Are you ready to take your air fryer game to the next level? Today, I’ll show you how I make mouthwatering bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in my trusty air fryer. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an air fryer, it’s crucial to select fresh and quality ingredients to enhance the flavors of the dish. Here are some key ingredients to keep in mind:
- Chicken tenders: Opt for fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken tenders for a tender and juicy outcome.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon slices to ensure they wrap easily around the chicken without falling apart.
- Seasonings: Use a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to add depth to the flavors.
- Oil or cooking spray: A light coating of oil or cooking spray will help crisp up the bacon and prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
Remember, quality ingredients are the foundation of a delicious dish, so select the best ones available to create mouthwatering bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in your air fryer.
Preparing the Chicken and Bacon
When preparing bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an air fryer, I always start by selecting fresh chicken tenders and thick-cut bacon slices. Fresh ingredients are key to creating a delicious end result.
Next, I season the chicken tenders with a blend of garlic powder and paprika. These seasonings add a flavorful kick to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
For the bacon, I recommend using a type that is not too thin to ensure that it wraps securely around the chicken tender. This helps in achieving that perfect bacon crunch.
Before wrapping the bacon around the chicken, it is important to lightly coat the chicken with oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial for crispy bacon and preventing sticking in the air fryer basket.
By taking the time to properly prepare the chicken and bacon, you set yourself up for success in creating mouthwatering bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer.
Wrapping the Chicken with Bacon
When wrapping the chicken with bacon, I recommend using thick-cut bacon slices. This type of bacon works best for wrapping around the chicken tenders, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result. Securing the bacon around each piece of chicken is crucial to prevent it from unraveling during the cooking process.
Before wrapping the chicken, it’s a good idea to lightly season it with a mix of garlic powder and paprika. This enhances the flavor profile of the dish and adds a tasty kick to each bite. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning for a well-balanced taste throughout.
When wrapping the bacon around the seasoned chicken, stretch it slightly to ensure a snug fit. This helps the bacon cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer. For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the bacon with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This step aids in achieving that perfect crunchiness without the bacon sticking to the air fryer basket.
By following these steps, you’ll create delicious bacon-wrapped chicken tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and sure to impress. Properly wrapping the chicken with bacon sets the stage for a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Air Frying the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
When air frying the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking at a high temperature of around 400°F. Place the wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to promote crispiness.
Cook the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process for even browning. Check for doneness by ensuring the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Avoid stacking the chicken tenders on top of each other during cooking to allow proper air circulation and ensure a consistent crunch on all sides. Rotate the tenders if needed for uniform cooking, depending on your air fryer model and its airflow distribution.
For a finishing touch, let the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes after air frying. This helps in sealing in the juices and flavors, making each bite more succulent and satisfying.
With these steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer – deliciously crispy on the outside with juicy, tender chicken on the inside.
Serving and Enjoying the Result
When serving bacon-wrapped chicken tenders from the air fryer, I love to pair them with dipping sauces. Some classic choices include bbq sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard – adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
For a complete meal, I often serve these tenders alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. This balance of textures and flavors creates a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
To enjoy the result of your efforts, I recommend slicing the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders to reveal the layers of crispy bacon and juicy chicken. The combination of textures is truly irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders from the air fryer are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try making bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in your air fryer. By serving them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. The crispy bacon and juicy chicken combination is sure to impress your guests or family members. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, these air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a versatile and tasty option. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the flavors to your liking. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this easy and flavorful dish!
