ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Trim the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, you may want to butterfly them (cut them horizontally to create a thinner cut) to ensure even cooking. You can also use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1 inch thick, if needed.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer (garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika). For an extra burst of flavor, you can rub the chicken with a little olive oil to help the seasonings stick and enhance the crispiness of the bacon.
Step 2: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
- Wrap the bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken breast. You can either wrap it in a spiral around the chicken or fold the bacon slices flat along the length of the chicken breast. The bacon should cover the entire chicken breast.
- Secure the bacon: If needed, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. This helps prevent the bacon from unrolling during cooking. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the bacon and cook the chicken thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
- Place the chicken in the air fryer: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between them so that the air can circulate properly around the chicken and bacon for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The bacon should be crispy and golden, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like at the end of the cooking time, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Serve the air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breast hot, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness if desired.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
- Even Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are an even thickness for consistent cooking. If they’re too thick, they may not cook through before the bacon gets too crispy.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best texture and flavor, use thick-cut bacon. It holds up better in the air fryer and adds a hearty, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you’re making more than two chicken breasts, cook them in batches to ensure that the bacon crisps up evenly.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Add Cheese or Herbs: For extra flavor, you can top the chicken with cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking or sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer cooks the bacon to perfection, giving it that crispy, smoky texture while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
- Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time and makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you with less mess compared to stovetop frying or baking.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings, marinades, or even stuffing the chicken with cheese or herbs for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas on how to serve your air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breast:
- With a Side Salad: Pair the crispy chicken with a fresh salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a light and healthy meal.
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to create a more filling meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a hearty, balanced meal.
- On a Sandwich or Wrap: Slice the bacon-wrapped chicken breast and use it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap. Add some lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Crispy Meal Made Easy
Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breast is a quick and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds: crispy bacon and juicy chicken. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it with your favorite sides or enjoying it as a standalone dish, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Give it a try — you’ll love the combination of flavors and the crispiness that the air fryer brings to this classic bacon-wrapped chicken recipe!
ADVERTISEMENT
