I have always been a fan of bacon-wrapped anything, so when I first heard about air fryer bacon wrapped watermelon, I was intrigued. I mean, it sounds like a strange combination, but I’m always up for trying something new. The sweetness of the watermelon paired with the saltiness of the bacon is a match made in heaven.
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious snack that’s easy to make, air fryer bacon wrapped watermelon is definitely worth a try. All you need is some bacon, watermelon, and an air fryer, and you’re good to go. It’s a great option for a party or gathering, or even just a fun snack to enjoy on your own. Plus, since it’s made in the air fryer, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods. So, if you’re ready to try something new and delicious, give air fryer bacon wrapped watermelon a shot.
I made it up really quick just yesterday for a small get together at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s pool. I really didn’t even plan to make them until about 30 minutes before I left the house. These snacks come together so fast!
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Watermelon in the Air Fryer
Oh, boy. Are you going to love this ingredient list!
- Watermelon – chopped into small chunks
- Uncooked bacon – chopped into squares of similar size to the watermelon
That’s it, friends! Just two ingredients! It seldom gets much easier than that!
Why Cook Bacon Wrapped Watermelon in an Air Fryer?
Would I say this is my absolute favorite appetizer out there? I wouldn’t go that far. Hey…not much is beating chips and cheese dip…sorry! But It is a good, unexpected appetizer – especially for summer cookouts!
There are lots of experiment cooking methods for watermelon out there – like this fun grilled watermelon. But when it comes to cooking bacon-wrapped watermelon, I’ve found that using an air fryer is the best method.
Benefits of Cooking Bacon Wrapped Watermelon in an Air Fryer
- Healthier: Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying because it uses less oil, resulting in a lower calorie count. Plus, the air fryer basket allows excess fat to drip away from the bacon, making it crispier and less greasy.
- Faster: Cooking bacon-wrapped watermelon in an air fryer is faster than using an oven because the hot air circulates around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly. This means you can have a tasty appetizer or snack ready in just a few minutes.
- Convenient: Air fryers are easy to use and require less cleanup than traditional methods like frying in a pan or deep fryer. Plus, they don’t take up much counter space, making them ideal for small kitchens.
Expert Tips
- Choose the right bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for this recipe, as it will cook faster and crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Choose the ripest watermelon. You know how old watermelon gets – flavorless and a faded pink color. You want to use red, juicy watermelon in this recipe!
- Cut the watermelon into small pieces: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces that are roughly the same size as the bacon. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t fall off the watermelon.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the bacon-wrapped watermelon. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the bacon-wrapped watermelon in a single layer, making sure that none of the pieces overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the food, cooking it evenly. I usually have to cook my watermelon bacon bites in batches.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve bacon wrapped watermelon appetizers on toothpicks.
- Optional: once bacon has cooled down, slide a basil or mint leaf down the toothpick to top the bacon for a pop of color and flavor
- Optional: once bacon has cooled down, slide a cube of white cheese down the toothpick to top the bacon for an additional flavor combination
Air Fryer Watermelon Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 cups Watermelon cut into squares about 1.5 x 1.5 inches
- 4 Bacon pieces cut into pieces about the same size as the watermelon chunks
Instructions
- Place watermelon chunks in the air fryer basket.
- Overlap the watermelon with pieces of bacon, trying to cover three sides of the watermelon squares as much as possible.
- Cook at 375° in the air fryer for 12 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick into the watermelon and bacon and place on serving plate.
- Optional: Add basil or mint and a cube of mozzarella cheese once the bacon has cooled.
Nutrition
Overall, cooking bacon wrapped watermelon in an air fryer is a fun and tasty way to experiment with new flavors and offer up a party appetizer that’s a little different from the usual. Give it a try and see for yourself!
More Fun Appetizers
Sausage Cocktail Bread Appetizers
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Best Tropical Foods for a Luau
Sausage Balls Without Bisquick
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip Appetizer on Rye Bread
Spinach Toast Appetizer with Spinach Dip
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