Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that will have everyone raving, then you’ve got to try these 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites! Seriously, they’re a game changer in my kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon is just heavenly, and the best part? You can whip them up in no time at all! I love making these for last-minute gatherings or just when I want something tasty without a ton of hassle. Trust me, once you make these little bites of joy, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces. I like to use fresh chicken for the best flavor, but you can also use thawed frozen chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
- 8 slices bacon: Cut in half. Go for the thick-cut bacon if you really want that crispy texture, but regular bacon works just fine too!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a wonderful savory note. It’s one of my favorite seasonings to sprinkle on just about anything.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A bit of smokiness goes a long way in this dish! You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika if you want that extra depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy! A little seasoning makes all the difference, but remember, the bacon will add some saltiness too.
That’s it! A handful of ingredients that come together to create something absolutely delicious. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step so that you can whip these up effortlessly. Ready? Let’s go!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly and the bacon get nice and crispy! Just turn it on and let it warm up while you prep the chicken. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a huge difference!
Season the Chicken
Next, grab your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle on the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually go for a good pinch of each because you want that flavor to really shine through. Mix it all up until the chicken is evenly coated. Trust me, the seasoning is what brings it all together!
Wrap Chicken with Bacon
Now, here comes the fun part—wrapping each seasoned chicken piece with half a slice of bacon! Just take a piece of bacon, start at one end, and wrap it around the chicken until it’s completely covered. If you find that the bacon doesn’t stay put, feel free to use a toothpick to secure it. Just be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving—nobody wants a surprise in their bite!
Air Fry the Bites
Time to cook! Place your bacon-wrapped chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; you want the hot air to circulate around them for that perfect crispiness. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Oh, the smell will be amazing!
Check for Doneness
To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into a piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside. And for that crispy bacon? Just take a peek at the edges; they should be golden and delicious! Once you hit that sweet spot, you’re ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results every time:
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your chicken pieces are a bit larger or thicker, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on them and always check for doneness to avoid any surprises!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It’s tempting to fit as many bites as possible, but give them some space! Overcrowding can prevent them from getting that lovely crispy texture we all crave.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix things up! Try adding your favorite herbs or spices, like Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Each twist can bring a new flavor profile to your bites!
- Use Toothpicks Wisely: If you’re using toothpicks to secure the bacon, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before using. This prevents them from burning during cooking and keeps your bites looking great!
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the chicken bites rest for a minute or two before digging in. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more succulent!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be the air fryer pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these scrumptious 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites! It’s always good to know what’s going into your delicious creations, right? Here’s a typical estimate for a serving size of three bites:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
These values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but I find this gives you a solid idea of what to expect! With packed protein and a satisfying crunch from the bacon, they’re a tasty treat that won’t ruin your day! Enjoy without guilt, my friends!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites? No worries! I’ve got answers to some of the most common queries that pop up, so you can feel confident while whipping these up!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. You want that chicken to cook evenly, and frozen chicken won’t give you the same delicious texture!
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
These bites are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce! Try barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a little kick. Yum!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prep the chicken and wrap it in bacon, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They’ll be just as delicious and ready to go when you are!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover chicken bites (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that bacon crispy again!
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Definitely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly. You still want that crispy finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: You’ll have these delicious bites ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Each bite is packed with flavor!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in protein, these bites are a guilt-free indulgence that still satisfy your cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy night in, these bites will impress everyone!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or dipping sauces to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess compared to traditional frying, so you can spend more time enjoying your food!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers from these delicious 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites? First off, congrats! Now, let’s talk about how to store them properly so they stay just as tasty for your next snack attack.
To store, simply place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up—this helps prevent any moisture buildup that could make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to reheat, you’ll want to maintain that crispy goodness. If you’ve stored them in the fridge, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help crisp up the bacon again and warm the chicken through. If you’re reheating from frozen, you might need to add a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious bites again without losing any of that amazing flavor and texture. Happy munching!
Imprimer
15 Minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Delight
- Temps Total: 15-17 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
Quick and easy air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each piece of chicken with half a slice of bacon.
- Place wrapped chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken size.
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon if needed.
- Temps De Préparation: 5 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10-12 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 bites
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 1g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped chicken bites
