There’s something undeniably satisfying about the crispy, savory goodness of bacon wrapped around juicy, tender chicken. If you’re craving a meal that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon with a perfectly cooked chicken breast, then you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or an easy weekend indulgence.
The air fryer makes cooking this dish a breeze. You can enjoy all the crunch and flavor of bacon without the hassle of frying it in oil. The result? A meal that’s perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, with the air fryer, it’s a healthier alternative that still gives you all the crispy deliciousness you crave!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the star of the dish, offering lean protein and a juicy base for the bacon. Choose boneless, skinless breasts for an easy-to-cook and tender meal.
Bacon: Bacon adds the smoky, salty flavor that enhances the taste of the chicken. Opt for thick-cut bacon for the perfect balance of crispy texture and savory goodness.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the bacon crisp up nicely in the air fryer and prevents sticking. It also adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken. It’s the perfect seasoning to complement the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the chicken a little kick. It adds a zesty note that balances the richness of the bacon and the tenderness of the chicken.
Paprika: Paprika adds a hint of sweetness and smokiness, which pairs beautifully with both the bacon and the chicken. It also gives the dish a lovely color.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by prepping your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This will help the seasoning and bacon adhere better to the chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in evenly to ensure a smooth coating.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring it’s well coated and ready for the bacon.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
Take the thick-cut bacon slices and wrap them around the chicken breasts. Start at one end of the chicken and wrap the bacon tightly around, ensuring it overlaps slightly. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks to hold it in place during cooking.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This will ensure that the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy, remove the toothpicks and serve the bacon-wrapped chicken hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’re all set for a delicious meal!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For the crispiest and most flavorful result, always opt for thick-cut bacon. It holds up better during cooking and gives the chicken a perfect crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: If you’re cooking multiple pieces, make sure there’s enough space between each chicken breast for air to circulate. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Check the Chicken’s Internal Temperature: To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings like onion powder or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the air fryer and cook as directed.
Can I use turkey bacon? While turkey bacon is a lower-fat option, it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon. However, you can still try it for a lighter version of this dish.