Oh my goodness, if you’ve never tried bacon-wrapped dates, you’re in for a real treat! This easy air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe is one of my all-time favorites, combining the sweet, caramel-like flavor of Medjool dates with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Seriously, it’s a match made in heaven! I love how simple it is to whip up, meaning you can impress your friends at a party or just indulge on a cozy night in. Plus, the air fryer makes everything so much easier and quicker. You won’t believe how quickly these beauties come together! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked—sweet and salty, crispy and tender—what’s not to love? Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
For this easy air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe, you’ll need just a couple of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 large Medjool dates: These sweet gems are the star of the show! Their chewy texture and natural sweetness complement the salty bacon perfectly.
- 6 slices of bacon (cut in half): Use your favorite bacon—thick-cut or regular works great! Cutting them in half makes wrapping super easy and ensures a balanced bite.
That’s it! Yes, it’s really that simple. You’ll be amazed at how these two ingredients transform into something so delicious!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer going! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your bacon gets nice and crispy while the dates warm up perfectly. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Prepare the Dates
Now, let’s work on those dates! Start by carefully removing the pits—just slice them open and pop the pits out. If you want to take these flavors to the next level, consider stuffing the dates with a bit of cheese or an almond before wrapping them in bacon. Yum!
Wrap the Dates
Time to wrap! Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each date, making sure to cover them well. I like to slightly overlap the bacon edges to keep it secure while it cooks. It’s all about that crispy goodness, right?
Air Fry the Dates
Place the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up as nicely. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they’re cooking evenly. You want that bacon to be golden brown and crispy, so keep an eye on them!
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re cooked to perfection, carefully remove the dates from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them warm and watch your friends swoon over these delightful bites! They’re perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for any gathering.
- Sweet and savory flavor combo that’s totally irresistible.
- Only two main ingredients, so it’s super simple!
- Air frying means less mess and quicker cleanup.
- Versatile—stuff the dates for added flavor if you wish!
- They’re gluten-free, making them great for various diets.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; giving the dates room allows the hot air to circulate for that perfect crisp. If your bacon is thick-cut, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time—just keep an eye on them! Also, if you’re experimenting with stuffings, be careful not to overfill, or the dates might burst while cooking. Lastly, let them cool slightly before diving in—the flavor will develop even more!
Nutritional Information
These easy air fryer bacon wrapped dates are not only delicious but also pretty straightforward in terms of nutrition! Each serving, which includes 2 dates, has approximately 180 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of bacon?
Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even prosciutto if you want to mix things up. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary a bit depending on the type of bacon you choose!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dates and wrap them in bacon a few hours ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They’re also great for meal prep!
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped dates?
These little bites are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side of creamy dip or even a fresh salad to balance the richness.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back.
Can I freeze bacon-wrapped dates?
Yes! Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe: 5-Star Delight
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for bacon-wrapped dates made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the pits from the dates.
- Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can stuff the dates with cheese or almonds before wrapping them.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy air fryer bacon wrapped dates recipe
