Air Fryer Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Almond & Broccoli Bites

 

Air Fried Bacon-Wrapped Almond & Broccoli Bites

Air-Fried Bacon-Wrapped Almond & Broccoli Bites: Savoury Treasure Bundles

This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into elegant and flavourful bites. Crispy bacon embraces a vibrant stuffing of tender broccoli and crunchy almonds, all brought together with savoury seasonings and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These little bundles are perfect as an appetiser, a sophisticated snack, or a unique addition to a brunch spread. The air fryer ensures the bacon is perfectly crisp without being greasy, while the inside remains moist and delicious.

Ingredients


  • 8 slices of streaky bacon
  • 1 cup (approximately 80g) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (approximately 30g) slivered almonds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Instructions and Method


1. Prepare the Broccoli and Almond Stuffing:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, toasted slivered almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

2. Assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Bites:

  • Lay a slice of bacon on a clean work surface.
  • Place a small mound (about 2 tablespoons) of the broccoli and almond stuffing at one end of the bacon slice.
  • Tightly roll the bacon around the stuffing, securing it with a toothpick if necessary (especially if the bacon slices are short). Repeat this process with the remaining bacon slices and stuffing.

3. Air Fry the Bites:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).1
  • Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the broccoli inside is tender-crisp. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and the size of the bites.
  • If the bacon is not as crispy as you like after 10-15 minutes, you can increase the cooking time by another 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

4. Serve:

  • Carefully remove the air-fried bacon-wrapped almond and broccoli bites from the air fryer.
  • If you used toothpicks, remove them before serving.
  • Arrange the bites on a serving platter. Serve warm as an appetiser, snack, or part of a larger meal.

Tips for Success

  • Finely Chop the Broccoli: Finely chopped broccoli will cook more evenly within the bacon wrap.
  • Toast the Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds beforehand enhances their nutty flavour and adds a better crunch to the stuffing. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
  • Don't Overstuff: Use a moderate amount of stuffing in each bacon slice to ensure the bacon can wrap around it securely.
  • Secure with Toothpicks if Needed: If your bacon slices are short or the stuffing tends to fall out, secure the rolls with toothpicks before air frying. Remember to remove them before serving.
  • Air Fry in a Single Layer: For even cooking and crispy bacon, ensure the bites are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the bacon. Keep an eye on the bites and adjust the time as needed to achieve crispy bacon without burning.
  • Serving Suggestions: These bites pair well with a dipping sauce like a honey-mustard or a creamy avocado dip. They can also be served alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.

A Short Telling

Imagine a burst of fresh green nestled within a salty, crispy embrace. This recipe takes the familiar comfort of bacon and elevates it with a surprising and delightful filling. Picture tender florets of broccoli, offering a subtle sweetness, studded with the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, all seasoned with aromatic herbs. The air fryer acts as a mini-oven, gently cooking these components into perfect harmony, creating little pockets of savoury treasure that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate – a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special, perhaps enjoyed on a crisp morning in Auckland.

Popular posts from this blog

Yummy & Tasty BBQ Malaysian Lamb Satay

Image
  Yummy & Tasty BBQ Malaysian Lamb Satay This recipe delivers tender, marinated lamb skewers grilled to smoky perfection, accompanied by the quintessential rich and nutty peanut sauce. The flavours are a delightful dance of sweet, savoury, spicy, and aromatic notes that are distinctly Malaysian. Yields: Approximately 10-12 skewers Prep time: 45 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating time, preferably overnight) Cook time: 8-12 minutes Ingredients: For the Lamb Satay: 1.5 lbs lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander Pinch of chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes) For the Peanut Sauce (Satay Sauce): 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted or light...
Read more

Air Fryer Barley Coconut Custard Tarts

Image
Air Fryer Barley Coconut Custard Tarts Imagine little pockets of creamy, subtly sweet coconut custard embracing the satisfying chewiness of pearled barley, all nestled in a crisp, golden tart shell. These Air Fryer Barley Coconut Custard Tarts offer a delightful textural contrast and a unique, comforting flavour profile. The air fryer cooks the tarts to a perfect golden brown in a fraction of the time, making this an easy yet impressive treat. Yields: 6 small tarts Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15-18 minutes Ingredients: For the Barley: 1/4 cup pearled barley, rinsed 3/4 cup water Pinch of salt For the Coconut Custard: 1 cup full-fat coconut milk 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large egg yolks 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of ground cardamom (optional, but lovely) For the Tart Shells: 1 sheet (about 13.2 oz) pre-made shortcrust pastry, thawed 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil (for brushing) Equipment: Small saucepan with lid Mixing bowl Whisk 6 indivi...
Read more

Air Fryer Coconut Jelly Pudding in Pumpkin Cup

Image
  Air Fryer Pumpkin Pastry Coconut Jelly Pudding This recipe combines the warm, spiced flavours of pumpkin with the creamy, tropical taste of coconut jelly, all nestled in a flaky pumpkin pastry cup. The air fryer makes it quick and easy, and the result is a delightful dessert that's both comforting and refreshing. Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 15-18 minutes Ingredients: For the Pumpkin Pastry Cups: 1 sheet (about 14 oz) refrigerated pie crust 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tbsp milk or cream, for brushing For the Coconut Jelly Pudding: 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk 1 cup coconut water 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp gelatin powder 1/4 cup cold water 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Equipment: Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Whisk 6 ramekins or small oven-safe dishes Rolling pin Air fryer Instructions: Prepare the Coconut Jelly Pudding: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatine powder over the cold water. Let it bloom for...
Read more