Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Devils on horseback: sticky dates stuffed with blue cheese in crisp bacon.
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Before You Start
Four ingredients and the best thing on any party table. The date turns to caramel, the cheese goes molten and salty, and the bacon crisps around it. Use half rashers, since a full one wraps too thick to crisp before the date burns.
Instructions
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Slit each date lengthways without cutting through, and remove the stone if it is still in.
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Press about a teaspoon of cheese into each date, and push an almond in alongside if using. Close the date around the filling.
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Wrap each one in a half rasher of bacon, overlapping slightly, and secure with a cocktail stick pushed right through.
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Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3 minutes. Arrange the parcels seam side down in a single layer, not touching.
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Air fry for 6 minutes, turn each one over, and cook another 4 to 6 minutes until the bacon is crisp all round.
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Rest for 3 minutes, since the filling is molten, then drizzle with honey and grind over black pepper.
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♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 190°C / 375°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Medjool dates are worth it here. Dry Deglet dates stay chewy and do not turn to caramel.
- Some cheese always leaks and burns on the basket. Line it with a perforated liner and cleanup takes seconds.
🔀 Make it your own
- Swap the cheese for a whole toasted almond only, for a simpler, less rich version.
- Use chorizo instead of the almond for a Spanish take.
📦 Storing & reheating
Best warm. Assemble raw parcels up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then cook straight from cold, adding 2 minutes. Cooked ones reheat at 180°C for 3 minutes.
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need cocktail sticks?
Yes. The fan will unwrap loose bacon and blow it around the basket. Push the stick right through so it holds both edges.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Assemble them raw up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge. Cook straight from cold, adding about 2 minutes.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
A roomy air fryer
A larger basket means fewer batches and crispier results.
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Perforated liners
Less sticking and mess, without blocking the airflow.
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Silicone tongs
Turn and lift without scratching the non-stick basket.
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