These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates are stuffed with your choice of creamy cheese and cooked in the air fryer until crispy, golden, and just plain delicious. Whether you opt for a sweet, nutty, or savory filling, this easy appetizer is BIG on flavor—perfect for dinner parties, holidays, game day, or just because!
What’s Included In This Post
Looking for a last-minute bacon-wrapped appetizer that’s sure to be a hit? Buckle up, because these Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates check all the boxes: sweet, salty, smoky, creamy, and oh-so-crispy. What’s better is that they’re made in the air fryer in minutes—no sweltering oven needed.
Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, sweet Medjool dates stuffed with melty, tangy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. You can keep things classic or mix it up with one of three tasty stuffing variations I’ve included: extra sweet, nutty, or savory.
However you fill them, these air fryer party snacks come together fast and disappear even faster. And if you don’t want to share them? Honestly, I don’t blame you.
Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- It’s a sweet-and-salty situation that seriously hits the spot. Simply put, the caramel-y sweetness of Medjool dates, the saltiness of the bacon, and the tang of the creamy cheese belong together.
- This recipe is quick and easy, and you don’t even need to turn on the oven. I make these in my air fryer all the time, especially when I need a fast appetizer for last-minute parties or game days.
- Plus, I feel good serving dates because of their nutritional benefits. They’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, giving you an option that’s a little more wholesome than the average party snack.
Plus, who doesn’t love a bite-sized appetizer? Finger food like this is just fun to eat, plain and simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take much to make bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese. This easy 3-ingredient recipe is a breeze to remember. Once you master it, you can experiment with all kinds of additions or swaps. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Dates. Medjool dates are best here because they’re larger, softer, and have a natural caramel-like flavor compared to standard Deglet Noor dates. Either buy them pitted or remove the pits yourself before you start. If your dates feel a little dry, briefly soak them in warm water, then pat dry before you start stuffing.
- Bacon. Regular-cut bacon (cut in half crosswise) wraps nicely around each date and crisps up evenly. Avoid thick-cut bacon here. It takes longer to render and can end up undercooked by the time the dates are ready.
- Soft cheese. Creamy goat cheese is my go-to. I love its tangy flavors and how its soft consistency helps it spread so nicely. Boursin cheese adds an extra herby, garlicky flavor, while cream cheese provides a milder, ultra-smooth bite. Let the cheese come to room temperature first so it’s easy to stuff without tearing the dates.
(full ingredient list and quantities in the recipe card below)
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Don’t forget the toothpicks! They’re the key to keeping the bacon securely wrapped around the dates while they crisp up in the air fryer. Plus, they make serving (and snacking!) way easier.
Swaps and Substitutions
When you want to switch things up, here are a few fun ways to make this bacon-wrapped date recipe your own:
- If dairy isn’t your thing, use a quality vegan cream cheese instead. A small spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or even Nutella would also work for a sweeter flavor.
- For a 100% vegan version, try plant-based bacon strips. Just remember the cook time and texture may vary.
- Feel free to replace the bacon with a slice of prosciutto, Parma ham, or turkey bacon.
- Looking for some crunch? Mix finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cheese filling before stuffing the dates.
- Drizzle honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze over the dates just before serving to take this recipe into dessert territory. Want something a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally addictive? Hello, hot honey!
- Experiment with other types of soft cheese, like blue cheese, whipped feta, or brie, which will all work well. Feel free to mix and match to suit your crowd.
And here’s a fun fact: bacon-wrapped dates are often called “devils on horseback”. A traditional British version uses prunes instead of dates, and might include an almond or other nut stuffed in the middle. You can channel the energy of Victorian-era nobility any time you make this recipe!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing platter of bacon-wrapped dates ready in no time:
- Slice each pitted date in half lengthwise to create a pocket. If you’re using pre-pitted dates, skip this step.
- Use a cheese knife to stuff a small scoop of cheese inside the dates. Resist the urge to overfill. A stuffed date with about one teaspoon of cheese is ideal. Any more than that, and the cheese may bubble out as it melts.
- Cut the bacon slices. Then, tightly wrap a half slice of bacon around each date. Place the seam side down and secure the bacon with a toothpick.
- Place the dates in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, and air fry until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
- Let the dates cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Are you a bacon lover? Hey, no judgment! But hold off on double wrapping these stuffed dates. You want even cooking and a nice, crisp texture. Stick to a single layer and cook any leftover bacon to enjoy separately.
Oven Instructions
No air fryer? No problem!
This recipe is meant to be a small-batch, one-and-done air fryer situation. But if you’re serving a bigger crowd or don’t have an air fryer, modify with these instructions for the oven instead:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Follow the same steps to stuff and wrap the dates.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place the bacon-wrapped dates at least 1″ apart.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through so the bacon gets crispy on all sides.
Other recipes use different temperatures, from 350 degrees F up to 425 degrees F. I’ve found that it really just depends on the type of bacon you’re using. As a general rule of thumb, higher temps work better with thinner-sliced bacon, and shorter cooking times. Use lower temps and longer cooking times if your bacon is sliced thicker. This helps you avoid scorching before the bacon is fully cooked.
What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Dates
If I really want to wow my friends and family, I’ll plate these dates on a bed of fresh herbs or peppery arugula for a little pop of color, then serve them alongside a smorgasbord of other impressive finger foods. Here are a few of my favorites:
- If I want to add an extra indulgent vibe to the spread, I’ll include scoopable snacks, like my Baked Crab Rangoon Dip or Baked Brie in Puff Pastry.
- These dates also fit right in next to my Whipped Feta Crostinis and Apple Brie Crostinis.
- Planning a more casual game day spread? You can’t go wrong with my Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers, Hatch Green Chile Queso Dip, or Blistered Shishito Peppers.
Storing Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Dates
If you have any leftover stuffed dates, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer and reheat at 350°F until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again.
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Equipment
- wooden toothpicks
Ingredients
- 10 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 5 slices bacon, cut in half
- 3 tbsp soft cheese, such as goat cheese, Boursin cheese, or cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the basket of your air fryer for five minutes at 375 degrees F.
- Start with pitted dates, sliced lengthwise. Use a cheese knife to carefully spread a small scoop of cheese inside the dates. Avoid overstuffing, as you want the dates to be able to mostly close before wrapping in bacon.
- Tightly the half strip of bacon around the stuffed date, then secure with a toothpick. Arrange the toothpick so the seam of the bacon is on the bottom.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the preheated basket and cook at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Plate with fresh herbs, arugula, or other appetizers
Notes
- Drizzle with honey, hot honey, or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Add chopped nuts to the soft cheese before stuffing, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Swap the bacon for prosciutto or Parma ham.
Nutrition
Bacon-Wrapped Dates FAQS
How long does it take to cook bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer?
At 375°F, these dates typically take 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t overcook.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff and wrap the dates up to 1 day ahead of serving. Just keep them covered and in the fridge until it’s time to air fry.
Do I need to soak the toothpicks before air frying?
Nope! Unlike bamboo skewers on a grill, dry toothpicks hold up just fine and won’t burn in the air fryer.
If you’re loving the convenience of the air fryer as much as I am, be sure to check out a few of my other easy air fryer recipes! Try my bold and flavorful Sweet Sumac Salmon, ultra-juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, or spice things up with my crispy Roasted Broccoli with Gochujang Butter.
As always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog! Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!
Questions & Reviews
Can’t wait for these to be brought out on Thanksgiving!