Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

When I can get a meal on the table in under 30 minutes, I’m all in, and these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders do exactly that. Just imagine juicy chicken bites wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a mix of brown sugar, sweet chili and barbecue sauce. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or served as a main dish with your favorite side.

Planning appetizers for a party with 20 guests can be a little overwhelming, I’ve definitely been there. So I did what I always do when I need ideas fast and browsed through my own blog. I started by picking a protein, and of course, chicken was the winner. Then I came across an old favorite, my bacon wrapped chicken breast recipe made in the oven. And that’s when it hit me, why not make a smaller version in the air fryer with chicken tenders for a fun and quick appetizer?

And oh wow… this recipe turned out absolutely delicious! And I’m not just saying that, every single guest was drooling over these crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. The flavor comes from the perfect mix of chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar in the spice rub. Then you’ve got that sweet and tangy glaze from the barbecue and chili sauce that takes it over the top. Whether you serve them as a main dish or appetizer, I know your crew will love them as much as mine did!

Why you will love this recipe

• So much flavor in every bite: The seasoning mix I use brings out the best in both the chicken and the bacon. That little brush of barbecue and sweet chili sauce takes it to another level.
• Quick and easy air fryer recipe: This recipe is super quick to prep and cook in the air fryer, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights. I love knowing I can make something this tasty without spending a ton of time in the kitchen.
• Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself: Whether I’m serving these as a main dish for my family or putting out a tray for guests, they’re always a crowd favorite.
• Crispy without the greasy mess: Cooking these in the air fryer means I don’t have to use extra oil or deal with greasy bacon. It’s a simple way to make something comforting and flavorful without the mess.

What you will need

• Chicken: I like using boneless chicken tenders, but if I only have breasts, I just cut them into strips. Either way, they cook up juicy and tender in the air fryer.
• Bacon: I go with thick-cut bacon and slice each piece in half. It wraps around the chicken perfectly and gets nice and crispy.
• Sweet chili sauce: You can use store-bought, but I sometimes make my own when I want a little extra control over the flavor. It adds that sweet and slightly spicy glaze that’s so good.
• Barbecue sauce: I usually use my homemade barbecue sauce, but any kind you love will work.
• For the rub: I mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. It’s a simple combo that adds a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the bacon and chicken.

How to make

1. Preheat and season: First, I preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. While it heats, I season each chicken tender with a little kosher salt and black pepper.

2. Roll: Once the chicken is seasoned, I wrap each piece with a slice of bacon, making sure it’s snug so it stays in place while cooking.

3. Mix and coat: I combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl, then gently toss each bacon-wrapped tender in the mixture. Once they’re coated, I place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

4. Sauce and fry: I mix the barbecue sauce and sweet chili sauce together, then brush it over the bacon-wrapped chicken. I cook them in the air fryer for 5 minutes, flip them, brush on a bit more sauce, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until crispy. Then I serve them warm and fresh.

Expert tip

Give the bacon room to crisp

My main advice when making these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders is to wrap the bacon tightly and give each piece enough space in the air fryer. The first time I made them, I crowded the basket a bit too much, and the bacon didn’t crisp up the way I wanted. Now, I make sure the tenders aren’t touching so the air can circulate, and the bacon gets perfectly crispy all around.

More tips to consider:

• I always spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil so the chicken doesn’t stick. It helps with easy cleanup too.
• Once they’re done, I place them on a paper towel while I cook the rest. If I want to keep them warm, I pop them in the oven on a wire rack at the lowest temperature.
• I pat the chicken and bacon dry with a paper towel before seasoning. It helps the rub stick better and prevents extra moisture in the air fryer.
• Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. It helps everything cook more evenly and keeps the inside juicy.

Recipe variations

• Bring the heat: When I want more heat, I use spicy bacon or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub. It gives the tenders a nice little kick.
• Make it sweeter: For a sweeter glaze, I stir in 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
• Extra meaty: If I want the bites extra meaty, I go with thick-cut bacon. It takes a little longer to crisp, but the texture is worth it.
• Lighten it up: Sometimes I swap in turkey bacon to make the recipe a bit lighter. It still crisps up nicely and cuts back on some of the fat.
• Switch the cut: I’ve also made this using skinless chicken thighs instead of tenders. Just slice them into strips and follow the same steps.

Serving suggestions

These wrapped chicken tenders are my absolute favorite to serve when I’m hosting a party at home. They come together so quickly in the air fryer, and ever since I made them the first time, they’ve been such a hit that I just keep bringing them back. Adults and kids both go for seconds. I like to set up a long table with sides, cheesy dips, and a few fresh extras for a full spread.

They pair perfectly with a fresh broccoli cauliflower salad or my sweet and juicy pear salad for something light. I also love serving them with my air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus, which adds a nice touch of crunch. For dipping, I put out this tangy honey mustard sauce. And if I have leftovers, I chop them up and use them in my BLT salad the next day, it makes such a good lunch.

How to store leftovers

• Fridge: I store any leftover bacon wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days.
• Freeze: If I know we won’t finish them soon, I wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
• Thaw: I move them to the fridge and let them thaw overnight. That way, they reheat evenly and stay tender.
• Reheat: I usually pop them back in the air fryer or oven to get that crisp texture again. The microwave works too, but they stay crispier with dry heat.

Frequently asked questions

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