1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Wrap with Bacon: Carefully wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to ensure coverage. Start at one end and work your way to the other, tucking the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken to keep them in place.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Air Fry the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:
- Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or olive oil. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each breast so the air can circulate and crisp the bacon. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:
- Use Thin Bacon: Thin or regular-cut bacon works best in this recipe because it crisps up well in the air fryer. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp fully by the time the chicken is cooked through.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to leave space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket so that the bacon can get crispy on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Optional Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or brush the bacon with maple syrup before cooking for a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Vegetables: Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken alongside roasted or air-fried vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots.
- Over Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of greens with a light vinaigrette for a delicious, healthy salad.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a comforting meal.
Variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken: Before wrapping with bacon, stuff the chicken breasts with cream cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar for a cheesy surprise inside.
- Barbecue Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes onto the chicken seasoning for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken breasts are an easy and delicious meal that delivers on both flavor and texture. The chicken remains juicy and tender, while the bacon turns crispy and savory. Whether you’re making it for a simple family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the air fryer makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing flavor!