How to Make Delicious Chicken Wrapped in Bacon in an Air Fryer
If you're looking for a simple yet mouthwatering meal that combines savory, crispy bacon with tender, juicy chicken, then you’ve come to the right place! Making Chicken Wrapped in Bacon in an Air Fryer is a game-changer. The air fryer makes cooking quicker, healthier, and just as delicious as traditional frying. Let’s dive into how you can create this perfect dish in no time.
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1Why Choose the Air Fryer?
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook. It uses hot air circulation to cook food with a fraction of the oil you'd typically need, which means you get the crispiness without the extra fat. It's also fast, efficient, and perfect for cooking meat like chicken, all while keeping it juicy inside and crispy outside.
Wrapping chicken in bacon adds incredible flavor, and using the air fryer ensures that the bacon crisps up perfectly without burning. Plus, it’s an easy, one-pan meal with minimal cleanup. What’s not to love?
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Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 8 slices of bacon (4 slices per chicken breast)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or any of your favorite seasonings
- Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
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Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the bacon stay in place and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces for quicker cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like on both sides of the chicken. Some garlic powder or paprika adds a nice touch, but keep it simple if you want to focus on the bacon flavor.
3. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon:
Take 4 slices of bacon for each chicken breast. Lay them flat, slightly overlapping, and then roll the chicken up tightly in the bacon. The bacon should cover the chicken completely. You can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready for your chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between the pieces for the air to circulate. Lightly spray the bacon with olive oil to help it crisp up.
Cook for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. The bacon should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Check for Doneness:
Once the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and keeps the chicken nice and juicy.
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Tips for Perfect Chicken Wrapped in Bacon:
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thicker bacon will hold its shape and provide a nice crunch, whereas thinner bacon can cook too quickly and potentially burn before the chicken is done.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to leave space between each piece of chicken in the air fryer for optimal air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While the basic salt and pepper work great, feel free to experiment with herbs, spices, or marinades to make the dish your own.
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Making Chicken Wrapped in Bacon in the Air Fryer is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. The bacon’s crispy texture and smoky flavor combined with the juicy chicken create the perfect balance. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Happy cooking!