Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Liver Bites Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are the perfect balance of savory and crispy with minimal effort. The rich and tender chicken liver is complemented by the smoky, crispy bacon, while the optional water chestnuts add a delightful crunch. Best of all, this appetizer is quick to make, ready in just 20 minutes, and perfect for serving at parties, game days, or even as a quick snack. Plus, the addition of a dipping sauce like sweet chili elevates the flavor, making it irresistible! If you love simple but delicious bites, this recipe is a must-try.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 (12 bites)

These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer that require just 3 ingredients (with an optional crunch from water chestnuts) and minimal prep time. You’ll love the crispy bacon, the tender chicken liver, and the savory finish from your favorite dipping sauce!

Ingredients

• 1.60 dkg (approximately 3.5 oz) chicken liver, cut into 12 bite-sized pieces
• 4 strips of bacon, cut into thirds
• 12 slices of water chestnuts (optional, for added crunch)
• 12 toothpicks (to secure the bites)
• ¼ cup dipping sauce (optional, such as sweet chili sauce, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken bites cook quickly and evenly.

Step 2:

• Cut the chicken liver into 12 bite-sized pieces. Make sure each piece is small enough to wrap with bacon and cook thoroughly.

Step 3:

• Cut each of the 4 strips of bacon into 3 equal parts. You’ll have 12 pieces of bacon to wrap around the chicken livers.

Step 4:

• If using water chestnuts, place a slice on top of each chicken liver piece for added crunch (this is optional but recommended for extra texture).

Step 5:

• Wrap each piece of chicken liver (with or without the water chestnut) with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything in place.

Step 6:

• Arrange the wrapped chicken livers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will help them cook evenly and get crispy.

Step 7:

• Cook for 10-13 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness. The chicken liver should no longer be pink inside, and the bacon should be crispy.

Step 8:

• Once cooked, remove the bites from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce (such as sweet chili sauce) for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Water Chestnuts: If you’re using water chestnuts, they add a delightful crunch that pairs well with the tender chicken liver. However, they are optional if you prefer a simpler bite.
• Dipping Sauce: For a savory touch, pair these bites with sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Choose your favorite dipping sauce to complement the rich flavor of the bacon-wrapped chicken livers.
• Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so check the chicken bites at the 10-minute mark to ensure they’re cooked to your liking. If necessary, cook for a few more minutes until the bacon is crispy and the liver is cooked through.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: If you have any leftover chicken bites, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken bites in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 3-4 minutes until the bacon crisps up again and the chicken liver is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Pro Tips

• Bacon Selection: Use thick-cut bacon for the best crispiness and texture. Thin bacon may not hold up well during cooking.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken liver and bacon are not overcrowded in the air fryer. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Toothpick Safety: Be careful when serving the bites, as the toothpicks are still inserted into the food. It’s best to warn your guests or remove the toothpicks before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use something other than chicken liver?
Yes, if you don’t like chicken liver or prefer a different protein, you can use chicken breast, chicken thighs, or pork tenderloin cut into small pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the meat you choose.

2. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken bites and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. When ready, simply pop them in the air fryer and cook as directed.

3. How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To ensure the bacon crisps up, make sure the pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping. The air circulation in the air fryer will help the bacon get crispy on all sides.

4. Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wrapped chicken livers on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken liver is cooked through. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

Why This Recipe Works

This Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites recipe works because it’s incredibly simple but packed with flavor. The rich chicken liver, crispy bacon, and optional water chestnuts come together in the air fryer to create a crispy, savory appetizer in just 10 minutes. The minimal prep and cook time make it an ideal choice for last-minute parties, casual gatherings, or even as a quick snack. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser every time