Discover the ultimate appetizer with this Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip! Loaded with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s the perfect party dip ready in minutes. Perfect for game days, holidays, or any gathering!
This is the best dip, and of course nothing is better than bacon! So, the next time you are looking for a quick appetizer, or dip, look no further than this recipe.
If you love easy air fryer dips, try my recipe for Air Fryer Peeps Dip, Air Fryer French Onion Dip, served with Air Fryer KETO Cheese Crackers, or Air Fryer Bagel Chips.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This dip comes together in just minutes with the help of the air fryer, perfect for last-minute appetizers.
- Cheesy and Creamy: Loaded with melted cheese and creamy spinach, it’s an indulgent treat everyone will love.
- Bacon Bliss: Crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy spinach.
- Perfect for Parties: This dip is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
- Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth and rich texture to the dip.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy consistency
- Sour Cream: A slight tartness that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Minced Garlic: Gives the dip a savory and aromatic depth of flavor.
- Sweet Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor.
- Spinach: Adds a nutritious element and pairs perfectly with the creamy cheeses.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits bring a smoky, savory crunch to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into the dip.
- Mozzarella Cheese Slices: Layered on top, melts to form a delicious golden, bubbly crust.
How To Make Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
Step One: Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, and sweet paprika in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Fold in the drained spinach, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step Two: Mix well.
Step Three: Fold the cheese into a baking dish. Set the pan into the air fryer, cook at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dip is golden brown.
Step Four: When the dip is hot, add the rest of the shredded Mozzarella cheese and the Mozzarella Cheese Slices, return it to the air fryer until the cheese is fully melted. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach: It’s essential to be sure all of the water is removed from your spinach. You can squeeze it with your hands, press in a potato ricer, or wrap up some paper towels and let them sit for a while before unwrapping them again, so that excess liquid has drained away.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: We would use freshly cooked spinach in a perfect world for this dip. If you must endeavor with frozen vegetables instead of the fresh option, I have given you a few suggestions below.
- Cheese Types: Fontina or Monterey Jack cheeses work well in place of mozzarella. If you can’t find any good melting cheese for your dip, I recommend using a blend with both parmesan and a rich flavor like Emmental cheese. But for best results, do not use cheddar cheese.
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach works great, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess water before mixing it in.
- Crisp Up the Bacon: For extra crispiness, cook the bacon separately until crunchy before adding it to the dip for a more textured topping.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before air frying to adjust salt and pepper levels as bacon and cheeses can be naturally salty.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Cover the dip with foil for the first few minutes in the air fryer to prevent the cheese from over-browning while the dip heats through.
- Serve Hot: This dip is best served hot and fresh, straight from the air fryer for the perfect melty, cheesy goodness!
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dip is fully cooled before refrigerating to preserve its texture and flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dip by placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing and be sure to reheat it thoroughly when ready to serve.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dip in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until bubbly and hot, or heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You can also reheat it in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip pairs perfectly with a variety of dippables. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, pita chips, or crunchy crackers for a satisfying crunch. Fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber also make a healthy option to balance the richness of the dip. For a heartier pairing, offer slices of toasted baguette, soft pretzels, or warm pita bread. It also complements grilled meats or even as a side to a fresh salad.
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip Recipe Faqs
Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time by mixing the ingredients and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it in the air fryer. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before air frying.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else? If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. Alternatively, cooked sausage or grilled chicken can be used for a different twist.
Can I make this dip in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes, you can bake the dip in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The air fryer gives it a quicker cooking time, but the oven works just as well.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming too thick? If the dip becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency before cooking.
Can I make this dip dairy-free? Yes, to make it dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cheese, and vegan bacon or skip the bacon altogether for a dairy-free version.
How long does this dip keep? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer or microwave before serving again.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER MOZZARELLA PIZZA BREAD
- EASY AIR FRYER CRACK CHICKEN CRESCENT BITES
- AIR FRYER PEPPERONI BASIL TOMATO PUFFS
- EASY AIR FRYER APPLEBEE’S COPYCAT MOZZARELLA STICKS
- AIR FRYER TWICE BAKED SWEET POTATOES
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Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
Description
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounces frozen spinach , thawed and drained
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and diced
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 4 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
Optional: Serve with Fresh Parsley, Sliced Baguettes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the drained spinach, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix well.
- Fold the cheese into a baking dish.
- Set the pan into the air fryer, and cook at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dip is golden brown.
- When the dip is hot, add the cheese, and return it to the air fryer until the cheese is fully melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, right before serving.
Equipment
- Baking Pan
Nutrition
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