Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe

Air fryer twisted bacon is a mouthwatering treat that perfectly balances a crisp finish with tender, soft curls. Made from thick cut bacon enhanced with smoked paprika and black pepper and kissed with a touch of maple syrup, this recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors ideal for a flavorful breakfast or brunch experience.

I recently tried making air fryer twisted bacon and it blew my mind. This recipe uses 12 slices of thick-cut bacon that you simply twist around carefully so when you air fry em, they get super crispy yet still have a bit of softness in the curls.

I add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to give it a smoky little kick. Sometimes, I like drizzling in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to mix that sweet twist with the savory flavor and you get a dish that is both tasty and balanced.

I appreciate that this recipe falls under several categories like healthy easy dinner air fryer meals and even dinner for two airfryer ideas. Plus, the nutritional profile is great if you enjoy a dish with lower fat content but plenty of protein.

If you like experimenting in the kitchen, this is a must try recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how the bacon comes out with the perfect mix of crisp and soft parts. When I twist the bacon and cook it in the air fryer, it gets really crunchy on the edges and still stays tender in the curls.

Second, I enjoy the flavor combinations. I can adjust the black pepper and smoked paprika to suit my taste and even add a little extra maple syrup when I want a sweeter touch. It really takes the bacon to another level.

Third, the process is fun and easy. Twisting each slice might feel a bit different but it makes the whole cooking experience engaging and creative. Plus, using the air fryer means less mess and faster cleanup which is a big win for me.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• A pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional, use more if ya like it spicier)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (if you wanna give it an extra kick)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for a lil sweet twist)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes while you get your bacon ready.

2. Lay out the 12 slices of thick-cut bacon on a clean work surface.

3. Carefully twist each bacon slice along its length until you get a spiral shape, try not to tear it.

4. If you like it spicier, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper evenly over the twists.

5. Next, dust about 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika on the bacon for that extra kick.

6. If you’re in the mood for a sweet twist, lightly drizzle or brush 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the bacon twists.

7. Arrange the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer- dont crowd them so they cook evenly.

8. Cook the bacon for around 10-12 minutes, but check on ’em around the midway mark so you can adjust the time if you like it crunchier or softer in the curls.

9. Once they reach that perfect mix of crisp and a little soft in the curls, remove the bacon carefully from the basket.

10. Let them cool for a minute or two before enjoying your delicious air fryer twisted bacon. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with its basket
2. Clean cutting board or work surface
3. Measuring spoons
4. Pastry brush (for the maple syrup)
5. Tongs or a spatula, for safely moving the bacon out of the basket
6. Timer or clock to keep track of the cooking time

FAQ

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Bacon: If you want a slightly lean option try turkey bacon or even thin cut pork belly if thick cut isn’t available
• Freshly ground black pepper: You can use white pepper instead which gives a slightly milder kick but it works in most cases
• Smoked paprika: In a pinch you can mix equal parts regular paprika with a little bit of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to bring a smoky flavor
• Maple syrup: If you’re out you might use honey or even a little brown sugar dissolved in a bit of water to get that sweet twist

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcrowd the air fryer basket because if the twists are too close, they wont get evenly crispy and then u might end up with soggy bacon.
2. Experiment with adding a little extra black pepper or paprika if you really love that spicy kick even though the recipe already suggests a bit.
3. Keep an eye on the twists during the cooking process so when they are almost done u can pull them out as soon as they reach your desired level of crispiness.
4. Let the bacon cool on a paper towel lined plate right after cooking to soak up any extra grease; it makes a big difference in the texture.