Air Fryer Recipe
Maple Glazed Bacon Twists
Maple glazed bacon twists are a simple yet delicious snack that combines savory and sweet flavors, perfect for air frying.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of streaky bacon
- 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Method
- Lay bacon slices on a clean board and flatten if thick.
- Twist each bacon slice into a coil and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard to make a glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the bacon twists on all sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Place bacon twists in the air fryer basket without overlapping, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses convection to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and caramelisation of the maple glaze while rendering bacon fat effectively.
Equipment notes
Assumes a 5.5-litre basket; single-drawer models require batch cooking. Dual-zone models allow simultaneous cooking but may need position swapping for even results.
Common pitfalls
- Bacon twists not crisping by minute 8? Reduce the batch size; overcrowding limits air circulation.
- Glaze burning? Lower temperature by 10°C and monitor closely; sugars caramelise quickly in smaller fryers.
- Twists unwinding? Secure with toothpicks before air frying; remove them after cooking.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute honey for maple syrup for a milder sweetness; adjust cooking time as honey caramelises faster.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a richer flavour; reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Add smoked paprika to the glaze for a smoky depth, enhancing the bacon's natural flavour.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 160°C for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
