Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
581 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe wraps chicken tenders with slices of bacon seasoned with a sweet and smoky dry rub combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. The bacon adds savory flavor and fat which bastes the chicken as it cooks in the air fryer, crisping up on the outside while the chicken remains juicy inside. Applying a glaze made from sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce during cooking creates a sticky, flavorful coating that caramelizes with air fryer heat. Air frying at a high temperature crisp the bacon and cooks chicken efficiently.
The process involves preheating the air fryer, seasoning the chicken, wrapping it tightly with bacon to hold it in place, and arranging pieces spaced apart in the basket to allow air circulation for a crispy finish. Flipping halfway and brushing with the sauce again ensures even cooking and glaze coverage. After cooking, resting the tenders on paper towels drains excess grease, improving texture and presentation. Additional sauces may be served alongside as dips.
For best results, dry the chicken and bacon before seasoning to help the rub adhere and reduce moisture which can inhibit browning. Bringing chicken to room temperature before cooking promotes even doneness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Leftover tenders can be kept warm on a wire rack in a low oven.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken tenders boneless skinless
- 1 pound Bacon about 12 slices cut in half
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Roll the bacon around the chicken pieces, wrapping it tightly.
- Mix the rub ingredients in a medium bowl and gently toss each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the mixture.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in one layer in the air fryer basket not touching each other, make sure there is space between them.
- Mix the two sauces in a bowl and brush the mixture on top of the chicken.
- Air fry for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Flip, brush again with the sauce and air fry for another 4-5 minutes, or until crisp.
- Remove to a plate covered with a paper towel while you cook the remaining chicken.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Wrap bacon tightly around chicken tenders to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Allow enough space between pieces in the air fryer basket to enable air circulation and even crisping.
- Dry chicken and bacon with paper towel before seasoning for better rub adhesion and less moisture.
- Let chicken rest at room temperature about 10 minutes to promote even cooking.
- After cooking, place tenders on paper towels to absorb excess grease before serving.
- Keep cooked tenders warm on a wire rack in a low oven if needed before serving all at once.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 581 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 581kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 139mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 1215mg | 51% |
| Potassium | 695mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 1011IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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