Get ready to transform your appetizer game with the most mind-blowing, crowd-pleasing snack that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! These Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy - a culinary masterpiece that takes just minutes to prepare and will make you the star of any gathering. Imagine biting into a perfectly caramelized date, wrapped in crispy bacon, with a surprise crunch of toasted pecans inside - it's a flavor journey that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 dates
Ingredients
- 12 dates, pitted
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by carefully pitting the dates if not already done. Slice the bacon strips in half crosswise to create 12 smaller bacon pieces.
- If desired, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavor, then set aside to cool.
- Take each date and stuff it with a small amount of chopped pecans. Ensure the pecans are packed tightly inside the date's cavity.
- Wrap each pecan-stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon is snug but not too tight. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped dates, coating them evenly on all sides.
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi air fryer function to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes, turning the dates halfway through to ensure crispy bacon on all sides.
- Check for doneness - bacon should be crisp and golden brown, and dates should be slightly caramelized.
- Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The dates will be extremely hot.
- Optional: Garnish with additional chopped pecans or a light drizzle of honey before serving.
Tips
- Choose Medjool dates for the best texture and sweetness
- Use thin-cut bacon for maximum crispiness
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - space is key for even cooking
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon if it doesn't stay in place
- Let dates cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth
- For extra flavor, try adding a tiny slice of blue cheese inside the date before wrapping
- If you like heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper with the brown sugar
- Always pat bacon dry before wrapping to ensure maximum crispiness
- Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning
- These are best served immediately while still warm and crispy
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
