Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious, savory dish that combines the irresistible flavors of bacon and tender chicken, look no further than this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken recipe. With its juicy chicken breast wrapped in crispy bacon, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, cooking it in an air fryer makes it healthier than traditional frying methods while still delivering a mouthwatering result.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the preparation and cooking process, ensuring that you achieve perfect results every time. We’ll also provide tips on ingredient variations, serving suggestions, and nutritional information. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Intensity Level

• Skill Level: Easy
• Spiciness: Mild (can be adjusted to taste)

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 8 slices of bacon (preferably thick-cut)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

• ½ cup ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Baking sheet (optional, for resting chicken)
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming greasy.

2. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and ensures that it remains juicy.

3. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 2: Wrapping the Chicken

1. Wrap with Bacon: Take two slices of bacon and lay them side by side, slightly overlapping. Place one seasoned chicken breast on top of the bacon. Starting from one end, roll the bacon around the chicken breast, securing it tightly. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts.

2. Secure the Bacon (Optional): If you’re concerned about the bacon unraveling during cooking, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. Just remember to remove them after cooking!

Step 3: Preheating the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy bacon texture.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

1. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

2. Cooking Time: Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for it to be considered safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

3. Crispiness Check: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a baking sheet. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.

2. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the chicken into halves or quarters. Serve it hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Stuffing: For an extra indulgent twist, consider stuffing the chicken breasts with cheese before wrapping them in bacon. Cream cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella work great.

• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

• Vegetable Pairing: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

• Marinating: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for a few hours before seasoning and wrapping it in bacon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. The air fryer method ensures that you get crispy bacon while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Happy cooking!