Air Fryer Beef Bacon Dates (Printable version)
Sweet dates stuffed with cheese, wrapped in smoky beef bacon, and air-fried until perfectly crisp.
# What you need:
→ Dates & Filling
01 - 16 large Medjool dates, pitted
02 - 2 ounces cream cheese or goat cheese (optional, for stuffing)
→ Wrapping
03 - 8 slices beef bacon, cut in half
→ Finishing
04 - 16 toothpicks
05 - Cooking spray (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Split each date lengthwise without cutting completely through. Remove any remaining pits from the center cavity.
02 - Fill each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of cream cheese or goat cheese, gently pressing the filling into the cavity.
03 - Encase each stuffed date with a half slice of beef bacon, starting at one end and wrapping completely around. Secure firmly with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
04 - Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat to 400°F for optimal crisping.
05 - Place the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
06 - Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. The bacon will continue to crisp as they cool. Serve warm.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The salty-sweet combo hits every craving at once
- They disappear faster than you can make them
- Ready in under 30 minutes with almost zero effort
02 -
- Bacon shrinks as it cooks so wrap it slightly tighter than you think you need to
- Air fryers vary wildly so check them at the 8-minute mark to prevent burning
03 -
- Pat the bacon dry with paper towels before wrapping for extra crispiness
- Work quickly once the dates are stuffed so the cheese does not soften too much