Quick Air-Fryer Bacon Parmesan Twists Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest results, don't skip the cooling rack step—placing the hot twists on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.

If you're making a large batch, keep the cooked twists warm in a low oven (200°F) while you air-fry the rest. Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore their crunch.

Experiment with the seasonings: add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the parmesan for a spicy kick.

You can also swap the Dijon for a honey mustard to add a touch of sweetness, or use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprinkled over the cheese. The base recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the parmesan before sprinkling. For extra heat, brush the pastry with a mixture of Dijon and hot sauce.
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme over the parmesan along with the black pepper. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage also work beautifully.
• Sweet and Savory: Swap the Dijon for honey mustard and add a light drizzle of honey over the parmesan. The sweetness complements the smoky bacon and salty cheese.
• Cheese Swap: Use a combination of parmesan and sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor. Grate the cheddar finely so it melts evenly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Air-fry from frozen at 380°F for 12-14 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat leftover twists in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.

Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.

You can assemble the twists up to a day ahead: prepare the strips, twist them, and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, air-fry straight from the fridge, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time. The pastry may darken slightly, but the result will still be delicious.

Serving ideas

Serve the bacon parmesan twists warm, as soon as they're cool enough to handle. They're perfect on their own, but a warm garlic-herb marinara for dipping takes them to the next level.

Arrange them on a platter with the sauce in the center—everyone can grab a twist and dip. They're great as an appetizer for parties, game day spreads, or even a fun side for soups and salads.

For a more substantial snack, pair them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch table alongside eggs and fresh fruit.

The twists are best enjoyed fresh, but they're so quick to make that you can easily whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Quick Air-Fryer Bacon Parmesan Twists

Prep 5 minCook 10 minTotal 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or made ahead)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 6 strips smoky streaky bacon
• 60 g grated parmesan
• cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches, if needed. Brush the top with Dijon mustard, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle the grated parmesan evenly over the mustard, then season with cracked black pepper.
2. Lay the 6 strips of bacon side by side over the seasoned pastry, covering it completely. Press the bacon gently so it adheres to the mustard and cheese.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 6 even strips, each about 2 inches wide. Carefully twist each strip several times to create a spiral, keeping the bacon on the outside.
4. Place the twists in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, or until the bacon is rendered and crispy and the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Check halfway through and rotate the basket if needed for even cooking.
6. Remove the twists from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm with warm garlic-herb marinara for dipping, if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

24 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.