Buzz
Sugar, salt, and fat are key to great taste, which is why most party appetizers are loaded with at least two, if not all three. A great snack for celebrations also brings fun textures, like crispy, chewy, or melty elements. These air-fried devils deliver it all.
Devils on Horseback are a nostalgic party snack that dates back to the 1800s. A dried fruit, like a date or prune, is stuffed with cheese or nuts, wrapped in cured pork, and then fried or baked. As the cheese melts and the pork crisps, it creates a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors and textures. It’s a luxurious bite, and using the air fryer makes it even quicker to enjoy this decadence.
To prepare Devils on Horseback, you'll need three essential ingredients: fruit, cheese, and pork. For the fruit, you can go with either pitted dates or prunes, though I usually choose dates. I also prefer a bold blue cheese for an extra punch of flavor, but you can also opt for milder varieties like Manchego, gruyere, or asiago. Both bacon and prosciutto become wonderfully crispy when cooked, so either works for the pork element.
After making those choices and collecting your ingredients, it’s time to assemble. Gently open the date, insert a chunk of cheese inside, and wrap it in a half slice of bacon (or prosciutto). There's no need for toothpicks to secure the wrapping. I’ve air-fried them both with and without toothpicks, and it didn’t affect the outcome. Cook them in a single layer until the bacon crisps up, then serve hot (though they’re still tasty at room temperature).
These little treats are ready in 10 minutes at most, making them perfect for everything from upscale cocktail parties to laid-back movie nights. The air fryer method is especially ideal for hot summer days since it avoids using a full oven, which can overheat your home and consumes far more energy than an air fryer (I need that energy to power my air conditioner!).
Air Fried Devils on Horseback
Ingredients:
Pitted dates, as many as you like
Bacon, half a slice for each date
Cheese, about 1/2 teaspoon per date
Preheat your air fryer to 360℉. Open up each date—there’s usually a small slit where the pit has been removed. Stuff a piece of cheese inside, and don't worry if a bit of cheese sticks out.
Now grab your bacon. For 12 devils, you'll need 6 full strips, cut in half. Place each date at the end of a halved bacon slice and roll it up. Set each wrapped date, seam side down, on the air fryer tray and cook for 7-10 minutes, until the bacon is crispy. Serve right away.
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