featured 18213

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates marry sweet, soft Medjool dates with salty, crispy bacon for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer. A cream cheese and cinnamon filling adds a touch of richness and warmth, while the air fryer gives the bacon a perfect crisp without fuss. These bites are quick to prepare and great for parties, holidays, or a tasty snack at home.

Overhead photo of cream cheesed stuffed bacon wrapped dates on a plate.

The recipe is fast—about 5 minutes prep and roughly 10 minutes in the air fryer—so you can turn these out right before guests arrive. They’re memorable and versatile: assemble and cook as written, or try a few variations to suit your tastes.

Table with air fryer basket, bowl of dates, cream cheese, plate with bacon and toothpicks, and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces of bacon (sliced in half)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 18 Medjool pitted dates

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates in the Air Fryer

  1. Prepare the bacon: Cut each slice of bacon in half so the pieces wrap neatly around each date. Set aside.
  2. Open and pit the dates: Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit if not already pitted.
  3. Make the filling: In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Stuff the dates: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each pitted date, pressing it in gently so it stays put.
  5. Wrap in bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half-piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to keep the bacon in place.
  6. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket so air can circulate. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and crisp. Depending on your model and the thickness of the bacon, you may need to add or subtract 1–2 minutes.
  8. Serve: Carefully remove the dates from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, and serve warm.

Hand holding a date that's been sliced and had the pit removed.

Cinnamon and cream cheese mixed together in a small bowl.

Cream cheese mixture scooped into the pitted date.

Bacon wrapped around the stuffed date.

Bacon wrapped dates in the basket of the air fryer.

Air fried bacon wrapped dates in the basket of the air fryer.

Note: I make this in a 5.8–6.8 quart air fryer. Air fryer sizes and wattages vary, so check the bacon near the end of cooking and adjust by 1–2 minutes if needed for your model.

Variations

  • Different bacon: Try thick-cut, thin, or smoked bacon for different textures and flavor intensity.
  • Cheese options: Swap cream cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangier, saltier filling.
  • Turkey bacon: For a lower-fat alternative, use turkey bacon; cooking time may be slightly shorter.
  • Nutty crunch: Add a small piece of toasted walnut or almond into the cream cheese for texture.

How to Serve

Serve these bacon-wrapped dates warm on a platter or add them to a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and fruit. They pair well with light salads or as an appetizer before a home-cooked meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra contrast.

How to Store

For best texture and flavor, eat these fresh. To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To re-crisp the bacon, reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes, or warm in the oven. Microwaving will warm them faster but may soften the bacon.

Cream cheese stuffed air fryer bacon wrapped dates in a white plate, ready to serve.

Common Questions

Will regular dates offset the saltiness of the bacon?

Choose large, sweet Medjool dates for the best balance. Bigger dates provide a juicy, sweet center that complements the salty bacon so the flavors stay balanced without one overpowering the other.

When should I serve this tasty appetizer?

These are perfect for holidays, cocktail parties, and casual gatherings. They make a memorable starter because the sweet-and-salty combination is distinctive and easy to love.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Banana Boats
  • Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
  • Air Fryer Avocado Bacon Egg Rolls
  • Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn Dogs
  • Air Fryer Candied Bacon

Nutrition (Approximate)

Per serving (approximate): Calories 255 kcal; Carbohydrates 34 g; Protein 4 g; Fat 13 g; Saturated Fat 8 g; Sodium 160 mg; Fiber 4 g; Sugar 28 g. Nutrition figures are estimates and should be used as a guideline only.

Feedback

If you try this recipe, leave a comment with any tweaks or favorite variations. Sharing how you served them helps others decide how to enjoy this sweet-and-savory appetizer.