Maple Glazed Bacon Twists: A Guide to Perfection
Are you searching for a simple, yet mouth-watering snack that perfectly blends the savoury and sweet? Look no further than maple glazed bacon twists, an ideal treat for bacon lovers and a hit at gatherings. The best part? They’re air fryer friendly, ensuring a crispy delight without the excessive oil.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Lay your bacon slices out on a clean board. If using thick bacon, use a rolling pin to slightly flatten them for better crispiness.
- Twist and Place: Twist each bacon slice into a coil and place carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This twist is essential for that delightful crunch.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and Dijon mustard. Stir until you achieve a smooth glaze.
- Brush with Glaze: Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze generously over the bacon twists on all sides.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place twisted bacon into the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to do this in batches.
- Cook and Flip: Air fry the bacon twists for 7-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip them to ensure an even cook. The bacon should look crispy and deeply caramelised.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully remove them and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the glaze to set and enhances the crunchy texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choosing Your Bacon: For the best twists, opt for streaky bacon. Its fat content is perfect for achieving that crispy texture.
- Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup for an authentic flavor. The quality of syrup can significantly affect the sweetness and richness of the glaze.
- Enhance with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices. Cayenne adds a subtle heat, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Ensure the bacon twists have ample space in the air fryer to facilitate even cooking and achieve maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These maple-glazed delights are incredibly versatile. Serve them as appetizers at parties, or pair with sunny-side eggs for an indulgent brunch. They also complement a cheese board, with their sweetness perfectly balancing savoury cheeses.
Conclusion
Maple glazed bacon twists are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for various occasions. With the air fryer making preparation swift and efficient, these twists are bound to become a favourite in your recipe collection!