Elevate your appetiser game with this easy air fryer devils on horseback recipe!
The classic bacon-wrapped dates get a modern twist with a sweet and spicy maple sriracha glaze. Plus, the air fryer ensures crispy bacon and juicy dates every time!
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Sweet, salty, and spicy - air fryer devils on horseback have got it all!
These tasty bites are a must-try appetiser or side dish for any festive gathering.
Love air fryer recipes? You'll also like my air fryer pizza bagels, air fryer chicken wings, and air fryer sausage rolls.
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What are devils on horseback?
The dish is a classic British appetiser and is made by wrapping a pitted date in bacon or prosciutto and baking or grilling until crispy.
The origin of the name "devils on horseback" is not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the name may have been inspired by the idea that the combination of sweet dates and salty bacon wrapped around them is a tempting and indulgent treat that is almost sinful, hence the "devil" reference.
The "on horseback" part of the name may have been added to indicate the presentation of the appetiser, which is often served on toothpicks or skewers that resemble a horse's back.
✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Air frying is simple and fast, making it perfect for appetisers like devils on horseback.
- The sweet and spicy maple sriracha glaze gives a glossy finish to the bacon-wrapped dates.
- Devils on horseback can be served as an appetiser or as part of a festive meal.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Dates - Plump, pitted dates are ideal because they provide a juicy and sweet base for this appetiser. Their natural sweetness complements the savoury bacon nicely.
Streaky Bacon - The fat marbling in streaky bacon crisps up beautifully when air fried, providing a crispy crunchy exterior. For a leaner alternative, smoked back bacon can be used, though it may not achieve quite the same level of crispiness.
Maple Syrup - good quality maple syrup or swap for clear runny honey.
Sriracha - Brings heat to the mix, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup with its spicy flavour.
🔪 Instructions
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: Preheat the air fryer to 200 C (400 F). Soak the cocktail sticks for 5 minutes in a bowl of cold water.
Two: Cut each streaky bacon rasher in half, creating two shorter pieces of bacon.
Three: Wrap each pitted date in a piece of streaky bacon and secure it with a cocktail stick.
Four: Mix together the maple syrup and sriracha sauce and brush each bacon wrapped date in the glaze.
Five Place the devils on horseback in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Six: Serve the devils on horseback warm as a party appetiser. They can also be served at room temperature.
Top Tips
- Opt for good quality streaky bacon that has a good balance of fat and meat.
- Use cocktail sticks or toothpicks to secure the bacon and ensure it doesn’t unravel during cooking.
- Serve the bacon wrapped dates warm, but ensure they’re not too hot, to avoid burning your mouth.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Serve as an appetiser, sprinkled with chopped parsley. They're also great on a festive cheeseboard.
Devils on horseback can also be served as a side dish for a main course. Pair them with chicken, grilled steak, or even roast turkey on Christmas day!
📖 Variations
- Before wrapping the dates in bacon, stuff them with a small piece of your favourite cheese, like blue cheese or goat cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious flavour combination.
- Add some crunch to your devils on horseback by stuffing them with chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, before wrapping them in bacon.
- Stuff the dates with feta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano before wrapping them in bacon. Serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce on the side for a Greek style appetiser.
- Use prunes or dried apricots instead of dates.
🥡 Storage
Make-Ahead - You can prepare the devils on horseback ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook them. Store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Store - Once cooked, devils on horseback can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them.
Reheat - In the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Freeze - Devils on horseback can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer. Defrost them in the fridge before air frying or reheating.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Yes, follow my recipe for oven baked devils on horseback.
Yes, you can use any type of dates you prefer, such as Medjool or Deglet Noor dates.
Angels on horseback are a variation of devils on horseback that uses oysters instead of dates or prunes. To make angels on horseback, wrap a small oyster in a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Grill or fry until the bacon is crispy and the oyster is cooked through.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Devils on Horseback (with Maple Sriracha Glaze)
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Equipment
- 16 Cocktail Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 Streaky Bacon Rashers
- 16 Dates pitted
- 3 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F). Soak the cocktail sticks for 5 minutes in a bowl of cold water.
- Cut each streaky bacon rasher in half, creating two shorter pieces of bacon.8 Streaky Bacon Rashers
- Wrap each pitted date in a piece of streaky bacon and secure it with a cocktail stick.16 Dates
- Mix together the maple syrup and sriracha sauce and brush each bacon wrapped date in the glaze.3 tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- Place the devils on horseback in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
- Before wrapping the dates in bacon, stuff them with a small piece of your favourite cheese, like blue cheese or goat cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious flavour combination.
- Add some crunch to your devils on horseback by stuffing them with chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, before wrapping them in bacon.
- Stuff the dates with feta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano before wrapping them in bacon. Serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce on the side for a Greek style appetiser.
- Use prunes or dried apricots instead of dates.
Alison Corey
I'm in love with your bacon-wrapped dates with maple sriracha glaze! The balance between sweet and spicy is perfect, and the air fryer technique ensures that every bite is crispy and flavorful. These little bites of heaven are a must-have at any gathering.
Farah Abumaizar
I love any air fryer recipe, and these look like something I need to try because I also love sriracha! Thanks for this!
Tara
Such a fun appetizer! The flavors sound amazing with the maple sriracha glaze and I love how easily they come together in the air fryer.
Stephanie
We loved the combination of the dates and bacon - add in the glaze and I have the ultimate appetizer! These little goodies are great for our football parties.
Toni
Such an amazing appetizer! This is so perfect for holiday entertaining!