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Air Fryer Stuffed Dates - Sweet, Salty, and Ready in Minutes

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Medjool dates (12 to 16 large, pitted or pit them yourself)
  • Goat cheese or cream cheese (about 4 ounces, softened)
  • Chopped nuts (2 to 3 tablespoons; almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 to 2 teaspoons, optional for drizzling)
  • Flaky sea salt (a pinch for finishing)
  • Olive oil spray (light mist for the basket, optional)
  • Optional add-ins: cooked crumbled bacon, orange zest, cinnamon, crushed red pepper, or dark chocolate squares

Method
 

  1. Prep the dates: If your dates aren’t pitted, make a small slit lengthwise and remove the pit. Keep the date intact like a little pocket.
  2. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, stir the goat cheese or cream cheese until smooth. Fold in chopped nuts and any flavorings you like, such as a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest.
  3. Stuff the dates: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each date with about a teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Don’t overfill; you want them to close slightly.
  4. Add extras (optional): Tuck in a bit of crumbled bacon or a tiny piece of dark chocolate if you want a sweet-salty or sweet-bitter contrast.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with olive oil spray if sticking is a concern.
  6. Air fry: Arrange the stuffed dates cut-side up in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is warmed and the edges of the dates look caramelized.
  7. Finish: Let them cool for 2 minutes. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  8. Serve: Place on a small platter. They’re best warm, but still tasty at room temperature.