I never thought I’d find a way to make chicken breasts exciting until I wrapped them in bacon and threw them in the air fryer. My family used to tolerate my dry, bland chicken dinners, but now they actually request this Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe at least twice a week.
The first time I made these, I was skeptical about the bacon getting crispy enough in the air fryer. I’d always pan-fried bacon-wrapped dishes before, which meant grease splatters all over my stovetop. But desperation led me to try the air fryer method, and I was blown away by how perfectly crispy the bacon got while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy.
I’ve learned through trial and error that the key is using thin-sliced bacon and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. My first attempt involved thick-cut bacon that never quite crisped up, leaving me with chewy, half-cooked strips. Now I know better, and I’m sharing all those lessons with you.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
_result.jpg "Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe")
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe
This recipe transforms boring chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal without heating up your entire kitchen. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, rendering the bacon fat while simultaneously cooking the meat to perfection.
I love that this dish looks impressive enough for company but requires minimal effort. The bacon bastes the chicken as it cooks, adding flavor and moisture that chicken breasts desperately need.
Here’s why this recipe has become a weeknight staple in my home:
- Incredibly juicy chicken: The bacon acts as a protective layer, keeping the chicken breasts moist and tender instead of dry and rubbery
- Crispy bacon perfection: The air fryer gets the bacon perfectly crispy without any grease splatters or messy cleanup
- Minimal prep time: Just season, wrap, and cook with only 10 minutes of hands-on work
- Healthier than pan-frying: Excess fat drips away during cooking, making this a lighter version of a decadent dish
- Customizable flavors: You can season the chicken with endless spice combinations to keep things interesting
- Perfect for meal prep: These reheat beautifully for easy lunches throughout the week
My kids actually eat their vegetables when I serve these chicken breasts because they’re too busy enjoying the bacon-wrapped protein to complain about the broccoli on their plates.
Another favorite: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few quality ingredients to create something memorable. I’ve experimented with various seasonings, but I keep coming back to this basic combination that lets the bacon and chicken shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each)
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier. I learned the hard way that regular toothpicks can burn in the air fryer, so invest in the proper equipment if you plan to make this regularly.
- Air fryer (I use a 6-quart model, but any size works)
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl for seasoning
- Basting brush
- Heat-resistant tongs
- Wooden toothpicks or kitchen twine
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for oil mixture
Recommended Products for This Recipe
Over the years of making this recipe, I’ve discovered a few products that genuinely make a difference in the final result. These aren’t necessities, but they’ll elevate your bacon-wrapped chicken from good to incredible.
1. Cosori Air Fryer 6-Quart
I’ve tried several air fryers, and this one consistently gives me the most even cooking and crispiest bacon. The digital controls make it easy to set the exact temperature, and the large basket means I can cook all four chicken breasts at once without overcrowding. The non-stick coating also makes cleanup effortless, even with bacon grease.
2. ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer
This thermometer has saved me from serving both overcooked and undercooked chicken more times than I can count. The instant-read feature means you can check the internal temperature without leaving the chicken in the air fryer for too long, and it’s accurate every single time.
3. Wright Brand Thick Sliced Bacon
Wait, didn’t I say to use thin-cut bacon? I did, but I’ve since found that Wright Brand’s bacon slices are the perfect thickness—not too thin that they burn, not too thick that they stay chewy. They’re also naturally smoked, which adds an incredible depth of flavor to the chicken.
4. Organic Paprika
Regular paprika works fine, but upgrading to a high-quality organic paprika made a noticeable difference in the flavor profile. It has a sweeter, smokier taste that complements the bacon beautifully without overpowering the chicken.
Read Also: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
_result.jpg "Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe – Juicy & Crispy in 20 Mins")
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped chicken every single time. I’ve made every mistake possible so you don’t have to.
1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes (this ensures even cooking)
- Pat each chicken breast completely dry with paper towels (moisture prevents the seasoning from sticking and makes the bacon soggy)
- If any chicken breasts are significantly thicker on one end, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken breasts with a sharp knife
- Place the prepared chicken breasts on a clean cutting board
2. Season the Chicken
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using)
- Mix the spices thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until well combined
- Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil on all sides using a basting brush (this helps the seasonings adhere)
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast
- Gently rub the seasonings into the meat with your hands to ensure even coverage
- Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the bacon
3. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
- Lay two slices of bacon on your cutting board, slightly overlapping them in the middle
- Place one seasoned chicken breast in the center of the bacon slices
- Wrap the bacon around the chicken breast, starting from one side and bringing it across to the other side
- Make sure the bacon covers as much of the chicken as possible, with minimal gaps
- Secure the bacon in place with 2-3 wooden toothpicks inserted at an angle through the bacon and into the chicken (don’t push them all the way through)
- Repeat this process with the remaining three chicken breasts
- If any bacon ends are loose, tuck them underneath the chicken breast before securing with toothpicks
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes
- While the air fryer preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking (I use avocado oil spray)
- Do not skip preheating as this ensures the bacon starts crisping immediately when you add the chicken
5. Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
- Once preheated, carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer
- Make sure they’re not touching or overlapping (cook in batches if necessary)
- Set the timer for 10 minutes and let the chicken cook undisturbed
- After 10 minutes, carefully flip each chicken breast using heat-resistant tongs
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, checking the internal temperature at the 8-minute mark
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part with a meat thermometer
- If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like but the chicken is cooked through, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes
6. Rest and Serve
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the air fryer and place them on a clean plate
- Tent the plate loosely with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes (this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat)
- After resting, carefully remove the toothpicks from each chicken breast
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired
- Slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy
This technique works beautifully with my Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe if you’re looking for another way to prepare chicken breasts.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these tips will help you avoid the mistakes I made early on. Trust me, these small details make a huge difference.
- Choose thin-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon doesn’t crisp properly in the cooking time needed for chicken breasts and can leave you with chewy, undercooked bacon
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking; leave at least 1 inch of space between each chicken breast
- Use a meat thermometer: Guessing doneness by time alone is risky; always check the internal temperature to avoid dry, overcooked chicken or dangerously undercooked meat
- Pat the chicken completely dry: Any surface moisture will steam the bacon instead of crisping it and will prevent the seasoning from adhering properly
- Secure the bacon well: Loose bacon strips will unwrap during cooking as the chicken releases moisture and shrinks slightly; use enough toothpicks to keep everything in place
- Let chicken come to room temperature: Cold chicken from the fridge takes longer to cook through, which can result in overcooked bacon before the meat is done
- Flip carefully: Use tongs instead of a fork to flip the chicken to avoid puncturing the meat and losing precious juices
- Check for hot spots: Every air fryer is different; if you notice one side of the bacon crisping faster, rotate the chicken breasts halfway through cooking
- Save the drippings: The bacon fat and chicken juices in the bottom of the air fryer basket make an incredible base for gravy or can be used to roast vegetables
You might also enjoy: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Recipe
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped chicken breasts are versatile enough to pair with almost any side dish. I usually keep things simple on busy weeknights, but when I have guests, I go all out with complementary sides.
The smoky, savory flavors of the bacon-wrapped chicken pair beautifully with both light and hearty sides. Here are my favorite combinations:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon or Maple Glazed Carrots add color and nutrition to your plate
- Creamy sides: Creamed Spinach or a Hashbrown Casserole make this feel like a special occasion meal
- Fresh salads: A crisp Coleslaw or Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint balances the richness of the bacon
- Starches: Serve alongside Healthy Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Simple Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Breads: A warm Homemade Biscuit or Sourdough Focaccia is perfect for soaking up any extra bacon drippings
- Light appetizers: Start the meal with Deviled Eggs or Healthy Bruschetta
For a complete comfort food experience, serve these with Velveeta Mac and Cheese and watch your family’s faces light up.
Variations of Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations to keep things interesting. I rotate through these different versions to prevent dinner fatigue.
- Cheese-stuffed version: Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast and stuff with cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar and jalapeños before wrapping in bacon
- Italian-style: Replace the paprika with Italian seasoning and stuff each breast with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes
- BBQ bacon-wrapped chicken: Brush the bacon with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet and smoky glaze
- Buffalo chicken version: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Brown sugar bacon: Sprinkle brown sugar on the bacon before wrapping for a sweet and savory combination
- Herb-crusted: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the seasoning blend for a more sophisticated flavor profile
- Spinach and feta stuffed: Create a pocket and fill with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese before wrapping
- Cajun-style: Replace the seasonings with Cajun spice blend for a spicier kick
- Maple-glazed: Brush with maple syrup mixed with a little Dijon mustard during the last few minutes of cooking
Read Also: Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps these chicken breasts delicious for several days, making them perfect for meal prep. I often make a double batch on Sunday to have easy lunches ready for the week.
- Refrigerator storage: Let the cooked chicken cool completely to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freezer storage: Wrap each cooled chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months
- Freezing tip: Label the container with the date and reheat-from-frozen instructions to make future meal planning easier
- Meal prep containers: Use divided containers to portion the chicken with sides for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week
- Reheating in the air fryer: This is my preferred method; preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and heat the chicken for 5-7 minutes until warmed through
- Reheating in the oven: Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil if the bacon starts to get too crispy
- Microwave reheating: While not ideal for keeping the bacon crispy, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes on 50% power if you’re short on time
- From frozen: Add 5-10 minutes to any reheating method if cooking from frozen; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) again before serving
For another delicious chicken option that reheats well, try my Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
_result.jpg "Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe – Tasty Keto Dinner")
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (1 bacon-wrapped chicken breast). Keep in mind that values may vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use.
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 685mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber**: 0g
- Sugars**: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Vitamin D: 0.5mcg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
- Potassium: 520mg
This recipe provides an excellent source of lean protein while the air fryer method significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional pan-frying. The bacon adds flavor without as many calories as you might expect since much of the fat drips away during cooking.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this isn’t exactly diet food, the ingredients do offer some nutritional advantages. Understanding the health benefits helps me feel better about serving this to my family regularly.
The main components of this dish provide several important nutrients:
- Chicken breast: An excellent source of lean protein that supports muscle growth and repair, provides essential B vitamins for energy metabolism, and contains selenium which supports immune function
- Bacon: While high in fat, it provides protein, B vitamins (especially B12), and minerals like zinc and phosphorus; the air fryer method allows excess fat to drip away, making it a slightly healthier preparation
- Garlic powder: Contains compounds that may support heart health, has antimicrobial properties, and provides antioxidants that fight inflammation
- Paprika: Rich in vitamin A which supports eye health, contains capsaicin that may boost metabolism, and provides antioxidants including vitamin C
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, contains anti-inflammatory properties, and helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the other ingredients
You might also enjoy: Baked Chicken Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash
FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
1. Can I use thick-cut bacon instead of regular bacon?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon needs more time to crisp up than chicken breasts need to cook through, which means you’ll end up with either chewy bacon or overcooked, dry chicken. If you only have thick-cut bacon, partially cook it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before wrapping the chicken to give it a head start.
2. Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
Yes, flipping is essential for even cooking and ensuring the bacon crisps on both sides. Without flipping, the bottom side of the bacon can become soggy from sitting in the rendered fat. Use tongs to flip carefully at the halfway point, being gentle so you don’t dislodge the toothpicks or unwrap the bacon.
3. Can I stuff the chicken breasts before wrapping them in bacon?
Absolutely! Stuffed bacon-wrapped chicken is even more impressive. Just be sure to secure the opening with toothpicks so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking. Popular stuffings include cream cheese with herbs, spinach and feta, or jalapeño and cheddar. Keep in mind that stuffed chicken may need an extra 3-5 minutes of cooking time.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The only reliable way to check is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The juices should run clear, not pink, and the meat should be white throughout with no translucent or pink areas. Bacon appearance isn’t a good indicator since it might look done while the chicken is still undercooked.
5. Why is my bacon not getting crispy?
Several factors can prevent crispy bacon: using bacon that’s too thick, overcrowding the air fryer basket (which restricts air circulation), not patting the chicken dry before wrapping, or having your air fryer temperature too low. If you’ve tried everything and the bacon still isn’t crispy after the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken and increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
For more air fryer inspiration, check out my Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe has genuinely changed how my family views chicken dinners. What used to be the boring fallback option is now something everyone looks forward to.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and reliability. Once you’ve made it a few times, it becomes second nature, and you can experiment with different seasonings and stuffings to keep things exciting. I hope this becomes a regular rotation in your meal planning just like it has in mine.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you create or tips you discover along the way!
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