Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken tenders into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that combines the perfect crunch of bacon with the tender, juicy goodness of chicken. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll become an instant family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispy bacon.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken tender, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Take each slice of bacon and stretch it slightly to ensure it will wrap completely around the chicken tender.
- Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon to secure it. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly but not too tight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate.
- Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy bacon.
- Stretch the bacon slightly before wrapping to help it cover the entire chicken tender more evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - leave space between tenders for optimal air circulation and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends or add a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet and savory twist.
- For extra crispy bacon, you can briefly broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes after air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 203kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
