Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Equipment

• Air fryer (4-quart or larger recommended)
• Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
• Tongs
• Small mixing bowl
• Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 8–12 slices thin-cut bacon (2–3 slices per breast, depending on size)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste; bacon is salty)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for stuffing)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (for stuffing)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon chili powder (for a sweet-spicy bacon glaze)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken (5 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon, so don’t skip this step. If your breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken (2 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). Rub this mixture generously over all sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Optional stuffing: If you’d like a stuffed version, cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast. Mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheese, then spoon it into the pockets. Press the edges closed.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon (5 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. Lay 2–3 bacon slices side by side on a cutting board. Place a chicken breast at one end and wrap the bacon around it, overlapping slightly. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the ends. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
2. Pro tip: For a sweet-spicy crust, sprinkle the brown sugar–chili powder mixture over the bacon before air frying.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer (3 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating helps the bacon start crisping immediately.

Step 5: First Air Fry Session (10 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer, seam-side down, leaving space between each piece. Do not overcrowd — work in batches if necessary.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes .

Step 6: Flip and Continue (8–10 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each piece using tongs. The bacon should be starting to brown. Continue air frying at 375°F (190°C) for another 8–10 minutes , or until the bacon is deeply crisped and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) .

Step 7: Rest and Serve (5 minutes | Intensity: Easy)

1. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute so every bite stays moist. Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 430 kcal · Protein: 46 g · Fat: 26 g · Carbohydrates: 2 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7 g · Fiber: 0 g · Sugar: 1 g · Sodium: 780 mg