Bacon wrapped chicken thighs are a savory delight, combining the rich flavors of chicken, cheese, roasted peppers, and the irresistible taste of crispy bacon. This dish, cooked in an air fryer, offers a perfect balance of taste and texture, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In this post, we’ll explore a simple yet delicious recipe for air fryer bacon wrapped chicken thighs, answer some common questions about air frying chicken, and provide tips on achieving the best results.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 16 tablespoons shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces roasted red peppers, sliced thinly
- 8 large slices of bacon
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded Gruyere cheese on each chicken thigh.
- Top each thigh with a few slices of roasted red peppers.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Carefully wrap each chicken thigh with bacon slices, ensuring the entire thigh is covered. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the cheese and peppers in place.
- Air Fry the Chicken Thighs:
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the basket.
- Cook at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 1896
- Total Fat: 102.1g (131% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 4.6g (2% DV)
- Protein: 221.6g
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 16 tablespoons cup shredded gruyere Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces roasted red peppers sliced thinly
- 8 pieces large sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 204 degrees C, for a few minutes
- Take an air fryer basket and grease it with oil spray.
- Season the thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese to each chicken thigh.
- Then top it with roasted red peppers.
- Closely wrap each thigh with bacon slices.
- Make sure you cover the whole chicken with it.
- Add the wrapped thighs to an air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F or 204
- degrees C, flipping halfway through.
- Once it’s cooked, serve.
Notes
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 1896
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 102.1g 131%
Total Carbohydrate 4.6g2%
Protein 221.6g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is air fryer better than oven for chicken thighs?
The air fryer is often preferred over the oven for cooking chicken thighs because it can produce a crispier texture with less oil. The hot circulating air in an air fryer cooks the chicken quickly and evenly, creating a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. However, ovens are also versatile and can handle larger batches, making them suitable for family meals.
2. Should I wrap my chicken in foil in the air fryer?
It’s generally not recommended to wrap chicken in foil in the air fryer as it can restrict the airflow, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture. Wrapping in foil might result in steamed chicken rather than crispy bacon-wrapped chicken thighs. If you’re concerned about cleanup, you can use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.
3. How many degrees to cook chicken in air fryer?
Chicken is best cooked in an air fryer at 375 to 400 degrees F (190 to 204 degrees C). For this recipe, we use 400 degrees F to ensure the bacon becomes crispy while the chicken remains juicy and fully cooked.
4. What is the best temperature for cooked chicken thighs?
The best temperature for cooked chicken thighs is 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) as per the USDA guidelines. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
1. Choosing the Right Bacon:
- Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it wraps around the chicken thighs more easily and provides a nice, crispy texture.
2. Using Bone-in Thighs:
- If you prefer bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly as they take a bit longer to cook. You can follow similar steps but cook for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
3. Adding Sweetness:
- For a touch of sweetness, try honey air fryer chicken thighs. Drizzle honey over the bacon before air frying for a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist.
4. Trying Different Cheeses:
- While Gruyere is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Cheddar, Mozzarella, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.
5. Cooking in Different Air Fryers:
- Whether you have a Ninja air fryer, a Philips, or another brand, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and cooking times. Each air fryer may have slight variations.
6. Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs:
- For an added layer of flavor, you can use smoked bacon. This adds a smoky taste to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
7. Keto Friendly Option:
- These bacon wrapped chicken thighs are naturally keto-friendly due to their low carbohydrate content. Pair them with keto sides like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal.
8. Stuffed Variations:
- You can make stuffed bacon wrapped chicken thighs by adding fillings such as spinach and cream cheese or jalapenos and cheese. This adds an extra element of flavor and surprise.
9. Baking Method:
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make bacon wrapped chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, place the wrapped thighs on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Air fryer bacon wrapped chicken thighs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal. With variations like smoked bacon, different cheeses, and stuffed options, you can customize the dish to your liking. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Enjoy these delightful chicken thighs with your favorite sides and share this recipe with family and friends for a meal everyone will love.
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