon:
- Needs longer time
- Stays chewier inside
- Still good, just different
IMO, start with regular-cut until you get a feel for your air fryer.
Flavor Variations I Actually Use
Once you nail the basic version, things get fun.
Sweet & Savory Bacon Twists
I sprinkle light brown sugar on the bacon halfway through cooking. It caramelizes beautifully.
Pepper Bacon
Fresh cracked black pepper before cooking adds a bold kick.
Spicy Bacon
A pinch of cayenne or chili flakes does wonders. Not too much—unless you like living dangerously.
Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All)
- Overcrowding → uneven cooking
- Cooking too hot → burnt outside, raw inside
- Using parchment incorrectly → grease pooling
- Walking away too long → accidental bacon jerky
Set a timer. Bacon deserves attention.
Cleanup (Shockingly Easy)
Air fryer bacon usually scares people because of grease. Twisted bacon actually reduces mess.
I line the bottom tray with foil or use a silicone air fryer liner.
After cooking, I let the fryer cool, wipe it down, and move on with my day. No grease-splattered stovetop. Huge win.
What I Serve With Twisted Bacon
This bacon doesn’t need much, but it plays well with others.
- Scrambled eggs
- Pancakes or waffles
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Salads (yes, really)
Sometimes I just eat it standing at the counter. No judgment, right? 🙂
Why This Method Beats Oven Bacon
I love oven bacon, but air fryer twisted bacon wins on:
- Speed
- Crisp consistency
- Less grease mess
- No preheating drama
If you cook bacon often, this method saves time and sanity.
Helpful Tools I Recommend (Because They Help)
Oil Spray Bottle (Optional)
Great for flavor add-ons, not required for bacon.
Air Fryer Rack Insert
Improves airflow and crisping.
Ingredients
Method
- Gently twist each bacon slice from end to end.
- Place bacon twists in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Adjust cook time for thick-cut bacon
- No oil needed
- Watch closely after 10 minutes
Final Thoughts (From Someone Who Makes This Way Too Often)
Air fryer twisted bacon feels like a tiny kitchen upgrade that delivers big results. It’s fast, crispy, reliable, and weirdly fun to make. Once you try it, flat bacon feels… boring.
Give it one shot. Twist a few strips. Watch the magic happen. Just don’t blame me when you start making bacon “just because.”