These air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a delicious and easy dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon with tender chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for busy cooks. You can customize the seasoning to your liking for an extra kick.
Overview of Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon envelops juicy chicken, creating a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it caters to both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the chicken tenders. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a burst of flavor.
Next, wrap each tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends if needed. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, savory exterior that complements the tender chicken inside.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and the bacon crisps up nicely.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A light spray of cooking spray will help achieve that golden brown finish.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. This allows for even cooking and ensures that both sides are crispy.
To check for doneness, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked while the bacon remains crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. A small bowl of ranch or barbecue sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory bacon and chicken.
Presentation Tips
For an appealing presentation, arrange the crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders neatly on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and freshness.
Consider placing the plate on a rustic wooden table to enhance the visual appeal. This setting complements the dish’s hearty nature and makes it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
This recipe features juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked to perfection in an air fryer. It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender, securing the ends if necessary.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 1g