Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked chicken breast, where crispy, golden bacon hugs tender, flavorful meat in an irresistible embrace. This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, promising restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy bacon wrapping.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on all sides, creating a flavorful base for the bacon.
- Wrap each chicken breast carefully with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly and covers most of the chicken surface. Stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to create a tight, even coverage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to allow hot air circulation.
- Cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness and thorough cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure bacon gets ultra-crispy
- Choose thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier results
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - space allows proper air circulation
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature
- Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices
- Experiment with different seasoning blends to customize your flavor profile
- For extra crispy bacon, consider using center-cut bacon which has less moisture
- Rotate chicken halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 37g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 105mg
