Sure, here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders along with some notes:
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: your favorite seasoning blend (such as garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning blend you prefer. This will add extra flavor to the chicken.
- Tightly wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Make sure to start and end the bacon slice on the same side of the chicken tender so that it stays in place during cooking. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
- Prep the Air Fryer:
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket or rack with olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and help the bacon and chicken cook evenly.
- Air Frying:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken tenders at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Check for Doneness:
- The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. If needed, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes:
- Bacon Selection: Choose high-quality bacon that isn’t too thick or too thin. Thicker bacon might take longer to cook, while very thin bacon might become too crispy before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Toothpicks: If you use toothpicks to secure the bacon, make sure to remove them before serving to avoid any accidents.
- Bacon Variations: You can get creative with the flavors by using flavored bacon, such as maple or applewood-smoked, to add extra depth to the dish.
- Dipping Sauces: Consider serving these chicken tenders with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the chicken. This way, you’ll ensure that both the bacon and chicken are perfectly cooked.
Remember, cooking times can vary based on the specific air fryer model you have and the size of the chicken tenders, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them the first time you make this recipe. Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped chicken tenders from the air fryer!
Of course, here are some additional tips and variations for your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
Additional Tips:
- Marinating: For extra flavor and tenderness, consider marinating the chicken tenders for a few hours before wrapping them in bacon. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
- Basting: During the cooking process, you can baste the chicken tenders with a thin layer of your favorite sauce (like barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce) to add flavor and moisture.
- Bacon Placement: When wrapping the bacon around the chicken tenders, try to slightly overlap the bacon slices. This will help prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
- Elevate the Chicken: If your air fryer comes with a rack accessory, use it to elevate the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, resulting in a more even cooking and crispier bacon.
- Cooking Spray: If you notice that the bacon is not crisping up evenly, you can lightly spray the tops of the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with cooking spray halfway through cooking.
Variations:
- Stuffed Chicken Tenders: Before wrapping the chicken in bacon, consider stuffing the chicken tenders with ingredients like cream cheese, spinach, or shredded cheese. This adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix together brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a touch of garlic powder to create a sweet and spicy rub for the chicken tenders. This will give them a delicious balance of flavors.
- Parmesan Crusted: After wrapping the chicken tenders in bacon, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before air frying. The cheese will create a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Asian-inspired: Instead of traditional bacon, use thin strips of prosciutto for a saltier, more delicate flavor. You can also marinate the chicken in a soy-based marinade and serve with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Before wrapping the chicken with bacon, brush the chicken tenders with a mixture of melted butter, chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage), and minced garlic. This will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.
- Buffalo Style: After cooking, toss the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in buffalo sauce for a tangy and spicy kick. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Remember that experimenting with flavors and techniques is part of the fun of cooking, so feel free to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. Enjoy your culinary adventures with your air fryer bacon wrapped chicken tenders!
