Twisted Bacon Treats: Air Fryer Style

Twisted bacon is a fun and unique way to cook bacon that has gone viral on TikTok. The trend is said to have been started by Abby Durlewanger of @houseofketo on TikTok. This method of cooking bacon results in crispy edges and chewy centres, with the tunnel created by the twist keeping the inside soft and tender. While some may argue that twisting the bacon is pointless, it is a great way to impress your guests or mix up your breakfast routine.

Choosing the right bacon

First, opt for high-quality bacon to ensure the best flavour. Whether you choose regular, thick-cut, or pre-cooked bacon, make sure it's of good quality.

Second, consider the type of bacon. Center-cut or regular-cut bacon is ideal for air frying as it has the right balance of meat and fat, crisping up nicely while offering a rich flavour. If you want to use thick-cut bacon, be prepared to adjust the cooking time accordingly as it will take longer to cook.

Third, if you're feeling adventurous, explore the various flavoured bacon options available, such as hickory-smoked, honey-smoked, peppered, maple, or honey bacon. These flavours can add an extra layer of taste to your twisted bacon.

Fourth, if you're making tight twists for crispy bacon, you might need to cut the bacon in half before twisting, especially if your air fryer has limited space.

Lastly, if you're using alternative bacon types like turkey or plant-based bacon, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Remember, the key to choosing the right bacon is finding a variety that suits your taste preferences and the cooking requirements of your air fryer.

Twisting the bacon

Firstly, grab a strip of bacon and hold it with both hands. You can choose to hold one end steady with one hand and twist the other end with the other hand, or twist with both hands going in opposite directions. You will notice the bacon begin to form a corkscrew-like twist.

Next, decide on your preferred texture. For chewier bacon with crispy edges, make a loose twist. For crispier bacon, create a tighter twist by stretching the bacon as you twist. Tighter twists will result in crispier bacon twists. If you are aiming for the crispiest bacon possible, consider cutting the bacon in half before twisting, especially if you are using an air fryer as the bacon may be too long to fit otherwise.

Now, place each twisted piece side by side in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. You can lay them close together, and they don't need to be spaced out like regular bacon. If you are using a tray air fryer, use a small baking sheet with rimmed edges to prevent grease from dripping over.

Finally, follow the cooking instructions for your Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Depending on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time and temperature may vary.

And that's it! You're ready to enjoy your Air Fryer Twisted Bacon, a fun and unique way to enjoy your bacon with a perfect combination of textures.

Air fryer temperature and time

If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. If you are using a toaster oven, you can bake the bacon at 350°F for 10 minutes on each side.

For crispy bacon, you should twist the bacon tightly. This will stretch the bacon, so you may need to cut the bacon in half before twisting. Place the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket, ensuring the strips do not touch. If you want chewier bacon with crispy edges, you can place the strips closer together and twist them more loosely.

Air fry the bacon for 6-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispness. The thicker the bacon, the longer the cooking time. Check the bacon halfway through to see if anything needs to be rearranged. If you want crispy bacon, air fry for up to 40 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through.

Storing leftover bacon

If you have leftover twisted bacon, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. It is best to store it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.

To store cooked bacon correctly, first, let it cool completely, then drain the excess grease on paper towels. After that, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to six weeks. Wrap individual portions in paper towels and place them in a zip-top bag. Frozen bacon can be cooked directly from the freezer in a frying pan or warmed in the microwave.

However, it is not recommended to freeze slab bacon as the salt can cause the fat to turn rancid quickly.

Flavour variations

There are endless flavour variations to try with twisted bacon. Here are some ideas:

• Million Dollar Twists (Candied Bacon): Brush the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar to create a sweet glaze.
• Everything Bagel Bacon: Season the bacon with unsalted everything but the bagel seasoning.
• Spiced Bacon: Sprinkle your favourite spice blends over the bacon, such as Cajun, Suya spice, jerk seasoning, or peri peri seasoning.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bacon Twists: Sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Candied Maple Bacon Twists: Drizzle the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Spicy Bacon: Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the bacon for some heat.
• Sweet and Spicy Bacon: Combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy flavour.
• Peppery Bacon: Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the bacon.
• Garlic Bacon: Sprinkle garlic powder on the bacon for a garlicky flavour.
• Honey Mustard Bacon: Drizzle honey mustard over the bacon for a sweet and tangy flavour.

Frequently asked questions