Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30–33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices regular-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Toothpicks (optional for securing bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Cut them into evenly sized bite-sized cubes, about 1½ inches each. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, parsley, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated with seasoning.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap one piece of bacon around each seasoned chicken cube. Secure with a toothpick if needed, especially if the bacon does not stay wrapped tightly.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the bacon crisp up faster and promotes even cooking.
Step 5: Arrange the Chicken Bites
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate properly. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 6: Air Fry
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. Flip the chicken bites halfway through cooking to ensure both sides become evenly browned and crispy.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is nicely crisp.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 3 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for extra color.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon wrapped chicken bites pair perfectly with:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Coleslaw
- Fresh salad
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
They also make an excellent addition to party platters or game-day snack boards.
Helpful Tips
- Use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut bacon because it crisps much better during the cooking time.
- Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- If your bacon isn’t crispy enough, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes while monitoring closely.
- Always verify doneness using a meat thermometer.
Variations
You can customize this recipe in many ways:
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon before cooking for a sweet and savory version.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese immediately after cooking.
- Season with Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
- Brush with barbecue sauce during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Wrap with turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, allow the bites to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken bites several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Do I need toothpicks?
Not always. If the bacon stays wrapped securely, toothpicks are optional.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 365
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
- Sodium: 760mg
- Potassium: 520mg