Crispy Beef Bacon Dates (Printable)

Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in smoky beef bacon, air-fried until crisp.

# What You Need:

→ Dates & Filling

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

→ Wrapping

03 - 8 slices beef bacon, cut in half

→ Finishing

04 - 16 toothpicks
05 - Cooking spray (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Split each date lengthwise without cutting completely through. Remove pits if still present.
02 - Fill each date cavity with approximately 1 teaspoon of cream cheese or goat cheese, if desired.
03 - Encase each stuffed date with a half slice of beef bacon, securing firmly with a toothpick.
04 - Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
05 - Place bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer, ensuring none overlap for even cooking.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, turning dates halfway through, until bacon achieves crisp, golden-brown finish.
07 - Allow to cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to let flavors settle.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between salty crisp bacon and sweet chewy dates is absolutely addictive
  • They come together faster than you can preheat your oven and look impressive on any platter
02 -
  • Beef bacon cooks faster than pork so check at 8 minutes if your air fryer runs hot
  • The toothpicks will be very hot when they come out so let them cool slightly before serving
03 -
  • Buy already pitted dates to save time and avoid accidentally missing a pit
  • If the bacon slices are very thick, use a rolling pin to gently flatten them before wrapping

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