I used to be on the fence about dates but these Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese totally changed my mind. ENTER DATE LOVER ERA. I promise you, Whether you’re already obsessed with dates or on the fence about them like I was, these dates with goat cheese will be your new favorite foolproof appetizer. Plus you guys know I’m celiac so I love that these are naturally gluten free!
All you need is 15 minutes and an air fryer and you’ll have a crowd pleasing, show stopping appetizer ready to go. You know I love a recipe with minimal ingredients made in less than 30 minutes.
If you love how easy this gluten free apptizer is, you’ll also love my easy crostini appetizer and my french bread pizza in the air fryer.
These Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are just SO ridiculously easy to make, but also end up looking like the MOST fancy appetizer. Minimal work but maximum results. Between all the holiday parties we go to every winter, I have made some version of these dates with goat cheese and everyone is always begging for the recipe before I leave. Every single time.
This Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese recipe is hands down the best crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s not only easy to make and will 100% be sure to impress!
why you’ll love this gluten free recipe
- This 3-ingredient appetizer is perfect for parties, holiday get togethers or even as a simle at home snack. I love bringing these dates with goat cheese to a potluck because no one ever realizes it is naturally gluten free and I get to safely enjoy it!
- I love these dates with goat cheese because they’re just so simple to make, and can be prepped ahead of time. I love these served warm but when I prep them ahead of time the room temperature version works just as good!
- The best part about this recipe is that it is a one pan, air fryer recipe…which means only one air fryer pan to make it and only one air fryer pan to clean up! My ideal situation since I hate doing dishes.
- These Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese is allergy friendly. This is a naturally gluten free recipe. You can use dairy free cheese for an easy dairy free recipe!
- The goat cheese gets carmelized along the edges and the salty bacon gets extra crispy in the air fryer. So basically, you’re creating the most delicious sweet and salty bite size snack! These bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese will be your new go-to!
ingredients & substitutions
Goat cheese: I used a Cranberry Cinnamon Log but any flavor will work! If you have a honey flavored goat cheese or a plain goat cheese you can always sprinkle some cinnamon on top to get a similar flavor. For a dairy free option use a soft dairy free cheese like dairy free feta or dairy free cream cheese.
Dates: I specifically use Medjool dates. Medjool dates are a larger size with a soft texture. When slicing the dates in half, I like to be sure I only cut through the top half of the date so that the top and bottom are not unattached. The bottom half will help hold in the filling like a little folder.
Bacon: I used standard classic bacon here but you can also use turkey bacon! I love turkey bacon because it is better-for-you and honestly I think it gets crispier! Both work just the same!
Extra toppings: I used candied pecan and a honey drizzle to elevate these Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. If you are nut free you can omit the pecan!
directions
Step 1
On a cutting board, slice your bacon once the long way, then once in half the short way to get 4 long bacon strips.
Step 2
Slice your dates in half, remove the pit if needed. Next, stuff the date with a generous amount of goat cheese.
Step 3
Top with a candied pecan. Option to spinkle with cinnamon if not using a cinnamon goat cheese.
Step 4
Wrap the bacon around the center of the stuffed date. I make sure the seam is on the bottom. Do not wrap more than once around. The bacon should be in a single strip and not overlap in more than one spot so it cooks fully.
Step 5
Drizzle the Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese with honey and add to the air fryer.
Step 6
Air fry on 375 for 10-13 minutes or until bacon is fully cooked.
expert tips & tricks
- I LOVE crispy bacon. For crispier bacon, just cook longer! In 10 minutes the bacon will be browned but if you want until the 13 minute mark the bacon will be very crisp!
- If that bacon layer is too thick or if you wrap the bacon multiple times and it overlaps, the bacon won’t cook. The bacon needs to be thin and in one single layer to ensure it cooks in 10-13 minutes.
- I love my air fryer. Its like the most used appliance in my kitchen. Honesty, I have 2. But to use an oven instead of an air fryer here, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, prepare your dates with goat cheese and bake on 375 for approx 10-13 minutes, but you may need to add extra time. Bake time will vary slightly.
serving, storing and meal prepping
I like to serve this these Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese as an appetizer or a snack. Also, I serve it right out of the air fryer and let it cool for 5 minutes, or I serve it at room temperature. I love to garnish with rosemary for the holiday season.
To store, I let the dates with goat cheese cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.
For longer storage, I love to add the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, I let the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese thaw and then air fry for 5 minutes to crisp back up.
Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?
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Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese (gluten free)
Ingredients
- 1 goat cheese log I used a Cranberry Cinnamon Log but any flavor will work!
- 12 dates
- 1 cup Candied pecans
- 6 Slices of bacon or turkey bacon
- 2 tbsp Honey
Instructions
- On a cutting board, slice your bacon once the long way, then once in half the short way to get 4 long bacon strips.
- Slice your dates in half, remove the pit if needed.
- Next, stuff the date with a generous amount of goat cheese.
- Top with a candied pecan. Option to spinkle with cinnamon if not using a cinnamon goat cheese.
- Wrap the bacon around the center of the stuffed date. I make sure the seam is on the bottom. Do not wrap more than once around. The bacon should be in a single strip and not overlap in more than one spot so it cooks fully.
- Drizzle with honey and add to the air fryer.
- Air fry on 375 for 10-13 minutes or until bacon is fully cooked.
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