Tillie Doyle
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a delicious, juicy, and crispy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 25 minutes. This simple, low-carb, keto-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, party appetisers, or game-day snacks. The chicken tenders are seasoned with a blend of spices, wrapped in bacon, and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a smoky, salty flavour that will leave your family craving more.
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What You'll Learn
Preparation tips
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This includes chicken tenderloins, bacon, your choice of seasoning, an air fryer, a meat thermometer, and toothpicks (optional).
Start by removing the tendons from the chicken tenders. You can do this by grabbing the tendon with a small piece of paper towel and placing it between the tines of a fork. Pull the tendon up with one hand while pushing the fork down with the other. Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will ensure that the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken. Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a blend of spices such as brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, ground mustard, paprika, garlic salt, or your own preferred blend. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and rub it in to coat both sides.
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender, starting at one tip and ending at the other. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the chicken to keep it secure. You can also use toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed. Place the wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper airflow. Spritz the basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, typically between 390-400°F for 10-20 minutes. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. When done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
You can serve the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce. Enjoy!
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Cooking methods and timings
To cook bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an air fryer, start by wrapping each piece of chicken with a strip of bacon, overlapping the bacon slightly to create a seal and ensure that the bacon stays wrapped. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick, but this is optional. Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with your choice of spices. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for airflow. Spritz the basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Set the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The tenders are ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can broil the tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the tenders on a baking tray and heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 325°F, or in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 350°F.
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Seasoning and spices
After wrapping the chicken tenders with bacon, sprinkle more of your chosen seasoning blend over the bacon. This will ensure that every bite of the tender is packed with flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different blends of spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
If you're serving your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with a dip, you can also season to taste. For example, if you're serving them with a honey mustard dip, you can add hot sauce to bring some extra zing to the dip. Alternatively, a BBQ sauce can be brushed on the chicken in the last 2 minutes of cooking for an extra grilled taste.
Remember, the bacon itself will also add a heavenly smoky, salty flavour to the chicken tenders. The bacon's oil is sufficient to coat the tenders during cooking, so you don't need to add extra oil. However, if you want to reduce the fat and grease content, consider using turkey bacon, which cooks faster and gets crispy more quickly.
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Dips and sauces
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. The tenders themselves are juicy and flavorful, but the right dip or sauce can enhance their taste even further. Here are some ideas for dips and sauces to serve with your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
Ranch Dressing
A cool and creamy ranch dressing can balance out the salty and spicy flavors of the tenders. It's a classic choice that pairs well with the chicken and bacon.
Honey Mustard Dip
Sweet and tangy honey mustard dip is another excellent option. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the mustard provides a sharp contrast. This dip is especially good if you've used a spicy seasoning blend on your tenders.
BBQ Sauce
A tangy and slightly sweet BBQ sauce is a perfect match for bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. You can go for a traditional BBQ sauce or a keto option. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce to take these tenders to the next level.
Keto-Friendly Options
If you're following a keto diet, there are some great dip options that won't compromise your macros. In addition to the keto BBQ sauce mentioned above, you can also try dunking your tenders in loaded cauliflower mash or serving them with Italian breadsticks.
Fresh Sides
While not technically a dip, serving your tenders with fresh sides can create a well-rounded meal. Pair them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or roasted asparagus can create a balance of flavors and textures on your plate.
These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different dips and sauces that suit your taste preferences. Remember, the tenders themselves are quite flavorful, so you may want to choose a dip that complements rather than overwhelms. Enjoy experimenting and happy cooking!
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Storing and reheating
Storing your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
You can store uncooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Storing cooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
Allow the cooked tenders to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
To reheat your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C) for about five minutes. Then, place the tenders in the air fryer basket and reheat for about five minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven. Lay them out on a baking tray and heat them at 325°F (162.7°C) for 10-15 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, season the chicken tenders with your choice of spices. Then, wrap each tender with a strip of bacon, overlapping the bacon slightly, and secure with a toothpick if needed. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritz with cooking spray, and cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The tenders are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce. For a healthier option, serve them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
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