Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Delicious Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates with a creamy cheese filling! This easy 3-ingredient appetizer is perfect for parties, tapas nights, or quick snacks, cooked to crispy perfection in minutes.

These are so good! If you love easy Air Fryer Appetizers, try my recipe for Air Fryer Great Value Egg Rolls, Air Fryer Babybel Cheese, or Air Fryer Homemade Doritos Chips.

Enjoy the delightful combination of naturally sweet, tender dates, rich creamy cheese, and smoky bacon, all wrapped up in a perfect bite! With the air fryer, you can skip the oven and keep cleanup to a minimum. If you need a make-ahead bacon appetizer that’s sure to impress, this is the one!

Ingredients

With three ingredients, you can make this amazing air fryer appetizer!

• Medjool Dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, dates are a nutritious fruit that adds a rich caramel-like flavor to dishes. They provide a delightful contrast to savory ingredients, making them a perfect base for this appetizer.
• Bacon: Smoky bacon brings a savory, crispy texture and rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Goat Cheese

How To Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Prepare the Dates: Stuff each pitted date with a small amount of cream cheese, or goat cheese.

Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each date, securing it with a toothpick if desired.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden.

 

 

Pro Tips

• Choose the Right Bacon: Use thin to medium-thick bacon.
• Secure Wrapping: Make sure the bacon is securely wrapped around the dates and fastened with toothpicks.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Place the wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Rotate for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, rotate or flip the dates to ensure even crisping and cooking of the bacon.
• Mind the Size of the Dates: If your dates are particularly large, they might need a slightly longer cooking time.
• Check for Doneness: The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.
• Use Fillings Sparingly: If you add cheese or nuts, use them in moderation.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the bacon-wrapped dates to cool for 1-2 minutes after cooking.
• Serve Warm: These treats are best enjoyed warmly, as the flavors and textures peak just after cooking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, seasonings, and fillings to find your favorite combination.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe Faqs

Do I need to soak the toothpicks before using them? It’s a good idea to soak toothpicks in water for about 20 minutes before using them.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and wrap the dates in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you cook them in the air fryer.

What type of dates is best for this recipe? Medjool dates and whole dates are often preferred for their size and sweetness, making them ideal for stuffing and wrapping in bacon.

How do I know when the bacon-wrapped dates are done cooking? They’re done when the bacon is crispy and golden brown all around.

Can I use a different type of bacon? Absolutely. While regular pork bacon is commonly used, you can experiment with turkey bacon or prosciutto for different flavors and textures.

What can I stuff inside the dates besides cheese or nuts? Some other stuffing options include cream cheese, blue cheese, small sausage pieces, or even a piece of dark chocolate for a sweet twist.

Can I freeze them after cooking? While you can freeze them, the texture of the bacon might change upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How long do leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftover bacon-wrapped dates can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container or freezer bag. Let the goat cheese dates cool to room temperature before storing them for best results. 

What are some good dipping sauces for bacon-wrapped dates? For added flavor, they can be paired with sauces like honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or a creamy garlic sauce.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Some other great recipes to serve these with for the holidays are AIR FRYER CRANBERRY BRIE CANAPES, AIR FRYER PARMESAN CRUSTED ZUCCHINI CRISPS, AIR FRYER PLANTAIN CHIPS, and AIR FRYER COCONUT SHRIMP.

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