Foodie fam, get ready for a delicious ride! Crispy, bacon-wrapped pickles are our new obsession, a handheld appetizer pairing salty cured bacon with tangy dill pickle spears, a popular bar snack at game-day gatherings.
We stumbled upon this combo during a lazy Sunday snack attack, and it was love at first bite.
Imagine the crunch!
Imagine the salty, smoky bacon hugging those tangy pickles. It's perfect for game day, movie night, or any snack emergency.
Trust us, you'll be hooked.
We keep coming back to this air fryer wonder. It's as simple as it is irresistible.
Once you try it, you'll see why it's become a staple in our snack rotation.
Ready to meet your new favorite treat? Let's do this!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles
To make these tempting appetizers, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Pickle Spears: Thick and crunchy ones work best.
- Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference.
- Cream Cheese: Softened.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Softened for easy spreading - soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes; similar softening tricks are used in cream cheese alternatives for spreading.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra kick.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a slight smokiness, with a mildly sweet, earthy flavor from smoked red peppers.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Ensure delicious and crispy bacon wrapped pickles with these handy tips:
For more on getting extra-crispy bacon in the air fryer, see crispy bacon air fryer techniques that cover cut, temperature, and timing.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Using toothpicks helps the bacon stay wrapped around the pickles during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Ensures even cooking and a crispy finish - preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure all bacon pieces cook evenly; for batch-cooking timing see air fryer chicken wings timing guide, and leave about ½-inch space between pieces to promote airflow.
- Use Thicker Pickles: Thicker pickle spears (about ½-inch thick) retain their crunch better.
Variations and Add-Ons
Customize your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles with these variations:
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pickles: Add a slice of jalapeño inside each pickle spear before wrapping with bacon - seed the jalapeño if you prefer milder heat.
- Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Pickles: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese filling; pair with moist cornbread options for sides.
- Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix fresh herbs like dill or chives into the cream cheese for a fresh twist - about 1 tablespoon chopped herbs per 8 oz cream cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Cutting board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Toothpicks
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12 pickle spears
- 12 slices of bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each pickle spear.
- Wrap each pickle spear with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick as needed.
- Arrange the bacon wrapped pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the pickle spears dry with a paper towel before spreading the cream cheese to avoid excess moisture.
- Store any leftover bacon wrapped pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain their crispiness before serving.
Nutrition
For a tangy, crunchy alternative without bacon, consider fried pickles for a tangy crunch that air-fry to a golden, crispy coating. For more simple weeknight ideas and basic technique, explore easy air fryer recipes for beginners focused on short cook times and accessible ingredients.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
