Juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon is one of those simple but delicious recipes that never fails to impress. The bacon keeps the chicken moist inside while giving it a smoky, crunchy coating outside. Cooking it in the air fryer makes it quick, easy, and healthier than pan-frying.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a party appetizer if you use smaller chicken pieces. You only need a few ingredients — chicken breasts (or thighs), bacon, and simple seasonings. The air fryer does the rest, giving you tender chicken wrapped in golden, crispy bacon in less than 25 minutes.
You can serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It also works great with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 6–8 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, since bacon is salty)
- Toothpicks (to hold bacon in place, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken breast with 3–4 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to cover the chicken. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry: Place bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) inside and bacon is crispy.
- Rest & Serve: Let chicken rest for 3–4 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- For extra flavor, brush chicken with barbecue sauce or honey glaze in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Use thin-cut bacon for crispier results. Thick bacon takes longer to cook.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — leave space for air to circulate.
- If bacon cooks too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and extend cooking time.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on chicken thickness and your air fryer model.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Description:
Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A simple but flavorful dinner idea ready in under 25 minutes.
Duration:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 6–8 slices bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Wrap each piece with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is 74°C (165°F) inside and bacon is crispy.
- Rest a few minutes, then serve warm.
