Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe yet, you are seriously missing out! This dish is an absolute game changer for quick weeknight meals. I remember the first time I made these—I was in a rush, craving something savory, and I just happened to have some chicken tenders and bacon on hand. Let me tell you, the smell of that crispy bacon wrapping around juicy chicken was enough to make my mouth water! Plus, it all cooks up in the air fryer in under 15 minutes, so you can whip it up in a flash. Everyone in my family loves it, and I bet you’ll find it’s a hit at your house too! Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your regular rotation!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe
Gathering the ingredients for my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders is super simple, and I love how easy it is to whip this up! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken tenders: These are the star of the show, perfectly tender and juicy.
- 8 slices bacon: Go for your favorite kind—thick-cut if you love that extra crunch!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: It gives a little smoky kick and a pretty color to the dish.
- Salt to taste: Don’t forget to season for that perfect balance!
- Pepper to taste: Just a sprinkle will do, but feel free to add more if you love a bit of heat!
These ingredients come together in such a delightful way, creating a dish that’s not only quick but full of flavor. You might even have most of these on hand already!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Getting these air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders ready is a breeze, and I’m excited to walk you through the simple steps! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a delicious meal on the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. This ensures your chicken tenders get that crispy bacon finish!
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, sprinkle the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated evenly; this will enhance the flavor!
- Wrap them up: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, just use a toothpick to secure it—easy peasy!
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space to cook evenly.
- Cook to perfection: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the bacon to be perfectly crispy—so keep an eye on them!
- Check for doneness: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If the bacon needs a little more time, feel free to add a couple of extra minutes!
And that’s it! You’ll have juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, ready to be devoured! Just imagine the deliciousness that awaits you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon is simply irresistible.
- Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the fat compared to traditional frying, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves bacon!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or dipping sauces for endless variations.
Tips for Success
To make your air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skimp on seasoning; it’s key for flavor, so make sure every inch of your chicken is coated. Also, if you find the bacon sliding off, using toothpicks to secure them can be a lifesaver—just remember to remove them before serving!
Another helpful hint is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It’s tempting to fit everything in at once, but giving each tender some breathing room helps them cook evenly and get that crispy finish you crave. Finally, keep an eye on the cooking time; air fryers can vary, so check for that golden-brown color and a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me, following these tips will elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders, it’s nice to know what you’re getting nutrition-wise! Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data per serving (which is about 2 chicken tenders):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But overall, it’s a deliciously satisfying and protein-packed meal!
FAQ About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe
Got questions about my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question is, Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, but make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. Another frequent inquiry is, How do I know when they’re done? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the bacon should be crispy. If you’re wondering, Can I make this dish ahead of time?, I recommend prepping the chicken and wrapping it in bacon, then storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. Lastly, What dipping sauces pair well? I love serving them with ranch or barbecue sauce, but feel free to get creative with your favorites! These tender bites are sure to please, no matter how you serve them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers from my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them is easy! Just place the cooled tenders in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well so they don’t dry out!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again to bring back that crispy goodness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the tenders for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will help maintain that delicious texture. You can also use an oven if you prefer, but the air fryer is my go-to for keeping everything crispy! Just don’t microwave them; they’ll turn soggy, and nobody wants that!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces! I love serving them with a creamy ranch dressing or a zesty barbecue sauce for dipping. A fresh garden salad or some crispy sweet potato fries make for perfect sides that add a nice crunch. You can even whip up a quick coleslaw for a refreshing contrast! Whatever you choose, these tenders will steal the show, but having delicious accompaniments makes the meal even better!
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe You Must Try
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe is a must-try for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe, bacon chicken tenders, air fryer chicken recipe
