Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs -

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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

These air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken thighs are a delightful combination of crispy bacon and tender, juicy chicken. Seasoned to perfection and cooked in under 30 minutes, they're an excellent choice for those following keto, paleo, or Whole30 lifestyles.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Proteins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer bacon wrapped chicken, air fryer bacon wrapped chicken thighs, air fryer chicken with bacon, bacon wrapped chicken air fryer, bacon wrapped chicken thighs, bacon wrapped chicken thighs air fryer, bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs, chicken thighs with bacon

Servings: servings

Calories: 419kcal

Author: Valerie Skinner

Equipment

air fryer
cutting board and sharp knife
meat mallet or heavy object
Tongs

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
4 ounces bacon 6 strips
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board and trim any excess fat using a sharp knife. Removing extra fat helps the bacon wrap more securely.
Pound to an even thickness: Lay a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap over the thighs and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness.
Season the chicken: Pat each chicken thigh dry on both sides with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to stick better and helping the bacon crisp up. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Roll and wrap: Take each chicken thigh and roll it tightly into a log, starting from the smaller end and rolling upwards. Then, wrap a strip of bacon around each piece, slightly overlapping as you go. Make sure the seam side is tucked underneath so the bacon stays secure while cooking. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.
Air fry the bacon-wrapped thighs: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the bacon-wrapped thighs in a single layer, leaving a little space between each for proper air circulation. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
Flip halfway through: After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each thigh. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
Serve and enjoy: Once fully cooked, transfer the thighs to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes so the natural juices distribute evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

🌶Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Spread a thin layer of one of the "stuffing" options listed below in the center of the pounded chicken thigh before rolling it up and wrapping it in bacon.

Cream cheese & chives

Mozzarella & sun-dried tomatoes

Goat cheese & spinach

Cheddar & jalapeños

Garlic butter & fresh herbs

Pesto & Parmesan

Ricotta & roasted garlic

Chorizo & Manchego cheese

Crumbled sausage & sage

Ham & Swiss

Mushroom & cream cheese

Boursin cheese & spinach

Nutrition