These air fryer bacon wrapped dates are a go-to appetizer that’ll wow your guests!
Just pit some Medjool dates, stuff them with creamy goat cheese and an almond, then wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly while the dates get all gooey inside.
Anyone would want to explore all the tasty variations of this sweet-savory treat!
Ingredients
Additionally, this dish pairs well with quick snacks like air fryer shishito peppers for a delightful appetizer spread.
Recommended Tools
Preparing these delicious bacon-wrapped dates in your air fryer doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment, but having a few key tools on hand will make the process so much easier. From prepping the dates to serving these tasty appetizers, these kitchen essentials will help you create perfect bacon-wrapped dates every time.
- Air Fryer:
The star of the show that cooks your bacon-wrapped dates to crispy perfection without all the oil of traditional frying.
- Paring Knife:
A small, sharp knife that makes it easy to slice dates lengthwise and remove pits with precision.
- Wooden Toothpicks:
Essential for securing the bacon around your stuffed dates and keeping everything together while cooking.
- Small Bowls:
Helpful for organizing your ingredients like the goat cheese, almonds and prepped dates as you assemble.
- Kitchen Tongs:
Makes it simple to flip or rearrange the dates halfway through cooking and remove them safely when hot.
- Serving Platter:
A nice plate or platter to showcase your beautiful appetizers when serving them to guests.
Additionally, you can pair these bacon-wrapped dates with crispy low carb snacks for a delightful appetizer spread that caters to various dietary preferences.
Instructions for air fryer bacon wrapped dates
Let’s get started on these irresistible bacon-wrapped treats! They’re super easy to make and will disappear from your plate in seconds!
First, grab your 12 large Medjool dates and slice each one lengthwise on one side. If your dates still have pits, go ahead and remove them now. This creates the perfect little pocket for our filling!
Now for the fun part – stuffing time! Take your 2 ounces of softened goat cheese and spoon a small amount into each date. Then press one almond into each cheese-filled date. The combination of creamy cheese and crunchy almond is absolutely divine!
Next, cut your 4 bacon slices into thirds lengthwise – this gives you 12 perfect strips for wrapping. Wrap each stuffed date with one strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Pro tip: soak those toothpicks in water first to prevent them from burning in the air fryer!
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes. Once hot, arrange your wrapped dates in the basket, making sure they’re not touching each other – this ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness!
Cook these little gems for 8-10 minutes, but don’t just walk away! Flip them halfway through or give the basket a good shake to make sure the bacon crisps up evenly on all sides.
When the bacon looks golden and crispy, they’re ready to devour! Serve them immediately while they’re still warm and at their most delicious. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Want to kick things up a notch? Try toasting the almonds beforehand for extra crunch, or drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary for a flavor explosion!
Pro Tips
Soak your toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before securing the bacon-wrapped dates to prevent them from charring or burning in the air fryer’s intense heat.
This simple step ensures your presentation remains intact and prevents any unwanted woody flavors from transferring to your appetizers.
Substitutions & Variations
These delicious bacon-wrapped dates can be customized with simple ingredient swaps to create new flavor combinations and accommodate dietary needs.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace goat cheese with feta cheese and substitute almonds with chopped kalamata olives for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the goat cheese filling for heat lovers.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and instead wrap dates in thin slices of grilled eggplant or zucchini brushed with olive oil and smoked paprika.
- Sweet and Savory: Substitute blue cheese for the goat cheese and add a small piece of dried apricot alongside the almond for complex flavor.
- Prosciutto Variation: Use thin slices of prosciutto instead of bacon for a more delicate wrapper that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Vegan Friendly: Fill dates with dairy-free cream cheese mixed with nutritional yeast and wrap in rice paper brushed with maple syrup and liquid smoke.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Although these bacon-wrapped dates are typically devoured in one sitting, you might occasionally find yourself with leftovers that are too delicious to waste.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right up like they’re fresh!
Printable Recipe Card
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds
Sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and crunchy almonds, wrapped in crispy bacon and air fried to perfection.
- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 oz goat cheese (chèvre, softened)
- 12 almonds
- 4 slices bacon, cut into thirds lengthwise
- Toothpicks
- Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove pits if not pitted.
- Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese and an almond.
- Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
- Place dates in air fryer basket, not touching, and cook for 8–10 minutes, checking for crispness and flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Serve immediately once bacon is crisp and golden.
