Introduction
When you’re craving a satisfying keto snack that’s both indulgent and easy to make, these air fryer bacon-wrapped avocado slices are your perfect answer. They combine the rich, creamy texture of perfectly ripe avocados with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that’ll keep you in ketosis.
I’ve found that these savory bites are always a hit at parties, and they’re simple enough to whip up when you need a quick snack. You’ll love how the air fryer transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, cooking the bacon to golden perfection while keeping the avocado warm and buttery. Plus, with just five basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these keto-friendly treats ready in minutes.
Recipe
Bacon-wrapped avocado slices transform simple ingredients into an irresistible keto-friendly appetizer. The combination of creamy avocado and crispy bacon creates a perfect balance of textures while keeping carbs to a minimum, making it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
This air fryer recipe delivers consistently delicious results with minimal effort, producing perfectly crispy bacon wrapped around warm, buttery avocado. The seasoning enhances the natural flavors of both main ingredients while the air fryer method guarantees even cooking and eliminates excess grease.
- 2 ripe but firm avocados
- 12 slices bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cut avocados lengthwise, remove pits, and slice each half into 3 wedges. Remove avocado skin and season wedges with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Wrap each avocado slice with a bacon strip, securing with toothpicks if needed. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Place wrapped slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is golden brown and crispy. Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Select avocados that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t overly soft to prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking. Bring bacon to room temperature for easier wrapping, and pat it dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness. If cooking multiple batches, keep finished pieces warm in an oven set to 200°F. For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Prep Time
The total prep time for these delicious keto air fryer bacon-wrapped avocado slices is just 15 minutes. You’ll find most of this time is spent on the simple tasks of slicing your avocados and wrapping them in bacon. I’ve found that having all your ingredients ready before starting really speeds up the process.
Start by letting your bacon come to room temperature while you slice and season your avocados – this takes about 5 minutes. Then spend another 5-7 minutes wrapping each avocado slice carefully with bacon. The final few minutes are for arranging them in your air fryer basket. If you’re working efficiently, you might even finish prep in less time. Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer during the final stages of prep!
Equipment needed
You’ll need just three essential pieces of equipment to make these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped avocado slices:
- An air fryer with a basket large enough to hold 6-8 slices without overcrowding
- Sharp kitchen knife for clean avocado cuts
- Toothpicks to secure the bacon wrapping
I’d also recommend having these helpful extras on hand:
- Paper towels to pat the bacon dry
- Tongs for easy flipping and removal
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
- Cutting board with a non-slip base
- Serving platter for finished slices
Trust me, having everything ready before you start makes the process so much smoother. I learned this the hard way when I once had to juggle hot avocados while searching for my tongs!
Basic Cooking Method and Time
Making these crispy keto bites follows a straightforward process that takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes before getting started. While it’s heating, wrap each seasoned avocado slice with a piece of room-temperature bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Place your wrapped avocado slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd them! Let them cook for 10-12 minutes, and don’t forget to flip them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon turns golden brown and crispy. Give them a quick 2-minute rest before serving, and you’ve got yourself some perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped avocado bites that’ll impress any keto dieter.
Cooking Steps
Start your keto culinary adventure by gathering your seasoned avocado slices and room-temperature bacon strips in one convenient spot. Wrap each slice carefully with bacon, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. If needed, secure with a toothpick to keep everything in place.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes while you’re wrapping. Place your bacon-wrapped treasures in a single layer in the basket, giving them enough space to crisp up properly. I’ve learned the hard way that overcrowding leads to uneven cooking! Set your timer for 10-12 minutes, and don’t forget to flip them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon turns golden brown and crispy. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving – trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 1. Prepare Avocados for Slicing
The first essential step in creating perfect bacon-wrapped avocado slices begins with selecting two ripe but firm avocados. You’ll want to choose ones that yield slightly when gently pressed but aren’t too soft. I’ve learned through trial and error that overly ripe avocados will turn mushy during cooking.
Once you’ve got your avocados, cut them lengthwise around the pit. Give them a gentle twist to separate the halves, then remove the pit by carefully tapping your knife into it and twisting. Now, you’ll want to slice each half into three even wedges. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently peel away the skin from each wedge – it should come off easily if your avocados are properly ripe. Remember to handle the slices with care to maintain their shape for wrapping.
Step 2. Season Wrapped Avocado Slices
With your avocado slices perfectly prepared, now’s the time to add those game-changing seasonings. I’ve found that a simple blend of sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder creates the perfect flavor profile that complements both the creamy avocado and salty bacon. You’ll want to sprinkle the seasonings evenly over each avocado slice before wrapping them in bacon.
Don’t go overboard with the seasonings – remember, bacon already packs quite a salty punch. I typically use just a light dusting of each spice, focusing particularly on the garlic powder, which really brings out the avocado’s natural richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick, but the classic trio works beautifully on its own.
Step 3. Wrap Bacon Around Avocados
Wrapping bacon around avocado slices might seem tricky at first, but I’ve mastered a foolproof technique that’ll give you perfect results every time. Start by laying a strip of room-temperature bacon on a clean cutting board, then place your seasoned avocado slice at one end. I’ve found that holding the avocado at a slight angle helps me wrap the bacon more securely.
Now, carefully wrap the bacon around the avocado slice, making sure each turn slightly overlaps the previous one. Don’t pull too tight – you’ll want to maintain the avocado’s shape. If your bacon strip is particularly long, you can trim the excess. I like to secure mine with a toothpick through the center, which I’ll remove after cooking.
Step 4. Air Fry Until Golden
Once your bacon-wrapped avocados are ready, it’s time for my favorite part – cooking them to golden perfection in the air fryer. I’ve learned through trial and error that preheating your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes makes all the difference in achieving that perfect crisp.
Place your wrapped avocado slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. I typically cook mine for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon turns a beautiful golden brown and gets delightfully crispy. Trust me, the sound of that first bite into the crispy bacon and creamy avocado is absolutely worth the wait. Just remember to let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Step 5. Let Cool Before Serving
Although the aroma of freshly cooked bacon-wrapped avocados might tempt you to dig in right away, letting them cool for 2-3 minutes is essential for the best texture and flavor. During this brief cooling period, the bacon will crisp up even more, and the avocado’s temperature will become more enjoyable for eating.
I’ve learned from experience that this short wait also helps the bacon stay firmly wrapped around the avocado instead of sliding off. While you’re waiting, you can use this time to prepare a simple dipping sauce or arrange your serving platter. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with perfectly set bacon that holds its shape and avocado that’s warmed through but not scalding hot. Just remember to remove any toothpicks before serving!
Customization Options
These bacon-wrapped avocado bites are incredibly versatile and ready for your personal touch. You can easily switch up the seasonings to match your taste preferences – try adding smoked paprika for heat, Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist, or everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch and flavor.
Don’t feel limited to regular bacon either. You’ll love experimenting with different varieties like peppered bacon, maple-flavored bacon, or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. For an extra kick, you can brush your wrapped avocados with sugar-free maple syrup before air frying, or sprinkle them with crushed red pepper flakes. Want to make them more filling? Add a small cube of cream cheese or a slice of jalapeño inside each avocado wedge before wrapping with bacon.
Ingredients list (with precise measurements)
Before diving into this delicious keto recipe, you’ll want to gather all the essential ingredients to make perfect bacon-wrapped avocado slices. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 ripe but firm avocados (they should yield slightly when gently squeezed)
- 12 slices of regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
You’ll notice I’ve specified regular-cut bacon, as thick-cut won’t wrap as easily around the avocado slices. When selecting your avocados, look for ones that aren’t too soft – they need to hold their shape during cooking. I’ve found that Hass avocados work best for this recipe, giving you the perfect creamy texture without falling apart.
Storage Information
While bacon-wrapped avocado slices taste best when served fresh and hot, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore the bacon’s crispiness.
I’ve found that these bites don’t freeze well since avocados can become mushy and discolored when thawed. If you need to make them ahead for a party, you can prep the components separately – slice and season the avocados (brushing them with lemon juice to prevent browning), and pre-cook the bacon until it’s almost done. Then just assemble and give them a final crisp in the air fryer before serving.
Health Benefits or Special Features
As a keto-friendly recipe that’s packed with healthy fats, bacon-wrapped avocado slices offer impressive nutritional benefits for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. You’ll get heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocados, along with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins K, C, and B6.
What makes this dish special is its versatility and convenience. You can easily customize the seasonings to match your taste preferences, and the air fryer method creates that perfect crispy bacon exterior without the mess of traditional frying. Plus, these bites are naturally gluten-free and sugar-free, making them ideal for various dietary needs. Since they’re so filling, you’ll find they’re an excellent option for curbing hunger between meals while keeping your macros in check.
Prep Time
Despite the gourmet appearance of these bacon-wrapped avocado bites, you’ll need just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time to get them ready for the air fryer. You can speed up the process by having all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start.
The basic prep steps are quick and straightforward. First, slice your avocados and season them – that’ll take about 5 minutes. Then, spend another 5-7 minutes wrapping each slice with bacon. The final few minutes are for arranging them in your air fryer basket. I like to prep my second batch while the first one’s cooking, which helps me stay efficient in the kitchen. Trust me, once you’ve made these a couple times, you’ll be able to prep them even faster.
Cook Time
Once your prep work is complete, you’ll love how quickly these bacon-wrapped avocado bites cook up in the air fryer. The total cook time is just 10-12 minutes at 375°F, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or quick snacks.
Start by preheating your air fryer for 3 minutes to guarantee even cooking. When you place your wrapped avocados in the basket, make sure they’re not touching – you want that hot air to circulate freely around each piece. After about 5-6 minutes, it’s time to flip them over. I’ve found that using tongs works best for this step. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes, as bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overdone quickly. When they’re done, let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to maintain that perfect bacon-to-avocado bond.
Total Time
When you factor in both prep and cooking time, these keto bacon-wrapped avocado slices take about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients – slicing the avocados, seasoning them, and wrapping them in bacon. The actual cooking process in your air fryer takes 10-12 minutes, and you’ll want to allow 2-3 minutes for preheating.
I love that this isn’t an all-day kitchen project. While the bacon’s crisping up, you can easily clean your prep area or get other snacks ready for guests. Don’t forget to take into account those 2 minutes of resting time at the end – it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting them cool slightly guarantees the bacon stays perfectly attached to your avocado slices.
Yield
This simple recipe yields 12 delicious bacon-wrapped avocado slices, which I’ve found is perfect for serving 4-6 people as an appetizer or snack. In my experience hosting keto-friendly gatherings, I’ve noticed that most guests will happily devour 2-3 pieces each, making this portion size just right.
If you’re planning to serve these as part of a larger spread, you might want to double the recipe – trust me, they disappear quickly! I’ve learned to make extra when entertaining because these tasty bites are always the first to go. When I’m making them just for my family, one batch is plenty for a satisfying afternoon snack or pre-dinner appetizer. You can easily scale the recipe up or down based on your needs.
Final Thoughts
Although making bacon-wrapped avocado slices might seem intimidating at first, I’ve found that these keto-friendly bites are surprisingly simple to master. After countless batches in my air fryer, I can assure you that the key is selecting the right avocados and wrapping them with care. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these become a go-to snack in your keto rotation.
Trust me when I say that once you’ve made these a few times, you’ll develop your own perfect timing based on your air fryer and bacon thickness. I love serving these at parties, where even non-keto friends can’t resist their crispy-creamy appeal. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to make this recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead for a Party?
You’ll want to serve these fresh from the air fryer. Making them ahead can lead to cold, soggy bacon and brown avocados that won’t look or taste their best.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Bacon-Wrapped Avocados?
You’ll love pairing these with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or sour cream-based dips. For a keto-friendly option, try mixing mayo with sriracha or lime juice.
How Do You Prevent the Avocados From Turning Brown?
You’ll prevent avocado browning by preparing and cooking them immediately after cutting. If needed, brush the exposed areas with lemon juice or wrap them tightly in plastic until you’re ready.
Can Turkey Bacon Be Used Instead of Regular Bacon?
You can use turkey bacon, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since it’s leaner. Watch carefully and reduce the time to 8-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Will These Work in a Regular Oven if Needed?
Like a dream come true, you can bake these in your regular oven at 375°F. Just place them on a lined baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
You’ll love how these keto bacon-wrapped avocado slices bring gourmet flavor to your kitchen without the fuss. Just last week, my skeptical brother-in-law tried these at our family gathering and couldn’t believe they were homemade. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into crispy, creamy bites that’ll satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track. Give them a try – they might become your new go-to appetizer for both casual snacking and entertaining.
