This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
These air fryer bacon-wrapped dates are little bites of pure magic. Sweet, salty, crispy, and smoky—all in one perfect mouthful. We make these every holiday season, and there’s never a single one left on the plate. I always tell myself I’ll double the batch next time… and then forget until it’s too late!
If you’ve never tried dates with bacon before, you’re in for a treat. The air fryer gives the bacon that golden crisp edge while keeping the date soft and caramelized. It’s the best of both worlds—chewy and crunchy in one go. And the salty-smoky bacon just hugs that sweet date like they were made for each other.
You only need two ingredients and about 10 minutes in the air fryer to make these festive appetizers. Seriously—this might be one of the easiest party starters ever. You can even prep them ahead of time and just pop them in when guests arrive.
Whether it’s game day, Christmas, or just a cozy night in with snacks, you can’t go wrong with these. Let’s make a batch (or two)!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Pitted Dates – Medjool dates work best because they’re plump and naturally sweet. Make sure they’re pitted—or slice them open and remove the pits yourself.
Bacon – Use regular cut bacon (not thick cut) so it crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Each slice gets cut in half to wrap the dates.
Optional: Toothpicks – These help keep the bacon snug around each date and make them easy to grab when serving.
Flavor Add-Ins (Optional):
- Goat Cheese – For a creamy, tangy surprise inside.
- Almonds or Pecans – Add a nutty crunch.
- Red Pepper Flakes or Hot Honey – For a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Pro Tip: Want a gluten-free version? These are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your bacon brand to be safe.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Dates: Slice each date open (if not already pitted) and remove the pit. If adding goat cheese or nuts, stuff the center now.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F. Give the basket a light spray with oil if it tends to stick.
- Air Fry the Dates: Place bacon-wrapped dates in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—space helps the bacon crisp evenly.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The dates will be hot and gooey inside!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket: leads to soggy bacon.
- Using thick-cut bacon: it won’t crisp well in 10 minutes.
- Skipping the toothpick: bacon may unwrap during cooking.
- Not flipping halfway: can cause uneven browning.
- Forgetting to check for pits: not fun to bite into!
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or drizzle with hot honey after cooking.
- Stuffed with Cheese – A bit of goat cheese or blue cheese adds tangy richness.
- Nut-Stuffed – Add an almond or pecan inside for crunch.
- Maple-Glazed – Brush with maple syrup before air frying for a caramelized finish.
- Vegan Version – Use plant-based bacon and make sure your dates are unstuffed or filled with a vegan cheese.
📆 Make Ahead & Storage
You can prep the bacon-wrapped dates a day ahead. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.
Freezing? You can freeze uncooked bacon-wrapped dates. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Naturally gluten-free. High in fiber and potassium from the dates. Bacon adds protein.
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice dates open and remove pits. Add cheese or nuts if using.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Place dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
(An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.)
If you try these air fryer bacon-wrapped dates, let me know how they turned out! They’re one of my all-time favorite appetizers, and I hope they become a hit at your next gathering too. Feel free to get creative with fillings or drizzle on that hot honey for a spicy twist. Craving more bite-sized air fryer snacks? Check out my air fryer jalapeño poppers—cheesy, crispy, and just as addictive!
