Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my secret weapon for last-minute parties – these irresistible air fryer bacon-wrapped dates! I discovered this magical combo when I needed something quick for book club, and now they’re my go-to appetizer for every gathering. The way the sweet Medjool dates caramelize while the bacon gets perfectly crispy in the air fryer? Absolute perfection.
What I love most is how these little bites disappear faster than I can make them – seriously, I have to hide a few for myself! My neighbor still talks about the batch I brought to our block party last summer. With just three simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Let me count the ways these little bites will become your new party staple:
- Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – even when guests show up early!
- Perfect texture: The air fryer gives that ideal crispy-meets-chewy combo you just can’t get from oven baking
- Minimal mess: No greasy splatters all over your stove – just toss them in the air fryer basket
- Always a hit: I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go back for seconds (or thirds!)
- Effortless elegance: They look fancy but require less work than most appetizers
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them for every occasion – I know I do!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Here’s all you need for these addictive little bites – and I mean all you need:
- 12 Medjool dates (pitted – trust me, wrestling with pits mid-recipe is no fun)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (cut in half – regular bacon just doesn’t give that perfect meaty bite)
- 24 toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes if you’re extra cautious about burning)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep – just these three simple things create magic in your air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Okay, let me walk you through my foolproof method for these addictive little bites. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I get them perfect every single time!
Step 1: Prep the Dates and Bacon
First things first – check those dates! Even if the package says “pitted,” give each one a gentle squeeze to make sure no sneaky pits remain. There’s nothing worse than biting into a hidden pit!
For the bacon, I like to cut each slice in half crosswise – this gives you the perfect bacon-to-date ratio. Wrap each date snugly with a bacon half, then secure with a toothpick. Don’t skimp on the toothpicks – they keep everything together when the bacon starts shrinking!
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this helps get that perfect crisp right from the start. Arrange your bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer with some space between them – overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping!
Cook for 8-10 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them after the 6-minute mark – all air fryers run a bit differently. You want that gorgeous golden-brown crispness without going into burnt territory. The smell will tell you when they’re ready – that irresistible bacon-meets-caramelized-date aroma!
Pro tip: Let them rest for a minute before serving – the dates get lava-hot and the bacon crisps up even more as it cools slightly.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
After making these dozens of times (and fielding all the recipe requests!), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Go thick or go home: Thin bacon cooks too fast and doesn’t give that satisfying meaty bite – trust me, splurge on thick-cut!
- Peek often: All air fryers run differently – start checking at 6 minutes to prevent burning
- Serve immediately: They’re best piping hot when the bacon’s crisp and the dates are gooey
- Soak those picks: Quick water bath prevents toothpick charring – learned this the hard way!
- Space is key: Crowding = steaming – give each date breathing room for maximum crispness
Follow these and you’ll have people begging for your “secret recipe” – just like mine do!
Variations for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is!), try these fun twists I’ve tested over the years:
- Cheesy surprise: Stuff dates with goat cheese or blue cheese before wrapping – the melty tang cuts through the sweetness beautifully
- Sweet heat: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to each date before wrapping
- Honey drizzle: Finish with a light honey drizzle and flaky salt – takes them to dessert territory!
- Nutty crunch: Tuck an almond or pecan inside each date for extra texture
My book club goes wild for the goat cheese version – try it and see why! If you are looking for other savory appetizers, check out these air fryer jalapeno poppers.
Serving Suggestions
These little flavor bombs shine on their own, but here’s how I love to serve them:
- Dip duo: Spicy sriracha mayo for heat lovers and cool Greek yogurt with lemon zest for balance
- Charcuterie star: Arrange them on a board with cured meats, nuts, and fruit – instant fancy appetizer spread!
- Cocktail companion: Perfect with a glass of crisp white wine or bourbon old fashioned
My favorite? Stack them on a rustic wooden board with rosemary sprigs – so pretty and effortless! For more appetizer ideas, consider these air fryer cranberry brie bites.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Here’s the good news – if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), they keep beautifully! Store cooled dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive that perfect crispness.
Pro tip: If the bacon seems dry after storing, brush lightly with olive oil before reheating. Works like a charm!
Nutrition Information
Now let’s talk numbers – because let’s be honest, we all want to know how many of these delicious bites we can reasonably enjoy! Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (2 pieces), but keep in mind these are estimates that can vary based on your specific ingredients:
- 150 calories – totally worth it for that sweet-salty perfection
- 8g fat (3g saturated) – hey, we’re using real bacon here!
- 18g carbs (12g natural sugars from the dates, 2g fiber)
- 4g protein – a nice little bonus from the bacon
- 200mg sodium – just enough to balance the sweetness
A little nutrition tip from my kitchen: If you’re watching sugar, you can reduce the portion size slightly – but honestly, life’s too short not to enjoy these properly! For more sweet treats made in the air fryer, check out these air fryer donut holes.
FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these addictive little bites – here are the answers to the ones I hear most often!
Can I use turkey bacon instead? You can, but it won’t get as crispy. If you do, brush lightly with oil and add 1-2 minutes to the cook time. Honestly though? Regular bacon’s worth the splurge for that perfect texture!
How do I prevent burning? Two tricks: 1) Soak toothpicks in water first, and 2) Start checking at 6 minutes – all air fryers run a bit differently.
Can I make these ahead? Prep the wrapped dates up to 4 hours ahead (keep chilled), but cook right before serving – they’re best fresh and crispy!
What if my dates are dry? No worries! Soak them in warm water for 5 minutes first – they’ll plump right up.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just cook in batches – overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy bacon-wrapped dates made in the air fryer for a quick and delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap each date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture.
- Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American