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Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are a savory, slightly sweet appetizer with a satisfying crunch. This easy air fryer recipe is quick to prepare and makes a crowd-pleasing snack or weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Bacon wrapped chicken bites made in the air fryer and served on a white plate.

Why I Love These

These bacon-wrapped chicken bites are one of my go-to recipes when I want something flavorful and fast. They work as an appetizer, party finger food, or a simple dinner when paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

The combination of smoky bacon, a touch of brown sugar, and a hint of smoked paprika gives each bite a great balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

Table of Contents

  • Why I Love These
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer
  • Tips
  • FAQs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
  • Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe
Bacon wrapped chicken bites being dipped in BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (for serving, optional)
  • 6 slices of bacon, halved
Bacon on a white plate, seasonings in a small container, and chicken pieces in a bowl.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer

Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly oil the air fryer basket if your model tends to stick.

Step 2
Cut the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.

Step 3
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly mixed and set aside.

Step 4
Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, then coat them in the spice and brown sugar mixture.

Step 5
Cut each bacon slice in half so the strips fit neatly around each chicken bite.

Step 6
Wrap each seasoned chicken piece with a half strip of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.

Step 7
Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F for about 8–9 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Step 8
Remove carefully from the air fryer and serve hot with barbecue sauce or your favorite dip.

Fully cooked bacon wrapped chicken bites in the basket of the air fryer.

NOTE: All air fryers cook differently. This recipe was tested in a Cosori 5.8qt air fryer. If your model runs cooler or smaller, add a minute or two as needed and always verify the chicken reaches 165°F with a digital thermometer.

Tips

Preheating the air fryer ensures crisp bacon and even cooking. Cook in batches if your basket is crowded to prevent steaming.

If the bacon unravels, secure it with a toothpick before air frying. For extra flavor, brush bites with a little barbecue sauce in the last minute of cooking.

FAQs

What if I don’t have chicken breasts? Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, tenderloins, or pre-cut chicken strips all work well—adjust cook time slightly if pieces are thicker.

Can I substitute the seasonings?

Absolutely. Swap or add spices like cayenne, chili powder, black pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend to suit your taste.

How do I store leftover bacon chicken bites?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through to restore crispness.

This appetizer is fast to prepare and packed with flavor—also a good option for low-carb and keto diets when served without sugary sauces.

Bacon wrapped chicken bites on a white plate ready to serve.

Below are a few related air fryer chicken recipes you may enjoy.

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer chicken wings on a white plate ready to serve.

Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Rotisserie Chicken reheated in the air fryer, sitting in an air fryer basket, ready to be removed and served.

Dinner

Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer

Chicken taquitos made in the air fryer and topped with sour cream and cilantro before serving.

Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air fryer grilled chicken tenders on a white plate.

Appetizers

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders

air fried bacon wrapped chicken bites in the basket of the air fryer.
4.67 from 3 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

By Jen
Savory bacon wrapped bites with a touch of brown sugar and smoked paprika—quick to make and perfect for sharing.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 6 slices bacon, halved
  • 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and prepare the basket with a light coating of nonstick oil if needed.
  • Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces.
  • Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
  • Toss chicken with olive oil, then coat with the spice and sugar mixture.
  • Wrap each piece with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  • Place in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 8–9 minutes, until bacon is crisp and chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Remove carefully and serve with barbecue sauce or your preferred dip.

Notes

Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs, tenderloins, or strips if preferred.

Try different seasonings such as cayenne, chili powder, or black pepper to vary the heat and flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 28g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.


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