Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Recipe

Crispy bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites deliver a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that’ll make you the star of any gathering.

Meat lovers crave these compact protein-packed delights bursting with savory goodness.

Small yet mighty, these miniature bites pack an incredible punch of taste in every single bite.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef nestled within a crispy bacon blanket creates an irresistible combination.

Quick cooking in the air fryer ensures a golden exterior with a juicy inner core.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of melted cheese and smoky bacon that keeps you coming back for more.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible little flavor bombs that are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Cheeseburger Bites So Fun and Easy

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Air fryer technology ensures crispy bacon and juicy meat without massive cleanup, making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Crowd-Winning Flavor Bomb: Melted cheese center and savory bacon wrap create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing zero leftovers.
• Customizable Crowd-Favorite: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese types or adding different seasonings, making it a versatile dish for various taste preferences.

Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Essentials

• Ground Beef: Rich and juicy base for the cheeseburger bites, look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor.
• Cheese: Melty center that creates a delicious surprise, choose a block of cheddar or pepper jack for maximum gooeyness.
• Bacon: Crispy outer wrap that adds smoky and salty flavor, select thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic background taste.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and savory undertones to the meat mixture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.

• Toothpicks: Essential for securing bacon around the meatballs.
• Dipping Sauce: Optional accompaniment for extra flavor, such as ranch or BBQ sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Air Fryer Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F.

Let it heat up completely before cooking.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Beef Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form Cheesy Beef Centers

Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 8 equal portions.

Take each portion and create a small pocket in the center, then tuck a cube of cheese inside.

Carefully mold the beef around the cheese to create compact meatballs.

Step 4: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap each beef and cheese meatball.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during cooking.

Step 5: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites into the air fryer basket.

Make sure they are not touching each other and have some space between them for even cooking.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, flip them over to ensure even browning and crispiness.

The beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cheeseburger bites from the air fryer.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mustard.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a delicious appetizer.

Cheeseburger Bite Air Fryer Hints

• Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles and add exciting twists to the bites.
• Choose thick-cut bacon and wrap it slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage and minimize shrinkage during air frying.
• Add a small amount of breadcrumbs or grated onion to the ground beef mixture to help retain moisture and prevent dry meatballs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked cheeseburger bites.
• Assemble the bacon-wrapped meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making party preparation easier and more convenient.

Cheeseburger Bites That Stay Juicy and Crunchy

• Store leftover bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F, arrange cold bites in a single layer, and warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• While possible, microwaving may make bacon soggy and cheese less appealing, so air fryer or oven reheating is recommended for best texture.

Best Picks for Cheeseburger Bites

• Savor Bold Beer Pairing: Grab a robust IPA or amber ale to complement the rich, savory flavors of the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites. The hoppy bitterness cuts through the fatty bacon and melted cheese, creating a perfect taste balance.
• Create Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sriracha mayo or smoky chipotle aioli to enhance the meaty, cheesy bites. These tangy sauces add an extra layer of excitement and bring out the deep flavors of the appetizer.
• Match Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the rich, indulgent cheeseburger bites. The freshness helps cleanse the palate between each delicious bite.
• Complement Chilled Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec that stands up to the bold meat and bacon flavors. The wine's fruity undertones provide a smooth, sophisticated drinking experience alongside these irresistible appetizers.

Cheeseburger Bites with Tasty Tweaks

• Keto-Friendly Bites: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Swap regular cheese for high-fat cheese like cheddar or pepper jack to maintain keto macros.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos for a similar flavor profile while keeping the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Use vegetarian bacon or wrap with thinly sliced eggplant for a similar texture and appearance.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt in the beef mixture. Choose low-sodium bacon and use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without adding extra sodium.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles and melting characteristics.

• Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?

No, raw bacon works best in this recipe. It will crisp up perfectly during the air frying process, cooking alongside the beef.

• How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping?

Secure each bacon slice with a toothpick to keep it tightly wrapped around the beef meatball during cooking.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before air frying, making them convenient for quick meals.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “air fryer bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites” deliver pure indulgence in miniature form. Crispy bacon hugs juicy beef and melted cheese, creating an irresistible party snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy bites)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• 8 slices bacon

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Preparation Tool:

• Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Craft compact beef spheres by blending ground beef with robust seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Create cheese-filled cores by nestling a cheese cube into the center of each meat portion, meticulously molding the beef to completely encase the cheese.
3. Elegantly drape each meat sphere with a crisp bacon slice, anchoring the wrapper securely using a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
4. Arrange the bacon-embraced morsels inside the air fryer basket, ensuring strategic spacing to promote even heat circulation and optimal crispiness.
5. Configure the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and initiate cooking, rotating the bites midway through the 10-12 minute cycle to guarantee uniform browning and thorough cooking.
6. Verify doneness by confirming the internal meat temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures food safety while maintaining succulent texture.
7. Present the sizzling morsels immediately, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces that enhance the savory flavor profile of these indulgent appetizers.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese for varied flavor profiles.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture in the final dish.
• Prevent bacon from unraveling by using thin-cut bacon and securing it tightly with toothpicks at multiple points.
• For a low-carb version, skip breadcrumbs and use lettuce wraps or serve alongside a fresh salad instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg