Air Fryer Recipe
Maple Glazed Bacon Twists
Maple glazed bacon twists are an easy, tasty snack, bringing together salty bacon and sticky sweetness, and they’re just right for the air fryer.
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 the bacon slices on a clean board and flatten them if they are thick.
- Twist each bacon slice into a coil, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a bowl, stir together the maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard to make a glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over all sides of the bacon twists.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Place the bacon twists in the air fryer basket without overlapping, cooking them in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and caramelised.
- Remove and leave to 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
