Bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer are an irresistible combination of sweet and salty, crispy and juicy. These little appetizers work especially well as a quick snack, part of a tapas spread, or a delicious starter for your guests. The combination of the caramelized dates and the crispy bacon can become a perfect talking point, and when you cook them in the air fryer, you get a crispy surface.

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why make Bacon-Wrapped Dates in the air fryer?
- What do Bacon-Wrapped Dates taste like?
- I recommend this classic sherry with our bacon-wrapped dates
- Cooking techniques for Bacon-Wrapped Dates so they get maximally crispy without splitting
- What flavor variations of Bacon-Wrapped Dates can you make?
- What dip or sides can you serve with this snack?
- Conclusion on Bacon-Wrapped Dates in the air fryer
Why make Bacon-Wrapped Dates in the air fryer?
The air fryer revolutionizes the way we cook many classic dishes, and bacon-wrapped dates are no exception. By cooking the dates in an air fryer, you can achieve evenly crispy bacon without making them too greasy. The rapid circulation of hot air provides optimal cooking and helps reduce the cooking time significantly.
What do Bacon-Wrapped Dates taste like?
The unique blend of sweet, soft dates and salty, crispy bacon creates a flavor combination that satisfies every taste bud. The dates’ natural sugar content caramelizes easily during cooking, giving a rich, deep sweetness. Together with the crispy, salty bacon, this contrast creates an irresistible taste experience. The caramelized sweetness of the dates stands in sharp contrast to the intense saltiness of the bacon, giving every bite an explosive flavor.
I recommend this classic sherry with our bacon-wrapped dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are a tapas classic that offers an intense contrast between sweet caramel and salty, crispy bacon – and that’s exactly where a dry fino sherry finds its place. The nutty, lightly fresh flavor cuts through the richness of the bacon and lifts the dates’ natural sweetness, so every bite and sip enhances the other. I warmly recommend Tio Pepe Sherry – serve it ice-cold in a small shot glass, and your tapas spread is lifted to a whole new level.
If you want to impress your guests a little extra at the tapas table, you can add a touch of smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera) to the bacon before wrapping. This spice, often used in Spanish cooking, gives the bacon a deeper flavor and a hint of smoke.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Cooking techniques for Bacon-Wrapped Dates so they get maximally crispy without splitting
To ensure that the dates stay whole and the bacon turns crispy, there are some important techniques you should follow:
- Wrapping: Wrap the bacon tightly around each date without tightening too much. A loose wrap leaves room for the bacon to get crispy without crushing the date.
- Securing: Use toothpicks to make sure the bacon stays in place around the date.
- Air fryer setting: Set the air fryer to a moderate temperature (about 180°C) and make sure the dates aren’t placed too close together in the basket so they cook evenly.
- Cooking time: Start by cooking them for about 8-10 minutes and adjust the time as needed. Keep an eye on the color of the bacon and remove them from the air fryer once it has reached a golden color.
What flavor variations of Bacon-Wrapped Dates can you make?
If you want to experiment with different flavor nuances, you can add or replace certain ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
- Stuffed dates: Add a soft cheese such as goat cheese or cream cheese inside the date for a creamy contrast to the crispy bacon. This variation is known from the Spanish tapas tables.
- Nut filling: Add a roasted almond or pecan inside the date for a crunchy texture.
- Spices: Drizzle the dates with balsamic glaze or sprinkle them with chili flakes to give a piquant and spicy taste experience.
What dip or sides can you serve with this snack?
To give the dish an extra kick, you can serve them with various dips and sides. Try, for example:
- Honey mustard dip: A light and sweet dip that highlights the sweetness of the dates.
- Balsamic glaze: The tangy flavor creates a nice contrast to the bacon.
- Fresh fruit salad: A salad with pomegranate seeds, orange slices and arugula pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of dates and bacon.
Conclusion on Bacon-Wrapped Dates in the air fryer
Bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer are a delicious and easy-to-make choice that’s perfect for tapas, among other things. Their combination of sweet, juicy dates and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste experience, and the air fryer gives the dish an even and perfect crispiness. With the many variation options and different ways to serve them, they’re not just a snack, but a delicacy that will impress your guests and satisfy every taste bud.
Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Dates in the Air Fryer
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How to make it
- Cut the 6 slices bacon in half.
- Wrap each of the 12 pcs fresh dates in half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket, spacing them slightly apart.
- Cook them at 180°C for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned.[timerminutes=8]Start the online kitchen timer here[/timer]
- Remove the dates from the basket with tongs and place them on a plate.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
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