Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in smoky bacon and finished with a rich garlic butter glaze for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired air fryer (keto) ready in about 37 minutes pairs ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, tablespoons unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 2 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Place 8 slices thick-cut bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes until partially crisp, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes until golden. Remove bacon, leaving bacon fat in the basket, and add 1 teaspoon avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Season 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Wrap each thigh with 1 slice bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
  3. Step 3: Place wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then flip and cook for 5 more minutes until bacon is crisp and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from air fryer, discard toothpicks, and drizzle with garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thick-cut bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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