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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Name: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 16 pitted dates; 8 slices bacon (cut in half); 2 tablespoons goat cheese (or other cheese,e optional)

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates — Hello, culinary explorers! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a recipe that masterfully combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors into one bite-sized wonder – Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates.

These two-bite appetizers is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also packs a gourmet punch that is sure to impress your guests.

Using an air fryer for this recipe adds a delightful twist, ensuring each date is perfectly encased in crisply cooked bacon while maintaining its juicy sweetness. Whether you’re planning a party, looking for a quick snack, or want to indulge in a decadent treat, these bacon-wrapped dates are an exquisite choice that will leave your taste buds joyful!

What Are Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Bacon Wrapped Dates are a delightful appetizer or snack, combining dates’ sweet, rich flavor with bacon’s savory, salty taste. This dish is simple in its composition but complex in its flavor profile. The core ingredients are:

Dates: Typically, Medjool dates are used for their size and sweetness. Dates are known for their natural, caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.
Bacon: Thin strips of bacon are used to wrap around the dates. As the bacon cooks, it becomes crispy, providing a savory contrast to the sweet dates. The bacon also adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

The preparation involves wrapping each date in a strip of bacon and securing it with a toothpick. These are then cooked until the bacon is crispy. Traditionally, this is done in an oven, but using an air fryer has become popular as it cooks the bacon evenly and offers a quicker, less messy method with a deliciously crispy result.

Bacon Wrapped Dates can be served as they are or enhanced with additional fillings like cheese (such as creamy goat cheese or cream cheese), almonds, or even a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra flavor dimensions. This dish is a favorite at parties and gatherings due to its delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors and easy, finger-food format.

Some of my favorite Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes are AIR FRYER CRANBERRY BRIE CANAPES, AIR FRYER PITA PIZZA, AIR FRYER CHILE RELLENO, and AIR FRYER FROZEN MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You will adore this recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates for several compelling reasons:

Flavorful Combination: The sweet and chewy texture of dates paired with the crispy, salty bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile. It perfectly balances the sweet and salty taste of the bacon, delighting your taste buds with every bite.
Effortless Preparation: This recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Wrapping the dates in bacon is a simple yet fun activity, making it ideal for quick appetizer solutions.
Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods. It crisps the bacon perfectly without making it greasy, making it a healthier option.
Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks the bacon-wrapped dates efficiently and quickly, saving you time. It’s ideal for last-minute hosting or when you need a quick snack.
Versatile Appetizer: These bacon-wrapped dates are perfect for any occasion, whether a fancy dinner party, a casual gathering, or a cozy night in. They are sure to be a hit with a wide range of guests.
Customizable: You can easily customize this dish. Stuff the dates with cheese or nuts for added texture and flavor, or drizzle them with honey or balsamic for a gourmet touch.
Perfect Texture: The air fryer ensures the bacon gets perfect crispiness while keeping the dates soft and warm, achieving a delightful contrast in textures.
No Mess Cooking: Air frying significantly reduces the mess typically associated with frying, making cleanup a breeze.
Elegant Presentation: Bacon-wrapped dates have an elegant appearance that makes them great for impressing guests at gatherings, yet they are so simple to prepare.
Enjoyable Anytime: They’re not just an appetizer; they can be a sweet and savory treat anytime.

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe is a perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, easy appetizer or snack.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Dive into the delightful world of Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates, where each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating this exquisite appetizer. Simple yet sophisticated, these key components combine to form a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, perfect for any occasion.

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.

Dates: Often, the Sweet Medjool Dates variety is preferred for its natural sweetness and plump, chewy texture, making them an ideal base for this dish.
Bacon: Choose thin slices of bacon for easy wrapping and optimal crispiness; the bacon adds a savory and smoky counterpoint to the sweetness of the dates.
Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the dates, ensuring they stay wrapped during the cooking process, and are easy to serve and eat.
Optional Fillings (such as Goat Cheese or Almonds): Adding a filling like creamy goat cheese or crunchy almonds inside the dates can elevate the dish with contrasting textures and flavors.

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the complexity and delight of Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates, making them a surefire hit for any gathering or special occasion.

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates In Air Fryer

If you love bacon-wrapped dates, you will soon love this easy air fryer appetizer. Here are the step-by-step directions for this delicious appetizer.

Prepare the Dates: Cut each date along one side to remove the pit if you’re using fillings, stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese, an almond, or your filling of choice.

Wrap with Bacon: Cut the bacon slice in half or thirds, depending on the size of the dates. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick. Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the date.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps the bacon start cooking immediately and become crispy.

Arrange the Dates: Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Cooking Time: Cook the dates for about 6-8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the dates to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Check for Doneness: The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. Depending on the thickness of your bacon and the air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the dates from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as the filling can be very hot.

Repeat if Necessary: If you have more dates to cook, repeat the process with the remaining batches.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates can lead to some delicious variations. Here are a few ideas to try:

Cheese-Stuffed Variations
- Goat Cheese Filling: Stuff dates with tangy goat cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet date and savory bacon.
- Blue Cheese Filling: For a more robust flavor, use blue cheese, which pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates.
- Cream Cheese Filling: A milder option, manchego cheese or cream cheese, offers a creamy texture that complements the bacon and dates.
Nut-Stuffed Variations
- Almond-Stuffed: Insert an almond into each date for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Pecan-Stuffed: Pecans add a rich, buttery crunch to the soft dates.
- Walnut-Stuffed: Walnuts offer a slightly bitter contrast, which can be a nice balance to the sweetness.
Spicy Variations
- Spiced Bacon: Before wrapping, sprinkle the bacon with a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Jalapeño-Stuffed: Add a slice of jalapeño inside the date for a spicy surprise.
Sweet and Savory Glaze
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished dates for a tangy sweetness.
- Honey Glaze: A light drizzle of honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the dates and bacon.
Herb-Infused
- Rosemary or Thyme: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme inside the date or on top for an aromatic touch.
Meat Variations
- Prosciutto-Wrapped: Use prosciutto instead of bacon for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Turkey Bacon: Wrap the dates in turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Dipping Sauces
- Maple Syrup Dip: Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping.
- Mustard Sauce: A mustard-based sauce can add a nice tangy contrast.

Each variation brings its own unique twist to the classic bacon-wrapped dates, allowing you to cater to different tastes and occasions. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own custom version of this delightful two-bite appetizer.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates can be an art form. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:

Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thin to medium-thick bacon. Thick bacon can take longer to crisp up and may not cook evenly with the dates.
Secure Wrapping: Make sure the bacon is securely wrapped around the dates and fastened with toothpicks. This prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the dates. This ensures a crispy texture on the bacon right from the start.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy bacon.
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. Conversely, smaller dates will cook faster.
Check for Doneness: The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. Depending on the thickness of your bacon and the air fryer model, you might need to adjust the cooking time.
Use Fillings Sparingly: If you add cheese or nuts, use them in moderation. Too much filling can cause overflowing and burning in the air fryer.
Let Them Rest: Allow the bacon-wrapped dates to cool for 1-2 minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese to set (if used) and makes them easier to handle.
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.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates that are crispy, delicious, and sure to impress your guests!

Faq’s Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates

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. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.

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. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the bacon and the air fryer model.

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.

Is preheating the air fryer necessary? Preheating helps to start the cooking process quickly and aids in getting the bacon crispy, so it is recommended.

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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