Air Fryer Beef Bacon Dates (Print version)

Sweet dates stuffed with goat cheese and savory beef bacon, air-fried until crispy.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dates & Filling

01 - 16 large Medjool dates, pitted
02 - 2 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese), softened

→ Bacon

03 - 8 strips beef bacon, halved crosswise

→ Optional Garnish

04 - 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling (optional)
05 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Slice each date lengthwise to create a pocket, removing pits if necessary.
02 - Fill each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese.
03 - Encase each stuffed date with half a slice of beef bacon; secure with toothpicks if needed.
04 - Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
05 - Place the wrapped dates in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping.
06 - Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until bacon is crispy and browned.
07 - Remove dates and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle parsley if desired.
08 - Serve the dates warm as an appetizer.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between caramelized sweetness and salty crispness makes every bite vanish in seconds.
  • You can prep these hours ahead and air fry them right before serving without any stress.
  • They look elegant enough for fancy dinners but require almost no skill to pull off.
  • The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly without any splattering mess or oven heating.
02 -
  • If your bacon isnt crisping, your dates are probably touching each other and blocking airflow, give them more space.
  • Dates release sugar as they cook, so check the basket afterward and wipe out any sticky residue before it hardens.
  • Toothpicks can char in the air fryer, soak them in water for a few minutes first or remove them before the final minute of cooking.
03 -
  • Use kitchen scissors to cut the bacon instead of a knife, it gives you cleaner edges and takes half the time.
  • If the dates are too firm, microwave them for ten seconds to soften them up before slicing.
  • Always taste one before serving so you can adjust the honey drizzle or add a pinch of flaky salt if needed.

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