Oh my goodness, you guys! I am so excited to share my air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe with you! Seriously, this dish is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory that will make your taste buds dance with joy. I can’t help but smile every time I pop one of these little beauties in my mouth. The crispy, smoky bacon perfectly complements the rich sweetness of the dates, creating a bite-sized explosion of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
These little gems are not just delicious; they also come together in no time, making them perfect for parties, game days, or just when you want a quick snack that feels a bit fancy. I first stumbled upon this delightful treat at a friend’s gathering, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. The best part? Cooking them in the air fryer means they’re quick, easy, and give you that perfectly crispy texture without the fuss of frying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 12 dates (pitted)
- 6 slices of bacon (cut in half)
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these fantastic air fryer bacon wrapped dates! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll be snacking on these in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be the star of any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key to getting that crispy bacon texture, so don’t skip this step! It only takes a few minutes.
- Prepare the dates: Make sure your dates are pitted. If you’ve got fresh dates, just slice them open and remove the pits. This is an important step, as no one wants a surprise pit while enjoying these delightful bites!
- Wrap the dates: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each date, securing it tightly. If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, just pop a toothpick through the middle to hold it together. Trust me, this little trick works wonders!
- Arrange in the air fryer: Lay the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as you want them to cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
- Cook to perfection: Air fry the dates for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end—every air fryer is a little different, and you want that bacon to be beautifully crispy, not burnt. You might want to give them a gentle shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Let them cool: Once they’re done, carefully remove the bacon wrapped dates from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, they’ll be super hot!
And that’s it! You’ve just made a scrumptious batch of air fryer bacon wrapped dates. They’re perfect for sharing—if you can resist the urge to eat them all yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just about 22 minutes!
- The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your taste buds.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Air frying gives you that crispy bacon texture without all the oil and mess of traditional frying.
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a party food that everyone will rave about.
- Flexibility to customize with different types of bacon or a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
- Perfectly portable for picnics or gatherings—easy to share (if you want to!).
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe like a pro! Here are my top tips to take your delicious bites to the next level:
- Choose the right bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for this recipe because it adds a nice chewiness and holds up well during cooking. But if you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon works too!
- Don’t skip the preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial! It ensures that your bacon gets that perfect crispiness. Just a few minutes at 400°F (200°C) will do the trick.
- Keep it simple: If you want to keep the focus on those sweet and savory flavors, stick to basic seasonings. However, feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking for an extra flavor boost!
- Watch the clock: Timing can vary depending on your air fryer model. Start checking around the 8-minute mark to make sure the bacon doesn’t burn. You want it crispy but not overly crunchy.
- Experiment with fillings: Want to jazz things up? Try stuffing the dates with a bit of goat cheese or almonds before wrapping them in bacon! It adds a delightful surprise inside.
- Use toothpicks wisely: If you’re using toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, make sure to soak them in water for about 10 minutes first. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Let them rest: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the bacon wrapped dates cool for a few minutes after cooking helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
These little tips will help you create the most mouthwatering air fryer bacon wrapped dates that will have everyone asking for the recipe! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each serving of my air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
These tasty bites pack a punch in flavor while keeping things relatively light! Perfect for a guilt-free appetizer or snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of bacon for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of bacon, like turkey bacon for a leaner option or even flavored bacon like maple or peppered for an extra twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and fat content.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these are so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bacon wrapped dates ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to preheat the air fryer before popping them in!
Are air fryer bacon wrapped dates gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it only uses dates and bacon. Just double-check to ensure your bacon is gluten-free if that’s a concern.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with a side of spicy mustard, tangy balsamic glaze, or even a sweet date syrup. Try out different sauces to find your favorite pairing!
Can I freeze bacon wrapped dates?
You can! Just freeze them before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
What should I serve with bacon wrapped dates?
These little bites make a fantastic appetizer on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cheese platter, fresh fruit, or even a refreshing salad. They’re perfect for parties or as a fancy snack to impress your friends!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these irresistible air fryer bacon wrapped dates, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving experience! These little bites are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes and drinks that will complement their sweet and savory deliciousness.
- Cheese platter: Create a stunning cheese board with a mix of soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie, and hard cheeses like aged cheddar. The creaminess of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon and sweet dates.
- Fresh fruit: Serve your bacon wrapped dates alongside slices of crisp apples, juicy pears, or a bowl of grapes. The freshness and acidity of the fruit will balance the richness of the bacon.
- Salad: A light arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing side. The peppery greens and zesty dressing will cut through the richness of the dates.
- Dips: Set out a selection of dips like a tangy balsamic reduction, spicy mustard, or creamy yogurt dip. These add an exciting flavor twist and give your guests options!
- Cocktails: Pair these bites with a refreshing cocktail like a gin and tonic or a light white wine spritzer. The citrus notes in the drinks will enhance the flavors of the bacon and dates.
- Charcuterie board: Combine your bacon wrapped dates with cured meats, olives, and nuts for a delightful charcuterie spread. This makes for a fantastic appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings!
With these serving suggestions, your air fryer bacon wrapped dates will shine as the star of the show at any meal or gathering. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and have fun sharing them with friends and family!
For more delicious recipes, check out this spiced apple cider recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe!
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for air fryer bacon wrapped dates that combines sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 dates
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the pits from the dates.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon.
- Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before cooking.
- Experiment with different types of bacon for varied taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe
