Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders might be one of the best things you make in your air fryer! They are juicy, and they are delicious!
The Best Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe
Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a mouth-watering dish that combines the crispy and savory flavor of bacon with tender and juicy chicken tenders.
This dish is an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for entertaining guests. The best part is that the air fryer makes it easy to cook the chicken tenders and bacon to perfection without needing any oil or mess. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make the best air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenders that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a delicious, easy and nutritious meal that you can whip up in no time with your air fryer. They’re perfect for family dinners or even just as a quick lunch option!
Air frying the bacon adds an extra crunchy texture to the tenders that everyone loves, and with only a few ingredients needed, it won’t take long at all to prepare them. Let’s take a look at what we need for this simple recipe so you can make these crispy golden bites of goodness in no time!
Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.
- Chicken: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into chicken tenders.
- Seasonings: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Bacon
- BBQ Sauce: Homemade or Store-Bought
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
Are you trying to find a delicious and easy way to make dinner tonight? Look no further! We’ve got the perfect recipe for you – bacon-wrapped chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer.
Not only are these chicken tenders tasty, but the whole meal takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish – making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or informal entertaining. Follow our step-by-step instructions below and wow your family and friends with this crave-worthy dish!
Step One: Cut The Chicken
Wash and pat dry the chicken breast with kitchen paper. Cut into 1 ½ inch cubes and season with a bit of salt.
Optional: Cut the skewers the length depending on the size of the air fryer basket. Place chicken and bacon into the skewers and place on a large plate.
Step Two: Prepare The BBQ Sauce (Omit if using store-bought)
Combine the oil, BBQ sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme in a medium bowl. Brush the skewers with the BBQ marinade on all sides and set aside for 15 minutes.
Step Three: Air Fry Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Preheat the air fryer to 350 F | 175 C and grease the basket. Place skewers in the air fryer per batch. Save the marinade. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip and brush the other side with some marinade sauce, and air fry for another 6 minutes.
Step Four: Serving
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon is the best option for wrapping around the chicken tenders because it won’t overcook or become too crispy in the air fryer.
- Precook the bacon slightly: To ensure it gets crispy without overcooking the chicken, precook the bacon in a skillet for a few minutes before wrapping it around the chicken.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks: To prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking, you can use toothpicks to secure the bacon to the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure there is enough space between the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Experiment with seasonings: You can change up the flavor of the chicken tenders by using different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: Once it is cooked, rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lower-fat option. Just be aware that turkey bacon may not get as crispy as regular bacon.
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer or oven before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken tenders before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders. Just cut the chicken breast into strips and wrap them with bacon.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F before serving.
Can I use the air fryer to cook the bacon separately?
Yes, you can use the air fryer to cook the bacon separately if you prefer. Cook the bacon at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy, then wrap it around the chicken tenders and cook as directed.
Can I make these chicken tenders in the oven?
Yes, you can make the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cut into rectangles
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the chicken breast with kitchen paper. Cut into 1 ½ inch cubes and season with a bit of salt.
- Cut the skewers the length depending on the size of the air fryer basket. Place chicken and bacon into the skewers and place on a large plate.
- In a medium bowl, combine oil, BBQ sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
- Brush the skewers with the BBQ marinade on all sides and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F | 175 C and grease the basket.
- Place skewers in the air fryer per batch. Save the marinade. Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with a bit of marinade sauce and air fry for another 6 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with your favorite side dish.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper, optional
- Cooking Spray, optional
Nutrition
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Lois
Oh my. So, so good. Thanks for this recipe.