These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are the ultimate appetizer for game days, parties, or anytime you need a quick, satisfying snack. Imagine a tender beef patty topped with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in crispy bacon and cooked to perfection in your air fryer. The result? A bite-sized, flavor-packed treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are a crowd-pleaser in every way. They combine all the flavors you love about a cheeseburger—beef, melty cheese, and smoky bacon—but in a bite-sized form that makes them perfect for sharing. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work, ensuring you get perfectly crispy bacon and perfectly cooked beef every single time. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for these irresistible bites. (Note: the full ingredient list is below!)
- Ground beef
- Cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Bacon strips
- Burger seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your choice of seasonings)
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients:
Start by cutting your cheese into small cubes. You want them to be just big enough to fit into the center of your beef mixture. - Season the Ground Beef:
Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Add a pinch of your favorite burger seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic powder are great). Mix everything well but try not to overwork the meat. - Form the Patties:
Take a small amount of the seasoned beef and flatten it into small, palm-sized patties. Place one cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each patty and seal the meat around it so that the cheese is completely encased. - Wrap with Bacon:
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each beef patty, ensuring it stays secure. If necessary, you can use a toothpick to help the bacon stay in place. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Place in the Air Fryer:
Place the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. - Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is fully cooked. - Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overfill with Cheese: Ensure your cheese isn’t too big or too much. A small cube is perfect to allow for even cooking.
- Pre-Crisp the Bacon (Optional): If you love extra-crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon before wrapping your bites to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a Nonstick Spray: Spritz your air fryer basket with a light nonstick spray to avoid any sticking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Swap: Swap out cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella if you prefer a different cheese.
- Add a Sauce: Try brushing the bacon-wrapped bites with barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce before cooking.
- Vegetable Option: For a lighter twist, try substituting a veggie patty or even mushrooms for the beef!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair these bacon-wrapped bites with a dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy honey mustard. They go wonderfully with crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a fresh side salad to balance out the richness. These are perfect for parties, as finger foods, or as a hearty appetizer during the big game.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To save leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F to regain their crispy texture. You can also use the oven or stovetop if needed.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the cheeseburger bites and wrap them in bacon a day in advance, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
2. What’s the best way to ensure the bacon cooks evenly?
Make sure the bacon-wrapped bites are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket and flip them halfway through cooking.
3. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute. Just ensure you cook them fully to an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Can I freeze these for later?
Yes! Wrap the cheeseburger bites individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are your new go-to appetizer for all things casual entertaining or snacking. With their crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tender beef, they’ll disappear from the plate in no time. Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick weekend gatherings—give this recipe a try and prepare to impress your guests (or yourself)!
Give this a shot, and let me know how they turn out. Happy air frying!
PrintAir Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are a game-changing snack or appetizer. The juicy, cheesy beef patty is wrapped in crispy bacon and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy your craving for burgers in a bite-sized form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy bites)
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the beef mixture into 8 portions.
- Take a cube of cheese and place it in the center of each beef portion, forming a meatball around the cheese.
- Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or condiments.
Notes
- You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or Swiss if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg