Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Bacon wrapped chicken tenders are packed with flavor and come out crispy and delicious in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins thawed, about 10 tenders
- 10 strips bacon sliced in half length-wise
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Mix together salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl.
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Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over chicken on all sides. Coat them generously in the spice mixture and press it down so it sticks well.
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Wrap two slices (one slice that was cut in half) of the bacon strips around each chicken tenderloin and tuck in the loose ends. You can use toothpicks if needed to keep the bacon in place.
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Mix together the brown sugar and chili powder in another small bowl.
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Sprinkle this mixture generously over the bacon wrapped chicken. Press the brown sugar mixture into the bacon on the chicken to pack it on. Put the mixture on all sides of the chicken.
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Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each tenderloin.
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Cook for 10 to 13 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at it's thickest part. Smaller tenderloins may not need as long to cook. Just keep an eye on the food as each air fryer cooks a little bit differently.
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Serve hot for best results!
Recipe Notes
To make in the oven: cook at 350°F for 25-35 minutes. Best to use a pan with a wire rack that the chicken can sit on so the grease can drip down.
To make in the nuwave oven: cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side.
Adapted from Divas Can Cook