So, there I was, six in the morning, still half-asleep. Coffee hadn’t even had a chance to work its magic yet. My youngest, Leo, comes tearing into the kitchen, a wild look in his eye. “Bacon, Dad! Air Fryer bacon! Now!”
He’s a menace before school, always demanding something specific. This time, it was bacon. Not just any bacon, mind you, but “the swirly, crunchy kind.” My brain was still trying to figure out what day it was, let alone how to make swirly bacon. I remember thinking, “Swirly? What the heck is swirly bacon?” But then I remembered seeing some popular cooking techniques online that showed people twisting bacon. It seemed like a lot of extra work for a breakfast staple, but if you want to try something even sweeter later, check out these simple breakfast treats.
But the kid was insistent. And I’m a sucker for a happy kid, even if it means doing gymnastics with a strip of pork. So, I dragged myself to the fridge, pulled out the thick-cut stuff, and started experimenting. Kitchen was still dark, just the hum of the air fryer cutting through the quiet.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists
Let me tell you, there are a few things in this world that are just plain satisfying. A perfectly grilled steak. A cold beer after a long day. And these Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists. They’re a game changer for breakfast, brunch, or even just a sneaky snack.
The air fryer, it just does something special to bacon. It gets it uniformly crisp without all the greasy mess on the stovetop. No splatters all over your clean shirt. That’s a win in my book, any day of the week.
Ingredients for Crispy Bacon Twists
You don’t need a whole pantry full of exotic stuff for this. That’s the beauty of it. Simple, straightforward, and gets the job done.
Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists – The Meat
- 1/3 pound thick cut bacon, halved widthwise (4 slices): Use thick-cut. Trust me on this one. Thin bacon just doesn’t hold up to the twisting. It falls apart, gets brittle too fast. Go for quality, it makes a difference. You want good marbling, too. That’s where the flavor lives. And make sure it’s cold when you start; makes twisting easier.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists
Grab a piece of that halved bacon. One end in your left hand, the other in your right. You’re going to start twisting it. Keep a gentle pull on it as you twist. You want it tight enough to hold its shape, but not so tight you’re tearing the bacon apart.
Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists – Step 1: The Twist
Once it’s twisted, lay it carefully into your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd the basket. Give those little twists some breathing room. They need air to get crispy all around.
Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists – Step 2: Cook Time
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once it’s hot, slide that basket in. Set your timer for 10 minutes. Flip a few pieces if needed, then pop it back in for another 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Twists – Step 3: The Rest
Once your bacon twists are looking perfectly crispy, carefully take them out. Lay them on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up excess grease. Let them sit there for about two minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bacon Twists
Don’t skimp on the bacon; thick-cut is your friend here. And don’t overcrowd the basket; air fryers work by circulating hot air, so space is key. Keep an eye on your cooking time, as every machine runs a little differently.
If you are looking for other fun air fryer snacks, I have plenty of recommendations to keep your kitchen sessions interesting.
Serving Suggestions
These twists are great on a breakfast platter or crumbled over a fresh salad. They also make a fantastic garnish for creamy soups or a gourmet upgrade to a classic BLT.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Ingredients
- 0.33 pound thick cut bacon halved widthwise (4 slices)
Instructions
- Pinch the left end of a halved piece of bacon with your left pointer finger and thumb. Pinch the right side of the halved piece of bacon with your right pointer finger and thumb.
- Starting from your right side, start twisting the halved bacon piece clockwise 10 times slightly pulling as you twist until you have a tight pigtail effect. Place in the basket of the air fryer. Repeat with remaining 7 halves.
- Set air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and cook 5 minutes more or until doneness. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and let sit 2 minutes to crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make bacon crispy in an air fryer?
To make bacon crispy in an air fryer, twist each slice before placing it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until desired crispiness.
Can you put twisted bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, twisted bacon is perfect for the air fryer! Twisting the bacon allows for even cooking and creates a fun, crispy texture.
What is the best temperature for air fryer bacon?
The best temperature for air fryer bacon is 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the bacon to cook thoroughly and become crispy without burning.
How long does it take to cook twisted bacon in an air fryer?
Twisted bacon typically takes 10-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your air fryer model.
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