Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates

The first time I made these bacon-wrapped dates, I wasn't even planning to—I'd grabbed a container of Medjool dates at the market thinking I'd snack on them solo, but then spotted goat cheese on the shelf and suddenly imagined how the creamy tanginess would play against something savory and crispy. I wrapped one in bacon as a test, air-fried it, and that first bite was so unexpectedly perfect that I immediately made two dozen more. Now they're the thing people ask me to bring.

I made these for a dinner party in early autumn, and my friend Sarah walked in, smelled the bacon crisping in the air fryer, and literally asked what restaurant I'd ordered from before she saw them were homemade. That moment—watching people's faces shift from "appetizer" to "where did you find these"—is when I knew I'd found something special worth repeating.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates (16 large, pitted): These are the only dates worth using here—they're buttery, barely chewy, and their natural sweetness won't compete with the goat cheese and bacon, it'll complement them.
• Goat cheese or cream cheese (60 g, softened): Softening it matters more than you'd think; cold cheese won't spread evenly into the date pockets, so pull it out 10 minutes before assembly.
• Beef bacon (8 strips, cut in half): The beef bacon has deeper, meatier flavor than pork bacon and won't shrink as aggressively, leaving you with a proper wrapper instead of a charred thread.
• Honey and fresh parsley (optional): A light drizzle of honey at the end echoes the date's sweetness, while parsley adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Instructions

Open and fill your dates:

Slice each date lengthwise and gently create a pocket big enough for a teaspoon of cheese—you'll feel the pit come loose as you go. Divide the softened cheese among the dates, using about a teaspoon per date, pressing gently so it stays put.

Wrap with bacon:

Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, overlapping slightly at the seam. If the bacon slips, secure it with a toothpick poked through both layers, but often friction alone keeps everything together.

Set up your air fryer:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes, which gives you time to arrange the dates. Place them in a single layer in the basket with a tiny bit of breathing room between each one—they'll crisp better without touching.

Air fry until golden:

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so the bacon browns evenly on all sides. You'll know they're done when the bacon is deeply browned and crispy and you can smell that savory-sweet aroma from across the kitchen.

Cool and finish:

Let them rest for a minute or two before handling—the cheese is molten inside and you don't want a burnt mouth. Drizzle lightly with honey and scatter parsley over the top, then serve while the bacon is still crackling.

Pin It

My neighbor tasted one of these at a dinner party and came over the next day asking if I could teach her—that's when I realized this recipe had crossed from "tasty little snack" into "something people actually want to know how to make." There's something special about a small bite that makes people pause.

Why the Air Fryer Makes This Work

A traditional oven would bake the date soft while the bacon crisps slowly, and you'd lose some of that textural magic. The air fryer's circulating hot air crisps the bacon quickly and intensely while the date's interior stays plump and the cheese melts without separating. It's the one appliance that makes this appetizer possible in 10 minutes flat.

Variations Worth Trying

Once you've made these classic, you'll start experimenting—I've wrapped dates with blue cheese and walnuts, used turkey bacon for something lighter, even tried a little Dijon mustard spread under the cheese. The structure is so solid that it handles creativity well; the date-cheese-bacon triangle works with almost any flavor play you want to introduce.

Make-Ahead and Serving Ideas

These are perfect for entertaining because you can assemble them hours before guests arrive, keep them in the fridge, and air-fry fresh about 15 minutes before serving. They're best served warm, when the bacon snaps and the cheese is still soft enough to melt slightly when you bite through. Pair with sparkling wine, a dry rosé, or even a crisp Sauvignon Blanc—the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

• Assemble up to one day ahead and refrigerate until you're ready to cook.
• Serve immediately after air-frying, while the bacon is still crackling and the cheese is warm.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes, though they're honestly best fresh.

Pin It

These dates have a way of turning a casual snack into a moment, and that's what keeps me making them. Once you taste the contrast between crispy, salty bacon and sweet, buttery date with that whisper of tangy cheese, you'll understand why.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes, regular pork bacon works well too. Just keep in mind that pork bacon may cook slightly faster, so check for crispiness a minute or two early.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

→ Is this dish dairy-free?

The traditional version includes goat cheese, so it is not dairy-free. However, you can easily omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to suit dietary needs.

→ Do I need toothpicks?

While not strictly mandatory, using a toothpick is highly recommended. It helps secure the bacon around the date during the air frying process to prevent unwrapping.

→ What beverages pair well with these?

These savory and sweet bites pair wonderfully with sparkling wine, a dry rosé, or even a light cocktail to balance the richness of the bacon.