Perfect Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken Recipe
Air fryer hunter’s chicken brings together the perfect combination of smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese for a quick and flavorful dinner. This recipe elevates classic comfort food with minimal effort, thanks to the air fryer.
The crispy bacon and cheesy topping perfectly complement the tender chicken, creating a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it alongside potato wedges and seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
This dish is simple yet indulgent, offering an easy way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken Ingredients
Tender, skinless chicken breasts form the base of this dish, providing a lean and juicy protein that soaks up the rich flavors. Smoked streaky bacon wraps the chicken, adding a savory crispness that elevates the entire recipe.
A thick barbecue sauce is brushed over the bacon-wrapped chicken, infusing a smoky, tangy sweetness. Grated cheddar cheese melts perfectly on top, creating a creamy, flavorful finish that binds all the ingredients together.
Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken: A Hearty, Flavorful Dish
Air fryer hunter’s chicken is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food favorite, combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The air fryer makes this dish incredibly quick and easy while delivering the same rich, satisfying flavors you expect from traditional cooking methods.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking for a simple, tasty dinner option, this recipe offers the perfect balance of ease and indulgence. Serve it with some seasonal vegetables and crispy potato wedges for a complete, mouth-watering meal.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken Breasts
For the best results, opt for skinless chicken breasts that are even in thickness. If you’re working with larger breasts, cut them in half lengthways to ensure they cook evenly. This helps achieve a juicy, tender center without overcooking the edges. - Crispy Bacon Wrap
When wrapping the chicken in bacon, ensure the rashers overlap slightly for a more even coating. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can extend the cooking time for the bacon-wrapped chicken by a few minutes, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. - Cheese Variations
While cheddar is the classic choice for this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well, creating a creamy finish that complements the savory bacon and tangy barbecue sauce.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken
- Seasonal Vegetables
Fresh, lightly roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for hunter’s chicken. Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture balance the rich flavors of the bacon and cheese, offering a refreshing contrast. - Crispy Potato Wedges
Golden, crispy potato wedges are a classic side for this dish. The crispy edges and soft interior provide the perfect companion to the smoky, cheesy chicken. Season the wedges with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor. - Garlic Bread
If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve the hunter’s chicken with freshly toasted garlic bread. The garlicky, buttery crunch pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the chicken, making for a comforting, satisfying meal.
FAQ
- Can I make Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken with frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure they cook evenly. If using frozen chicken, be sure to fully thaw it first to avoid uneven cooking. - Can I substitute the bacon with a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with prosciutto or pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. These alternatives will still provide that salty, savory element but with a subtler taste compared to bacon. - Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can use mozzarella for a gooey, stringy texture or Gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well to create that perfect topping. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, wrap it in bacon, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to add the barbecue sauce and cheese right before air frying to maintain freshness.
Air fryer hunter’s chicken
Ingredients
- 2 small skinless chicken breasts or 1 large chicken breast, halved lengthways
- 4-6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
- 3 tbsp thick barbecue sauce
- 40 g grated cheddar cheese
- Seasonal vegetables potato wedges, and ketchup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 190°C. Wrap each chicken breast with bacon rashers widthwise. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, it’s best to first cook them in the air fryer for 10 minutes before wrapping with bacon. Continue cooking the bacon-wrapped chicken for an additional 15 minutes.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, brush the surface with barbecue sauce and evenly distribute the grated cheddar over the top. (You may not need to use all of the cheese.) Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the finished chicken with seasonal vegetables, potato wedges, and a side of ketchup if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
