I’ve always been a fan of recipes that balance simplicity with pure comfort food vibes — and this one checks both boxes beautifully. Bacon-wrapped chicken breasts are one of those dishes that make everyone at the table pause for a moment before digging in. The first bite says it all: smoky, juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken hugged by crispy, salty bacon. And when made in the air fryer, it’s fast, easy, and delivers that irresistible texture every time.
I love how this recipe transforms a few everyday ingredients into something that feels special enough for dinner guests — yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. The air fryer makes the bacon crisp without overcooking the chicken, locking in all the flavor while keeping the cleanup minimal. Once you make this once, it’ll likely find a permanent place in your weekly rotation.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breasts:
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If they’re too thick, pound them gently to about an inch thickness — this helps them cook faster and stay tender inside.
Bacon:
Use regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut) for the best balance between crispiness and cooking time. Thick bacon can take longer to cook and might leave your chicken slightly underdone. The bacon fat also adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Olive Oil:
A light brush of olive oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes that gorgeous golden finish. It also keeps the bacon from drying out too fast in the air fryer.
Seasonings:
A simple mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper adds flavor without overpowering the smoky bacon. You can also toss in a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Toothpicks:
These are the secret heroes — they keep the bacon snugly wrapped around the chicken while it cooks. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4–6 slices of bacon (enough to wrap each breast completely)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Toothpicks (as needed)
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures the bacon crisps up beautifully. Lightly brush each breast with olive oil on all sides.
Step 2: Season Generously
Mix your seasonings — garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper — in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly so the flavor stays put.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take your bacon slices and carefully wrap them around each chicken breast, slightly overlapping the edges so there are no gaps. Secure the ends with toothpicks to keep everything in place during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. 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).
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Remove the toothpicks, and you’re ready to serve!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give your chicken room to breathe — this ensures even airflow for perfectly crispy bacon.
- Use similar-sized chicken breasts: Helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Try flavor variations: Add a brush of barbecue sauce before cooking, or sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon for a sweet-and-savory twist.
- Line the air fryer basket: Use parchment paper with holes to catch drips and make cleanup easier.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can! Just note that turkey bacon won’t crisp up as much as pork bacon, but it’s a leaner alternative.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes — flipping halfway through ensures both sides of the bacon cook evenly and get that crispy texture.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and wrap the chicken ahead, then refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before cooking. Perfect for meal prep!
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped chicken breasts?
Try it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or even creamy mac and cheese. It’s incredibly versatile!