If you’re looking for a dish that’s just as simple as it is delicious, you’ve hit the jackpot with my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe! Trust me, there’s something magical about crispy bacon hugging tender chicken; it’s a flavor explosion that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made these for a casual dinner with friends. The aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sneak a few bites before serving—oops! Everyone raved about them, and I felt like a culinary genius. Plus, the air fryer makes everything so quick and easy, letting you enjoy crispy perfection without the guilt of frying. Seriously, this is a must-try recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, let’s preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for crispy bacon and juicy chicken, so don’t skip it!
- While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix is going to elevate your chicken tenders, so make sure it’s well blended.
- Now, it’s time to coat the chicken tenders. Toss them in the bowl, ensuring each piece is nicely coated with that yummy mixture. I like to really get in there and massage it a bit—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Next, take your bacon slices and wrap each chicken tender snugly. The bacon should hug that chicken like it’s going in for a big cozy hug, creating a perfect little package of flavor.
- Carefully place the wrapped tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer. You want them to have room to crisp up nicely!
- Cook these beauties for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking and crispy goodness. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once they’re ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside. Then, serve them up and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Crazy flavorful, with crispy bacon and juicy chicken that please everyone.
- Healthier than traditional frying, thanks to the air fryer method.
- Gluten-free, so it fits into a variety of dietary needs.
- Only requires a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for meal prep—great for lunches or snacks throughout the week!
- Kid-friendly, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Customizable—add your favorite spices or sauces for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you have a bit of time, try marinating the chicken tenders in the olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika mixture for about 30 minutes before wrapping them with bacon. This extra step adds a burst of flavor!
When it comes to cooking time, remember that the thickness of your chicken tenders can affect how long they need in the air fryer. Thinner tenders will cook faster, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 12-minute mark. You want that bacon nice and crispy, so don’t be afraid to let them go a minute or two longer if needed.
Lastly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give those tenders some space to breathe so the bacon crisps up beautifully all around. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders, you’ll be pleased to know they’re not just tasty, but also packed with protein! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or any tweaks you make to the recipe. But overall, you’re looking at a deliciously satisfying dish that fits beautifully into a balanced meal plan!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and wrapping them in bacon. It’ll help them cook evenly and get that perfect crisp!
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving them with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. You could even whip up a spicy mayo for those who like a kick!
How do I make these bacon wrapped chicken tenders extra crispy?
To achieve that extra crispy bacon, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Also, flipping halfway through cooking is key! If you want even more crunch, you can cook them for an extra minute or two, just keep an eye on them!
Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just be prepared for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!
What can I do with leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a great addition to salads, wraps, or even as a quick snack!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with a creamy ranch dressing or zesty barbecue sauce for dipping. The contrast of flavors is just heavenly! If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy sriracha mayo adds a delightful kick that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.
For sides, consider crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the bacon. You could also whip up some roasted veggies or a light coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing complement. Trust me, these tenders are so versatile that they fit perfectly into any meal setting, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is to toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive that crispy bacon and juicy chicken without drying them out. You’ll have them tasting almost as good as when they were first made—yum!
Z nadrukami
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe: 5 Star Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and delicious recipe for air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders.
Składniki
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken tenders with the mixture.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken tenders for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of chicken tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Air Frying
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 0g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 2g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders recipe, chicken tenders, bacon wrapped, air fryer
