Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Crispy bacon wrapped around juicy chicken tenders cooked quickly in an air fryer for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 8 to 10 slices regular thickness bacon (thick-cut preferred)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
- Optional: dash of brown sugar
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over tenders and sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Wrap one strip of bacon snugly around each chicken tender, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place wrapped tenders on a baking sheet or plate.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange bacon-wrapped tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through (6-7 minutes) to crisp bacon evenly.
- Check doneness with a kitchen thermometer (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) or cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
- Let tenders rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Notes
Patting chicken dry before seasoning helps crispiness. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon. Flip tenders halfway through cooking. Rest tenders before serving to keep juicy. Optional to secure bacon with toothpicks if needed. Can substitute turkey bacon for a different texture. For oven alternative, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 bacon-wrappe
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: air fryer, bacon wrapped, chicken tenders, quick dinner, crispy chicken, easy recipe, low carb, gluten free