Air Fryer Twisted Bacon (TikTok Inspired!)
Looking for your next viral-worthy air fryer obsession? This twisted bacon trend from TikTok is more than just fun to make—it’s downright addictive. Whether you’re serving it with eggs for breakfast, laying it across a salad (I absolutely love it with a chicken caesar), or setting it out with dips for a party snack, this recipe couldn’t be easier. All you need is bacon, an air fryer, and 10 minutes!
(If you’re all about trying the latest food trends, you’re in the right place. Here are a few more viral recipes I think you’ll have just as much fun with: air fryer banana donut holes, cottage cheese beef and hot honey bowls, picklewich sandwiches, high protein strawberry jello fluff, and air fryer pizza bagels!)
Ingredients
- Bacon: You can use any type you prefer, such as thick-cut, maple-glazed, or turkey bacon.
How To Make Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
I know many of you like to have a printable recipe card to use at home, and that’s exactly why I’ve included one at the bottom of this post. Here, I’m sharing the steps alongside some photos to walk you through the stages!
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (that’s 200°C) for about 3–5 minutes, if required for your model.
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Take each slice of bacon and twist it into a spiral. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just a nice twisty shape that will crisp up beautifully.
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Arrange the twisted strips in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd them so they crisp up evenly (cook in batches if needed!).
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Air fry at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or until they’re sizzling and crisped to your liking. Keep an eye on them since cook times can vary based on thickness.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra grease. Let them rest for a few minutes—they’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
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Twist tightly: Be sure to twist each strip of bacon tightly before placing it in the air fryer basket. This helps the shape hold during cooking and gives that signature spiral look.
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Don’t overcrowd: Give the bacon enough space in the air fryer so air can circulate and crisp everything evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
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Customize the flavor: Feel free to sprinkle on some garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a little brown sugar before air frying. It’s an easy way to give your bacon a fun twist (pun intended).
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Check on it: Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on your bacon the first time you try this. Adjust the time slightly if needed based on your preferred crispiness level.
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Drain excess grease: Lay the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate after air frying to soak up any extra grease and keep it crispy.
Serving Suggestions
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Breakfast star – Serve alongside eggs, pancakes, or breakfast sandwiches for a fun twist (literally) on a classic.
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Salad topper – Chop and sprinkle over Caesar salads or grain bowls for a crispy, smoky boost.
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Charcuterie board – Add to a brunch or appetizer board with cheeses, fruits, and dips.
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Party appetizer – Pair with ranch, chipotle mayo, or a spicy cheese dip for dunking.
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In sandwiches or wraps – Add a crunchy layer to BLTs, grilled cheese, or club sandwiches.
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Brunch bar idea – Let guests grab twisted bacon as a topping for loaded toasts or savory waffles.
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Low-carb snack – Eat them straight up as a protein-packed snack that’s totally satisfying.
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Burger topping – Crumble or lay across burgers for extra crunch and flavor.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Ingredients
- 9 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (that’s 200°C) for about 3–5 minutes, if required for your model.
- Take each slice of bacon and twist it into a spiral. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just a nice twisty shape that will crisp up beautifully.
- Arrange the twisted strips in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd them so they crisp up evenly (cook in batches if needed!).
- Air fry at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or until they’re sizzling and crisped to your liking. Keep an eye on them since cook times can vary based on thickness.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra grease. Let them rest for a few minutes—they’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy! Perfect for brunch spreads, snacking, or just because.
Hope you loved this fun little twist on classic bacon! If you give it a try, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a star rating and a quick review below. It really helps others find the recipe—and lets me know what you’re enjoying (or if I should keep the bacon ideas coming!).