1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then evenly coat them with the seasoning mixture.
2. Wrap the Chicken:
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly and tucking the ends under the chicken. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Place in Air Fryer: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
5. Make the Glaze (Optional):
- Combine Ingredients: While the chicken is cooking, mix the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Brush the Glaze: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the bacon-wrapped chicken for a sweet and savory finish.
6. Serve:
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove any toothpicks, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken:
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Crispy Bacon: If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy.
- Glaze Variation: Try different glazes, like honey mustard or barbecue sauce, to add variety.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon, enhanced by a delicious glaze, makes this recipe a winner. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete meal or serve it as a tasty appetizer!