Introduction
If you love crispy bacon and juicy chicken, then you’ll definitely want to try cooking bacon wrapped chicken in an air fryer. This cooking method offers a delicious and easy way to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees tasty results. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking bacon wrapped chicken in an air fryer, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients for your bacon wrapped chicken in an air fryer recipe. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. For this dish, you will need the following:
– Chicken breasts
Ensure that the chicken breasts you choose are boneless and skinless. These will work perfectly for this recipe.
– Bacon slices
Choose your favorite bacon slices for wrapping the chicken. You can opt for regular bacon or get creative with flavored or smoked varieties.
– Seasonings
To add flavor to your bacon wrapped chicken, gather your preferred seasonings. Common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you enjoy.
– Toothpicks
To hold the bacon in place while cooking, you’ll need toothpicks. Make sure you have enough to secure each bacon wrap.
Preparing the Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your bacon wrapped chicken in an air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the chicken breasts
Begin by washing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture, ensuring a crispier texture. Once dry, season the chicken breasts with your desired seasonings. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices!
2. Wrapping the chicken with bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken breast. Make sure to cover as much of the chicken as possible, securing the bacon in place. Use toothpicks to hold the ends of the bacon in place. It’s important to evenly distribute the bacon around the chicken for even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Preparing the air fryer
Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking chicken. This is typically around 400°F (200°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Once the preparation steps are complete, you’re ready to cook your bacon wrapped chicken in the air fryer. Follow these simple instructions:
1. Placing the chicken in the air fryer
Carefully place the bacon wrapped chicken into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each piece for air circulation. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
2. Cooking time
Set the timer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the efficiency of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
3. Flipping halfway through
To ensure even browning, carefully flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn each piece over. This step guarantees that both sides of the bacon wrapped chicken have a crispy, golden exterior.
4. Checking for doneness
Once the air frying process is complete, remove one piece of chicken from the fryer and cut into it to check for doneness. The chicken should be cooked through with no pink or raw parts. If needed, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired internal temperature is reached.
Serving and Enjoying the Bacon Wrapped Chicken
After successfully air frying your bacon wrapped chicken, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious creation. Here are a few suggestions for serving:
– Side dish options
Pair your bacon wrapped chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless, so choose your favorite sides to complement the flavors of this savory dish.
– Sauce or dip
Consider serving your bacon wrapped chicken with a dipping sauce or condiment. Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard are popular choices that add an extra burst of flavor to the dish.
– Garnish
For an added touch, garnish your plated bacon wrapped chicken with chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of grated cheese. These finishing touches not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also add a pop of freshness.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon wrapped chicken in an air fryer provides a simple, yet incredibly delicious, way to enjoy a flavorful and succulent dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a meal that is both impressive and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in the delectable combination of crispy bacon and moist chicken.