There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, chewy dates paired with creamy Brie cheese, and it gets even better when they’re air-fried to perfection. I stumbled upon this delightful pairing during a holiday feasting ritual with my family. I vividly remember the first time I took a bite; the salty sweetness of the dates, the rich, melty Brie, and a hint of crunch from the nuts sent my taste buds on a joyful adventure. It quickly became a go-to appetizer for gatherings and a fantastic way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to prepare, look no further than these Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 7 minutes
- Total Duration: 17 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 6 (2 dates each)
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates
These Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates are the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Sweetness from the Medjool dates meets the creamy, buttery texture of Brie cheese, making for an unbeatable combination. Throw in some crunchy nuts for a delightful contrast, and optional bacon for those who love a savory twist, and you have an appetizer that pleases both sweet and savory palates. Not to mention, they are quick to prepare and cook—ideal for those of us who want something special without the fuss!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s dive into creating these little bites of heaven! Preparing these stuffed dates is not only simple but an absolute joy. As you gather your ingredients and get started, you’ll find that every step brings you closer to a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates
- 6 ounces Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Bacon pieces (optional, for wrapping)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure a quick and even cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dates
Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit. This is where the magic begins—such a simple task leads to a world of flavor!
Step 3: Stuff the Dates
With the pits removed, it’s time to stuff each date with a small piece of Brie cheese and a few chopped nuts. Create a luxurious filling that will melt and ooze goodness when cooked.
Step 4: Optional Bacon Wrapping
If you’re feeling adventurous, wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. This step adds a lovely crispy texture and savory flavor.
Step 5: Arrange for Cooking
Place the stuffed dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space to create that beautiful caramelization.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the Brie is melted and the dates start to caramelize magnificently. Keep an eye on them; you want that gooey center!
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the dates from the air fryer and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt before serving to enhance all the flavors—and voilà, your delicious appetizer is ready to impress!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To elevate your experience, consider serving these stuffed dates alongside a fresh arugula salad or a charcuterie board filled with various cheeses and meats. They make a fantastic addition to any gathering table, be it a festive celebration or a cozy date night at home.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely!), store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain that melty, warm goodness.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your Brie is at room temperature for easier stuffing.
- If you can’t find Medjool dates, other varieties like Deglet Noor can work but may yield a different texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking and a nice crisp finish.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling creative? Try substituting the Brie with goat cheese for a tangy twist or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the nut filling for an exciting spicy kick. You can also swap nuts based on your preference; almonds or pistachios can provide a delightful change.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or goat cheese can provide unique flavors and work just as well. -
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. -
Are these vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you skip the bacon, they are a wonderful vegetarian option. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the dates in advance and air fry them just before serving. -
How do I know when they are done?
Look for melted cheese and slightly caramelized edges on the dates; they should look inviting!
Wrapping Up
These Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates are a delicious and minimal effort way to add some gourmet flair to your meals. The process is straightforward yet yields a fancy appetizer that feels indulgent. Plus, they’re great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create something beautiful and tasty. What are you waiting for? Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Medjool dates stuffed with creamy Brie cheese and nuts, air-fried to perfection for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 6 ounces Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Bacon pieces (optional, for wrapping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Stuff each date with a small piece of Brie cheese and a few chopped nuts.
- If desired, wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the stuffed dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until Brie is melted and dates start to caramelize.
- Remove from air fryer, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt before serving.
Notes
Ensure Brie is at room temperature for easier stuffing. These can also be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
