Marianne Martinez
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is a juicy, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and in half the time as a traditional oven. The dish combines the savoury goodness of bacon with tender chicken breasts, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The thinner the bacon, the better, as it cooks evenly and becomes crispy without overpowering the chicken's tenderness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the hassle and cleanup associated with oven or stovetop cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken breasts, bacon, salt, black pepper, olive oil spray, toothpicks |
| Optional Ingredients | Avocado, tomatoes, shallots, cucumbers, vinaigrette, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, honey mustard |
| Oven Temperature | 400F |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 360-400F |
| Air Fryer Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Air Fryer Basket Preparation | Spritz with cooking oil or line with parchment paper |
| Chicken Preparation | Season with salt and pepper, wrap with bacon, secure with toothpicks |
| Serving Suggestions | Avocado Quinoa Salad, Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions, Grilled Zucchini, Lemon-Parsley Potatoes, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, BBQ Baked Beans, Ranch Dressing |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and bacon preparation
Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about one inch thick and two to three inches in length. You can also use chicken tenderloins, as these are already pre-cut. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice, such as smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
Next, wrap each piece of seasoned chicken with bacon. For a whole chicken breast, use two to three slices of bacon, depending on the size of the breast. For chicken bites, cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each bite with one piece of bacon. Overlap the bacon slices slightly to account for shrinkage during cooking, and try to keep the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken or secure them with toothpicks. You can also rub the remaining seasoning over the bacon to add extra flavor.
Finally, prepare your air fryer. Preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bacon from sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is a bit of space between each piece for air to flow and to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the bacon from crisping up.
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Air fryer setup
To cook bacon-wrapped chicken breast in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is a crucial step as it helps to ensure even cooking and the perfect crispiness for your bacon. Depending on your air fryer model, the preheating time may vary, but it usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes.
During the preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step is important to prevent the bacon from sticking to the basket and make cleaning easier. You can also use olive oil spray if you prefer.
Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to assemble your bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper or a mix of spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. You can also add a sweet touch with maple syrup or brown sugar. Then, take two strips of bacon for each chicken breast and wrap them tightly, starting from one end and ensuring the ends of the bacon are underneath the chicken. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place if needed.
Now, it's time to cook your bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper spacing between each piece for even cooking and crispiness. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for about 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 370°F and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
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Air frying the chicken
To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You can also prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the bacon from sticking. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation, which helps achieve crispiness.
Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Starting from one end, wrap two strips of bacon over each chicken breast, trying to keep the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken breast. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place.
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a single layer into the bottom of the prepared air fryer basket. Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Aim for 4-5 ounces each to ensure even cooking.
Once the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for one minute to brown the bacon. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. Resting the chicken keeps the juices from running out, keeping all the flavour inside.
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Resting and serving the chicken
Resting the chicken is an important step in the cooking process. Once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F, remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest, covered with foil, for about five minutes before slicing and serving. This step is crucial, as it keeps the juices from running out, preserving the flavor and moisture of the meat.
While the chicken rests, you can prepare your chosen sides and sauces. This bacon-wrapped chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted green beans with caramelized onions, grilled zucchini, or lemon-parsley potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple salad with mixed greens, spinach, or romaine and your favorite toppings, like avocado, tomatoes, shallots, and cucumbers. For an extra touch of flavor, you can serve it with dips like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
When slicing the chicken, ensure that you remove any toothpicks that were used to secure the bacon in place during cooking. This will ensure the safety of your guests and enhance their dining experience. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added aroma and presentation.
Finally, serve the chicken with your chosen sides and sauces. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It is a versatile and delicious meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy the juicy, tender chicken complemented by the crispy, flavorful bacon prepared in the air fryer.
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Storing leftovers
If you want to store the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooked chicken in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the leftovers, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. If using the air fryer, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then place it in the preheated air fryer at 360–370°F for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, rewarm the leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F. You can also microwave the chicken for a few seconds to enjoy it hot.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Season your chicken breast with salt and pepper, or a seasoning rub. Wrap the chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, and place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Overlap the bacon slices slightly to account for shrinkage during cooking. Start and end the bacon strips underneath the chicken breast, or use toothpicks to keep them in place.
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast goes well with many side dishes. Some suggestions include a salad with mixed greens, spinach, or romaine, and your favorite toppings and vinaigrette. You could also serve it with avocado quinoa salad, roasted green beans with caramelized onions, grilled zucchini, or lemon-parsley potatoes.
