Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders feature boneless skinless chicken tenders wrapped tightly with bacon and coated in a brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder rub. The bacon crisps up during air frying at 400°F, locking in moisture for juicy chicken. Brushing with a mix of sweet chili and BBQ sauce adds tangy, sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly on the surface. The method includes flipping once for even cooking and crispness, delivering smoky, sweet, and savory tenders with a flavorful crust. They are served with dipping sauce and are practical for gatherings or snacks.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 581
% 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.