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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 crispy bacon-wrapped chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer, delivering juicy, flavorful, and comforting dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 68 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil on all sides.
  3. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Wrap each chicken breast tightly with 3-4 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly and tucking ends underneath.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching.
  6. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through at 9-11 minutes using tongs for even browning.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not done, cook in 2-minute intervals until reached.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Optional: garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispy bacon. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better crispiness. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. For extra crispy bacon, cook an additional 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative but may affect crispiness.

Nutrition

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