Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

Chicken is a versatile and popular choice for the main dish, but it can sometimes be dry and bland, especially chicken breast. Wrapping it in bacon is an easy way to add flavor and moisture, and the bacon also helps to keep the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket. There are endless variations on bacon-wrapped chicken, so you can always find a new way to enjoy it. For example, you could try wrapping the chicken in bacon and then coating it in barbecue sauce. Or you can wrap with bacon an entire chicken drumstick.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless. Cut into even bite-size strips. Approximately 1 inch thick. And 2 or 3 inches in length. Can also use chicken tenderloins.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 6 slices bacon. Use regular thin-cut bacon
• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 TBS chopped Parsley, optional. For garnishing

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, add chicken pieces, coat with oil and spices, rub the chicken well and mix them all together until combined and fully rubbed. Feel free to add spices and seasoning of your choice.
2. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C. If you don't have the preheat option, simply run it empty for 3 minutes.
4. Wrap each chicken piece with half a strip of bacon. Usually, half a strip of bacon is good enough for a small chicken piece. If not long enough, extend the bacon strip, until the chicken piece is fully covered with bacon.
5. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon to the chicken meat.
6. Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts directly onto the air fryer basket or tray. Give them a little space. Do not overlap. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook in batches of 6-8 chicken pieces.
7. Air fryer mode at 400F/200C for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway. Or until bacon is fully cooked, beautifully browned and crispy.
8. Usually, the air fryer times and temps are pretty accurate. But if you’re unsure, please use the meat thermometer until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165F/73C. I use. Or cook the chicken until the desired doneness.
9. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Or herbs of your choice.
10. Serve with homemade Chipotle sauce. Delicious!

Why make bacon-wrapped chicken in the air fryer?

An air fryer is perfect for making bacon-wrapped chicken. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and in half the time as a traditional oven. This is ideal for chicken breast, which can dry out easily when cooked in the oven. The bacon also gets crispy and delicious in the air fryer, making it a perfect complement to the juicy chicken. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with an air fryer - there's no need to deal with splatters of grease on the oven or stovetop.

What to serve with Air fryer bacon wrapped chicken breast?

For a classic pairing, try roasted potato wedges and green beans. This simple dish is full of flavor and easy to prepare. 

A salad made with fresh greens and topped with a light vinaigrette is a great option. 

For something heartier, mashed potatoes or rice make an excellent side.

And don't forget the dip! If you serve the bacon-wrapped chicken bites for your party or as an appetizer, this homemade Chipotle sauce is a perfect dip for this dish.

How to store and reheat?

To store bacon-wrapped chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. When you're ready to reheat, place it in your air fryer at 350 degrees F and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. If you find that your bacon is getting overcooked, simply cover the chicken with foil during the final few minutes of cooking.

What else can I wrap in bacon?

Bacon is delicious wrapped around just about anything. Meats, vegetables, and even fruits can benefit from a bacon blanket. 

For an added savory touch, try wrapping bacon around grilled or roasted veggies like asparagus. 

Bacon wrapped avocado is the combination of crispy bacon and rich, creamy avocado making for a heavenly bite that will have your guests asking for more.

The fatty deliciousness of bacon pairs especially well with hearty items like steak bites and potatoes. 

For a fun and unique flavor combination, try wrapping bacon around sweet fruits like pineapple. The saltiness of the bacon offsets the sweetness of the fruit for a delightful treat.