I love quick, flavorful bites that make snack time or dinner feel special, and these Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are exactly that. The moment you take a bite, the crispy bacon perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken inside, creating a combination that’s both comforting and irresistible. I’ve tried a lot of air fryer recipes, but this one truly stands out because it’s simple, mess-free, and impresses everyone at the table.
What I especially enjoy about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these bites as an appetizer at a party, a protein-packed snack during a busy week, or even as a main course alongside your favorite sides. Plus, the air fryer makes it healthier than deep-frying while still giving that amazing crispiness we all crave. It’s a recipe I’ve come back to again and again—and every time, it gets devoured in minutes.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken breast is the heart of this recipe. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces so each piece cooks evenly and wraps easily with bacon.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best for wrapping because it holds its shape during cooking and delivers a rich, smoky flavor. The bacon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, adding a salty crunch to each bite.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the chicken without overpowering it. It’s a quick and easy way to add depth of flavor in just a sprinkle.
Paprika: A touch of paprika gives the chicken a warm color and subtle smokiness that complements the bacon perfectly. I like to use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild kick and balances the richness of the bacon, enhancing the overall taste of these bites.
Salt: A pinch of salt ensures the chicken is seasoned properly. I usually add it sparingly because the bacon already contributes a good amount of saltiness.
Optional: Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For a slightly sweet glaze, you can brush the bacon with brown sugar or a little maple syrup before air frying. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a delicious contrast to the savory flavors.
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Season them with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently to coat all sides.
Step 2: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken piece. Secure with a toothpick if needed. If you want a sweet touch, brush a little brown sugar or maple syrup over the bacon.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the bacon crisp up quickly without overcooking the chicken inside.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer, discard toothpicks if used, and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a main meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick-cut bacon for a better balance of crispy exterior and juicy chicken.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Brush a light coat of oil on the chicken if you want extra crispness.
- Flip halfway to make sure the bacon cooks evenly on all sides.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or chili powder over the bites before cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and will give a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended to get crispy bacon and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and wrap with bacon ahead of time, but cook them fresh in the air fryer for best results.
What dipping sauces go well with these bites?
Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo are all fantastic options.
Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.