Here’s a simple recipe for air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken along with some notes:
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning into the chicken.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each seasoned chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks.
- Air Fry:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks from the chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes:
- Bacon Selection: Use thin-sliced bacon for easier wrapping and quicker cooking.
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before wrapping with bacon for more even cooking.
- Spacing: Make sure to leave some space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (75°C) before consuming.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix or add cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
- Safety: Ensure toothpicks are removed before serving to avoid any accidental ingestion.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken!
Tips:
- Pre-cook Bacon: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon in the air fryer for a few minutes before wrapping it around the chicken. This will ensure that the bacon gets crispy without overcooking the chicken.
- Use Toothpicks Wisely: When securing the bacon around the chicken with toothpicks, make sure to use enough toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, but be mindful of where they’re placed so they’re easy to remove later.
- Rotate the Basket: If your air fryer doesn’t cook evenly, consider rotating the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the chicken cook evenly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the cooked bacon-wrapped chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
Variations:
- Stuffed Chicken: Stuff the chicken breasts with your favorite fillings before wrapping them with bacon. Some ideas include spinach and feta cheese, cream cheese and jalapenos, or sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Different Seasonings: Experiment with different seasoning blends to change up the flavor profile. Try Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, or barbecue seasoning for a smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Glaze: Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with a mixture of honey and sriracha before cooking for a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Maple Mustard Glaze: Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle cooked bacon-wrapped chicken with a balsamic reduction for a tangy and slightly sweet finish.
- Different Meats: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp for a different twist on this recipe.
Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and variations of air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken!
