1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness if not already pre-rolled.
- Cut Into Squares: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pie crust into approximately 2-inch squares.
2. Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap Squares: Take each pie crust square and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Optional Seasoning: For a sweet and spicy twist, sprinkle brown sugar and black pepper over the bacon-wrapped squares.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Bacon-Wrapped Pie Crust Squares:
- Arrange in Basket: Place the bacon-wrapped squares in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch to allow for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the pie crust is golden brown.
- Check Doneness: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the squares cool in the basket for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
- Serve: Serve warm, with optional dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pie Crust Squares:
- Secure Wrapping: If the bacon tends to unwrap during cooking, secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Bacon Thickness: Thicker bacon may take longer to cook and may need slightly lower temperature to ensure the crust doesn’t burn before the bacon is done.
- Homemade Pie Crust: For an extra flaky texture, consider making your pie crust from scratch.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings on the bacon or try adding a small piece of cheese between the pie crust and bacon for a gooey surprise.
Enjoy these crispy, savory bacon-wrapped pie crust squares fresh from the air fryer. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special snack to indulge in at home!