Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Air fryer appetizers are the key to an easy holiday spread. Not only do they make cooking easy, but they also taste incredible and have great texture.

These bacon wrapped goat cheese dates are a must-have on your holiday appetizer table. Pair them with our air fried brie, goat cheese crostini, and a charcuterie board and you will be well on your way to an awesome party!

You'll Love These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates!

• Great for parties. These stuffed dates are a delicious appetizer that tastes great hot or at room temperature making them the perfect appetizer for the holiday season at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Easy recipe. Air fryer bacon wrapped dates are a quick and easy party appetizer you can prep and cook in just about 20 minutes.
• So flavorful! They have a delicious flavor combination thanks to sweet Medjool dates, salty, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

• Goat Cheese: Ricotta, mascarpone, cream cheese, or blue cheese also work to swap. You can even use tofu! Select any cheese flavor you like - plain, honey, or herbed all work.
• Bacon slices: I recommend thin bacon slices over thick bacon for these goat cheese stuffed dates so that they cook quicker and more evenly. You could also use prosciutto if you prefer. I recommend pork bacon over turkey bacon.
• Dates: I recommend Medjool dates for this recipe. These are the regular dates you will usually find in the grocery store.

How to Make These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

1. Use a small knife to cut a small slit in the dates. Remove the pit and discard.
2. Spread cheese on the inside of the date. Do not overfill.
3. Cut a slice of bacon in half and wrap it around the date. Try to overlap the bacon if possible. You can use a toothpick to secure but it is not necessary.
4. Place each stuffed date in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Expert Tips

• For the best results follow the recipe card as written.
• Add chopped nuts like pistachios, pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cheese for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
• Drizzle on some honey or maple syrup for some extra sweetness, some balsamic reduction or glaze, or some basil for a fresh element.
• Use a toothpick to secure the piece of bacon around the whole date to ensure it will stay wrapped in the air fryer.
• Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: reheat by air frying at 350F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.