Bacon wrapped chicken made in the air fryer is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the juiciness of chicken with the irresistible crispness of bacon. This recipe is quick to prepare, cooks evenly in the air fryer, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or meal prep, bacon wrapped chicken is a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 8 slices of regular-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a sweet-savory touch)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are especially thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides of each breast with the seasoning blend. Rub it in to coat all surfaces.
- Wrap with bacon: Lay 2 slices of bacon side by side, slightly overlapping. Place a chicken breast at one end and roll up tightly so the bacon wraps around the entire piece. Secure ends with toothpicks if needed. Repeat for the remaining chicken breasts.
- Optional brown sugar: If you like a sweet-savory finish, sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top of each bacon-wrapped breast and press gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Tips
- Bacon choice: Use regular-cut bacon for best results. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up fully by the time the chicken is done, while thin bacon may overcook.
- Substitutions: Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option, though it may not get as crisp.
- Even cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the bacon evenly.
- Flavor variations: Add a brush of BBQ sauce or honey in the last 5 minutes for a tasty glaze, or sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or even mac and cheese make it a comfort food feast. For a party, slice the chicken into rounds and serve as hearty appetizers with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo.
Variations
- Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with cream cheese, chopped spinach, and shredded cheddar before wrapping with bacon.
- Spicy Southwest: Add a sprinkle of chili powder and cumin to the seasoning mix, and serve with salsa and avocado.
- Maple Glazed: Brush the bacon with a mixture of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard during the last 5 minutes of air frying for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Herb-Crusted: Add chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the spice mix for an herby aroma.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bacon wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps. You can also reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. For best texture, avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning adhesion. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before proceeding. - How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part — the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque. - Does the bacon get crispy in the air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer circulates hot air around the bacon, rendering the fat and crisping it up beautifully. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. - Can I prepare bacon wrapped chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wrap and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before air frying to help it cook evenly. - What’s the best way to prevent the bacon from unraveling?
Wrap the bacon tightly and place the seam side down in the air fryer basket. If needed, secure the ends with toothpicks (just remember to remove them before serving). - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all seasonings and bacon used are certified gluten-free. Always check labels if you have dietary concerns.
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