There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory, and this recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates is the perfect example. The natural sweetness of the dates paired with the salty, crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. Every time I make these, they vanish within minutes — they’re just that good!
I’ll be honest, these are my go-to appetizer for any gathering, big or small. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, you can whip up a batch in no time. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make these irresistible bites.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Dates: These are the star of the dish. Soft and chewy Medjool dates work best for this recipe because of their naturally sweet flavor and plump texture. They provide the perfect contrast to the crispy bacon.
Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for the best results. It cooks faster and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, wrapping the dates in a blanket of salty goodness.
Toothpicks: These keep everything secure while cooking. They’re also handy for serving as it makes grabbing a piece easier for your guests.
Optional Fillings: You can take these to the next level by stuffing the dates with cheese or nuts. Creamy goat cheese or crunchy almonds are excellent choices to add a delightful surprise inside.
Ingredients List
- 12 Medjool dates
- 6 slices of thin-cut bacon (cut in half)
- 12 toothpicks
- Optional: 2 ounces of goat cheese or 12 almonds for stuffing
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by pitting the dates if they aren’t already pitted. If you’re adding a filling, carefully stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese or an almond. Make sure not to overfill.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each date. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick to ensure it doesn’t unravel while cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
Step 4: Arrange the Dates in the Basket
Place the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cook the dates for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure the bacon crisps evenly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the dates cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the air fryer.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Fresh Dates: Fresh Medjool dates are soft and easy to work with, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Thin Bacon Works Best: Thicker bacon may not crisp up as well in the air fryer. If you only have thick-cut bacon, consider precooking it slightly before wrapping the dates.
- Don’t Skip the Toothpicks: They’re essential for holding everything together and make serving easier.
- Experiment with Fillings: Stuffing the dates with cheese, nuts, or even a small piece of chorizo can elevate this dish to a whole new level.
- Clean the Air Fryer Basket Promptly: The bacon grease can build up, so cleaning it right after cooking is a good idea.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best results.
What other fillings work well? Blue cheese, cream cheese, or even small pieces of cooked sausage are excellent alternatives to goat cheese or almonds.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat the dates in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that turkey bacon may not get as crispy as pork bacon, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What’s the best way to serve these? These are great as-is, but you can also pair them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
With this guide, you’re all set to make a batch of Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates that will wow your taste buds and impress your guests. Happy cooking!