Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small breasts)
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (use less if your bacon is salty)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a sweet-savory finish)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally or pound them to an even thickness.
- Season
- Brush the chicken with olive oil.
- Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides of the chicken.
- Wrap with bacon
- Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each chicken piece, slightly overlapping.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar over the bacon if you want a caramelized finish.
- Air fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) for the final 2–3 minutes.
- Check doneness
- The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Air-fried asparagus or broccoli
- Caesar or garden salad
- Rice or cauliflower rice
Tips
- Thin-cut bacon crisps more evenly than thick-cut bacon.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, brush the bacon with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
