These juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon are air-fried to perfection!
I’m all about Meatless Mondays, but when Tuesday comes around, I’m ready for some of my favorite meaty meals. And these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are usually what I’m craving!
When life gives you chicken tenders and bacon, you wrap one around the other, toss them in an air fryer, and call it a day. These chicken tenders are a little bit fancy, a little bit salty, and shockingly easy to make. Perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, this recipe brings bold smoky flavors with just a handful of pantry spices. The result? Juicy chicken with crispy, savory bacon in every bite.
Busy weeknights? Check. Last-minute party apps? Check. Craving something to snack on that’s protein-packed? Double check. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking to impress guests, these tenders are as versatile as they are addictive.
Are Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders Healthy?
Well, that depends on how you define healthy! This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or Paleo diet. Plus, cooking in the air fryer means you use far less oil than frying, so you can enjoy the crispiness without the grease overload.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or even prosciutto for a leaner wrapper. You could also skip the salt if your bacon is already salted to avoid a high amount of sodium. Pair these tenders with a fresh salad or steamed veggies, and you’ve got yourself a balanced meal.
The Key To Juicy Chicken Tenders
Nobody likes a dry chicken tender, but luckily, there are a few foolproof ways to keep them juicy. Firstly, try not to overcook them; stick to the recipe’s cook times and use a meat thermometer so you can take them out of the air fryer as soon as they hit an internal temperature of 165°F.
Next, the bacon does more than just taste amazing; it locks in moisture! To maximize this, make sure you wrap each tender tightly and overlap the bacon slightly to create a seal. Lastly, let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you’re looking to prep the meal for a later date, simply assemble everything, then store uncooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. You can also arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Store cooled, cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
While bacon-wrapped chicken tenders make for a decent meal, I love using them as party appetizers. They’re also fun game-day snacks and go great with some Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower and Air-Fryer Potato Wedges. Just make sure to have a delicious dipping sauce ready, like this Ranch Dressing, some Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, some BBQ Sauce, or this Keto BBQ Sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (approximately 16)
- 16 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Mist the air-fryer basket with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Mix well.
- Lay chicken tenders out on a clean surface. Sprinkle spices evenly over chicken tenders.
- Wrap each spiced chicken tender with a slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the chicken as possible.
- Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on prepared air-fryer basket.
- Bake in preheated air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the bacon crispy. I sometimes broil the tenders for an additional 1 to 2 minutes in the oven to get them extra crispy.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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