If you’re craving a savory, crispy, and flavorful snack, these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are a must-try! With the perfect balance of tender chicken and crispy bacon, each bite is a little piece of heaven. The best part? It’s all made in your air fryer, which means you get that perfect crunch without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting a party, or just in the mood for a quick appetizer, these chicken bites will be your new go-to recipe.
What makes this recipe so great is how simple and quick it is. You can have these delicious bites ready in no time with minimal effort, and they’ll be the highlight of any meal. The bacon crisps up perfectly while the chicken remains juicy inside, creating the ideal contrast of textures. So let’s dive in and take a look at what you’ll need to make this irresistible dish!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breast: The chicken breast serves as the main protein in this recipe. It’s tender, lean, and perfect for wrapping in bacon. Cut into bite-sized cubes to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and gets wrapped snugly with bacon.
Bacon: Bacon is the star of the show. When wrapped around the chicken, it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving the bites a savory, smoky flavor that complements the juicy chicken. Choose thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite and extra crispness.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps ensure the bacon crisps up nicely without sticking to the air fryer basket. It also helps enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a deliciously subtle yet aromatic flavor to the chicken. It complements the bacon perfectly and gives a warm, savory kick to each bite.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a slight heat to balance the richness of the bacon and the tenderness of the chicken. It also enhances the overall seasoning.
Paprika: A touch of paprika adds a mild smokiness that elevates the dish. It pairs beautifully with the bacon’s smokiness and gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the chicken and bacon. Be sure to taste and adjust accordingly as bacon can be quite salty on its own.
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 10-12 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. The pieces should be uniform in size so that they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks properly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix everything together until each chicken bite is well-coated in the seasoning.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken cube. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed. Continue this process until all the chicken is wrapped in bacon.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the bacon-wrapped chicken bites from the air fryer and serve hot. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best as it crisps up nicely and adds more flavor to each bite.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure there’s enough space between each chicken bite for the air fryer to circulate hot air, allowing the bacon to crisp up.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences. Adding a little cayenne pepper can give it a spicy kick.
- Check the Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these bites with ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. If you use frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it thoroughly before seasoning and wrapping.
Can I cook these in a conventional oven?
Yes, you can bake these bacon-wrapped chicken bites in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer provides a crispier texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken bites a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to experiment with seasonings like onion powder, chili powder, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet and savory twist.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites as a tasty snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. These are sure to be a hit at any gathering!