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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

crispy air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked perfectly in an air fryer. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (67 oz each)
  • 46 thin-cut bacon strips (23 per chicken breast)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Optional: pinch of dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and trim any uneven edges for uniform thickness. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides of each chicken breast. (3 minutes)
  3. Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 strips of bacon, overlapping slightly to cover as much surface as possible. Secure with toothpicks if needed. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped breasts in a single layer with space between them.
  6. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. (15-18 minutes)
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer is available, cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear and chicken feels firm. (1 minute)
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Remove toothpicks before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Dry the chicken breasts thoroughly before wrapping to ensure crispy bacon. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispness. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If bacon isn’t crispy enough, increase air fryer temperature slightly for the last 3-5 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, low carb, gluten free