Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs  — If you have been looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with our Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs air fryer recipe!

In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a mouthwatering and low carb feast perfect for keto enthusiasts. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s a quick and flavorful meal you won’t want to miss.

Why you will love this recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken thighs air fryer!

Do you love bacon-wrapped chicken thighs? If so, you will love this bacon-wrapped chicken thighs air fryer recipe! The dish is quick and easy to make, and the bacon adds delicious flavor to the chicken. The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly and comes out juicy and tender. You are going to love this recipe!

This is a flavor explosion in your mouth! Who doesn’t love crispy bacon and an easy recipe for your air fryer?

This is a great recipe that the whole family will love! If you are looking for easy meals, some of my favorite easy air fryer recipes are Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Chicken Legs.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious air fryer recipe, look no further than bacon-wrapped chicken thighs! This dish is simple to make and tastes great.

You only need a few ingredients, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? So try this recipe today and see for yourself how tasty it is!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• Chicken Thighs: You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs as the primary protein for this dish.
• Bacon Strips: Choose your favorite bacon variety, whether regular, turkey, or flavored, for added taste.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps to crisp up the bacon and chicken while adding a touch of flavor.
• Paprika: Paprika lends a smoky, mildly spicy flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a savory kick without chopping fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a subtle oniony taste to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavor and balance the dish’s taste.

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

This is one of my favorite recipes; if you love a scrumptious recipe and cooking bacon-wrapped meat, you will love this recipe. Here are the step-by-step directions. 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 2-3 minutes. Dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel.

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken thighs with this mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

Wrap with Bacon: Wrap a bacon slice around each seasoned chicken thigh, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.

Place in the Air Fryer: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Air Fry: Cook the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cook time. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and bacon, so check for doneness.

Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the bacon is crispy and browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Serve: Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove any toothpicks before serving.

Optional Broil: If you’d like the bacon to be even crispier, you can briefly broil the chicken in your oven for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Enjoy: Serve your bacon-wrapped chicken thighs hot, and enjoy this delicious and savory dish!

Air frying provides a healthier way to enjoy crispy bacon-wrapped chicken thighs without excessive oil or frying. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Pro tips For bacon-wrapped chicken thighs air fryer​

Here are some pro tips for making perfect bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the air fryer:

• Choose the Right Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for wrapping around the chicken thighs. It cooks more evenly and becomes crispier in the air fryer. Thick cut bacon will take too long to cook and not crisp up.
• Secure with Toothpicks: If needed, use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends to the chicken thighs. This prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps achieve even and consistent results.
• Spray or Brush with Oil: Lightly coat the chicken thighs with olive oil or use a cooking spray. This helps the bacon become crispier and prevents sticking.
• Flip Halfway Through: To ensure both sides of the chicken thighs are evenly cooked and the bacon is crispy all around, flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken thighs in the oven for a minute or two after air frying. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix. You can add chili powder, maple syrup, brown sugar, or even a BBQ rub to give your chicken thighs a unique flavor.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve your bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard are great choices.

These pro tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in your air fryer.

How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

To cook bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Then, cook the chicken thighs for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the size of the chicken thighs, so it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.

What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs make for a delicious main dish, and you can serve them with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with bacon-wrapped chicken thighs:

• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or carrots make a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with your favorite dressing adds freshness and balance to the meal.
• Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, or garlic butter mashed potatoes are excellent choices.
• Rice or Grains: Serve with cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous to make it a heartier meal.
• Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty bread are great for soaking up any delicious juices or sauces.
• Sauces: For added flavor, consider serving with a dipping sauce like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
• Fruit: A fruit salad or fresh fruit platter can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw complements the smoky flavor of the bacon.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs can add depth and earthiness to the meal.
• Gravy: A homemade gravy made from the pan drippings can be poured over the chicken for extra richness.

Feel free to mix and match these side dishes based on your preferences and dietary needs to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can choose different types of bacon based on your preference. However, thin-cut bacon tends to work best for achieving a crispy texture in the air fryer.

How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?

To prevent the bacon from unraveling, you can secure the ends with toothpicks. Remember to remove them before serving.

What should I do if the bacon isn’t crispy enough?

If you prefer even crispier bacon, broil the chicken thighs in the oven for a minute or two after air frying. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Can I marinate the chicken thighs before wrapping them in bacon?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken thighs in your favorite marinade or seasoning mix can add extra flavor to the dish. Just pat them dry before wrapping them in bacon to ensure crispiness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make these chicken thighs ahead of time?

 Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs ahead of time. Let the chicken thighs cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container, then place in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to cover them properly to prevent drying out.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITA BURRITOS
• EASY AIR FRYER CHINESE CHICKEN FINGERS
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITA RICE BOWL

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