Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates (Printer-friendly)

Medjool dates filled with cheese and wrapped in savory beef bacon for a crispy, flavorful bite.

# What You’ll Need:

01 - 16 large Medjool dates, pitted

02 - 3 oz cream cheese, softened

03 - 16 whole toasted almonds (optional)

04 - 8 slices beef bacon, halved

05 - Olive oil spray

01 - Make a small lengthwise slit in each date and ensure pits are removed.

02 - Stuff each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of cream cheese and insert an almond if desired; pinch closed around filling.

03 - Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of beef bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.

04 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange wrapped dates in a single layer, spaced apart.

05 - Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and browned.

06 - Allow to cool slightly, remove toothpicks, and serve promptly.

01 -

The sweet-salty contrast hits every craving at once without feeling heavy.
They come together so fast you can make them on a Tuesday just because.
The air fryer makes the bacon shatteringly crisp without any flipping or grease splatter.
One bite and people assume you spent way more effort than you actually did.

02 -

If your bacon is too thick it won't crisp properly in ten minutes, so look for thinly sliced beef bacon or stretch each piece slightly before wrapping.
Don't overfill the dates or the cheese will ooze out and burn on the basket, a small spoonful is all you need.
Flipping them halfway is non-negotiable, the bottom side won't brown evenly otherwise.

03 -

Use a tiny offset spatula or butter knife to spread the cream cheese into the dates without tearing them.
If the bacon isn't crisping fast enough, spray it lightly with oil halfway through cooking.
Let them cool for at least a full minute, the filling gets molten hot and will burn your tongue if you eat them too fast.