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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium-sized skinless, boneless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 68 strips of bacon (thin or regular cut)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
  • Small sprig of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 3 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. Rub the spices all over each breast. If desired, sprinkle brown sugar on top. Toss gently to coat well (around 5 minutes).
  3. Lay 3-4 strips of bacon lengthwise on a cutting board. Place a seasoned chicken breast at one end and roll tightly, wrapping the bacon around the chicken. Secure bacon ends with toothpicks if needed. Repeat with the second breast (7-10 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 10-minute mark. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is key for crispy bacon. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Use toothpicks to secure bacon ends. If bacon isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely. Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, bacon-wrapped chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, crispy bacon, chicken breast, weeknight meal, protein-packed