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Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Bite-sized chunks of seasoned chicken breast wrapped in smoky bacon and air-fried until the bacon crisps and the chicken is juicy. Zero carbs, high fat, and ready in under 25 minutes.

26 minEasyServes 4290 cal/serving

AmericanAppetizerAir FryerKetoPaleoHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 thin-cut bacon strips, cut in thirds
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 24 wooden toothpicks (soaked in water 10 min), soaked

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season 1 lb cut into 1-inch cubes boneless, skinless chicken breast with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a light pinch of 1/4 tsp kosher salt - bacon adds plenty of salt on its own.

  2. 2

    Wrap each chicken cube with a piece of thin-cut bacon strips (cut in thirds) and secure with a soaked wooden toothpicks (soaked in water 10 min).

  3. 3

    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Place the wrapped bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, seam-side down. Cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  5. 5

    Remove toothpicks carefully before serving. Let rest 2 minutes and serve immediately.

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Questions

How long does Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites take?

As written, 26 minutes: 12 of prep and 14 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (14 minutes): "Cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)."

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites reach?

For Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 3. The longest stretch at that heat is 3 minutes, in step 3. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 400 F (about 205 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A reading of 400 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why rest the meat in Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites?

Step 5 reads: "Let rest 2 minutes and serve immediately." Heat drives the juices toward the center. The rest in step 5 lets them spread back out, so they stay in the meat instead of running onto the board when you cut.

What can I use instead of smoked paprika in Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites?

The entry for Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites calls for 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. In its place: Sweet paprika with a small pinch of cumin, or a few drops of liquid smoke. Chipotle powder works if you want heat as well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites uses 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes.

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