Description

Air fryer hunter’s chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, topped with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this flavorful meal pairs wonderfully with seasonal vegetables, crispy potato wedges, and ketchup for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon

2 small skinless chicken breasts or 1 large chicken breast cut in half lengthways
4–6 rashers smoked streaky bacon

Toppings

3 tbsp thick barbecue sauce
40g cheddar, grated

To Serve

Seasonal vegetables
Potato wedges
Ketchup

Instructions

Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the right cooking temperature before adding the chicken.
Wrap the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and wrap them widthways with the smoked streaky bacon rashers. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may cut one large breast in half lengthways.
Initial Cooking for Thick Chicken: For thick chicken breasts, cook them uncovered in the air fryer for 10 minutes first to start the cooking process and ensure even cooking.
Cook Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. This allows the bacon to render its fat and become crispy while cooking the chicken through.
Add Barbecue Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken carefully, brush all over with the thick barbecue sauce, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. You may use less than the entire 40g depending on your preference.
Final Cooking: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F).
Serve: Plate the hunter’s chicken with a side of seasonal vegetables, crispy potato wedges, and ketchup for dipping, if desired.

Notes

If your chicken breasts are very thick, cooking them initially for 10 minutes before wrapping ensures even cooking.
You can substitute cheddar with another type of melting cheese if preferred.
Adjust barbecue sauce quantity according to taste.
Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safely cooked through.
Potato wedges can be cooked separately in the air fryer for a consistent crispy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: British

Keywords: hunter's chicken, air fryer chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, barbecue chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe