Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates

My friend Sarah brought these to a dinner party years ago, and I watched three people reach for the same one at the appetizer table. She wouldn't tell me what was inside until I'd tasted it, and the moment that warm, creamy center hit my tongue followed by crispy bacon, I understood why everyone was fighting over them. Now I make a batch whenever I need something that feels both elegant and effortlessly delicious.

I made these for my cousin's engagement brunch, and seeing them disappear faster than the mimosas felt like a tiny victory. Someone asked for the recipe right there between bites, which never happens with regular appetizers—people were genuinely curious.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates: Large, soft, and naturally sweet—they're the foundation here, and their meaty texture holds the filling beautifully without falling apart.
• Cream cheese: Softened and creamy, it adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly, though goat cheese or blue cheese work wonderfully if you want to shift the flavor profile.
• Toasted almonds: Optional but worth it—they add a gentle crunch and toasty flavor that deepens everything around them, though pecans or walnuts are equally good.
• Beef bacon: The savory, crispy wrapper that transforms these from a nice snack into something memorable, and it renders beautifully in the air fryer.
• Olive oil spray: Just enough to help the bacon crisp without making these greasy or heavy.

Instructions

Open and fill your dates:

Slice each date lengthwise just enough to remove the pit, then spoon a small dollop of softened cream cheese inside—about a teaspoon—and tuck a toasted almond in if you're using them. The filling should peek out slightly but still let the date close around it.

Wrap with bacon:

Take a half slice of beef bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, overlapping the ends slightly. A toothpick through the seam keeps everything secure during cooking and makes them easy to remove from your mouth later.

Prepare the air fryer:

Give your basket a light spray of olive oil, then arrange the wrapped dates in a single layer with a little breathing room between each one. They'll render better and crisp more evenly when they're not touching.

Air fry until golden:

Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through. You'll know they're done when the bacon is deeply browned and crispy, and a little of the date's honey is caramelizing at the edges.

Cool and serve:

Let them rest for just a minute or two—the cream cheese will set slightly and they won't burn your mouth. Pull out any toothpicks before anyone digs in.

Save

There's something about watching someone taste one of these for the first time—their eyes light up at the flavor combination, and they always ask if there's more. It's those small kitchen moments that remind me why I love feeding people.

Why This Works in an Air Fryer

The circulating heat crisps the bacon without drying out the date or overheating the filling, something that's surprisingly hard to do in a regular oven where you'd either char the outside or end up with chewy bacon. The air fryer's concentrated heat is perfectly suited to this dish—minimal oil, maximum texture, and it's done before you finish pouring drinks.

Flavor Combinations Worth Exploring

Once you nail the basic version, you can start playing around—I've tried herbed goat cheese with a whisper of thyme, crumbled blue cheese for something more assertive, and even mixed a tiny bit of honey into the cream cheese for deeper sweetness. Each variation brings something different to the table, and honestly, whatever cheese is already soft in your fridge works perfectly fine.

Making Them Ahead and Storing

You can stuff and wrap the dates up to 4 hours before cooking, stacking them gently on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge. Cold dates actually wrap a little easier, and they'll cook beautifully straight from the cold. Leftovers keep in the fridge for a few days, though I've never actually had any last that long, and they reheat gently in a 160°C (325°F) oven for just a few minutes if somehow you do.

• Serve them warm with a tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a last-minute flourish.
• Have extra toothpicks on hand if you're serving them at a party—they make eating these much less messy and more elegant.
• If you forgot to soften the cream cheese, run it under warm water in its wrapper for a minute or two, and it'll cooperate.

Save

These dates are the kind of recipe that makes you look far more impressive than you actually are, which is honestly the best kind. Make them once and you'll find yourself reaching for them every time you need something elegant and delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other cheeses as filling?

Yes, goat cheese, blue cheese, or herbed cheese are excellent alternatives to cream cheese for varied flavors.

→ Is it necessary to use almonds inside the dates?

No, almonds are optional and add crunch; you can omit them or substitute with pecans or walnuts.

→ How can I ensure the bacon stays crispy?

Air fry at around 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to promote crispiness.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

These bites pair well with a drizzle of honey or chopped herbs and complement crisp white wine or sparkling water.

→ Are there common allergens in this dish?

Yes, it contains dairy from cheese and potential tree nuts from almonds or other nuts used.