Description
These air fryer goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon are the ultimate sweet, salty, and creamy party appetizer. Quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and easily customizable, they’re perfect for any gathering or last-minute snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 3.5 oz (about 100g) plain goat cheese
- 6 strips thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- Optional: chopped pistachios or almonds, for garnish
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish or stuffing
- Optional: honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Slice each date lengthwise (do not cut all the way through) and remove the pit, creating a small ‘boat’ for stuffing.
- Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing it in firmly. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs inside if desired.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if available, or place seam side down.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden and cheese is just starting to melt.
- Let the dates cool for 2 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if desired. Garnish with chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey if you like.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best bacon crispiness. Toothpicks help keep bacon in place. For smoother stuffing, mix goat cheese with a bit of cream cheese if crumbly. Thin-cut bacon crisps best; adjust time for thick-cut. Try adding herbs, nuts, or a honey drizzle for extra flavor. Can be prepped ahead and air fried just before serving.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: air fryer, goat cheese, stuffed dates, bacon, appetizer, party food, easy, finger food, holiday, snack