Almond-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

It’s meat candy! These Almond-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are a delicious and easy appetizer for parties. They turn out beautifully both in an air fryer or an oven (if necessary, make these ahead and then warmed up in an air fryer). These sweet, salty, and crunchy bites are always a hit!

Ingredients

Air Fryer Directions:

1. Stuff each date with 1 almond.
2. Cut strips of bacon in half. Wrap each date tightly in a piece of bacon and secure with a wooden toothpick. Make sure to secure the open piece of the bacon on the bottom.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
4. If desired, brush maple syrup all over the wrapped dates.
5. Once preheated, carefully place the wrapped dates in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other. Set the timer for 8 minutes. When time is up, either give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the dates over. Continue cooking until bacon is crisp (typically 3-5 minutes).
6. Drain on paper towel. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Oven Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
2. Stuff each date with 1 almond.
3. Cut strips of bacon in half. Wrap each date tightly in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Make sure to secure the open piece of the bacon on the bottom.
4. If desired, brush maple syrup all over the wrapped dates.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is brown and crispy. Drain the bacon fat approximately 10 minutes before they’re done (this helps the bottoms to crisp up).
6. Drain on paper towel. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes:

• Omit almonds if you are intolerant to nuts.
• Bake times may vary depending on thickness of bacon and individual appliances.