Craving a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy bacon and tender chicken? Look no further! Our Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenderloins are the perfect solution for a quick yet indulgent meal that your family will love. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a savory delight that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked bacon enveloping juicy chicken, creating a culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your chicken tenderloins cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken tenderloins. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the bacon crisp up during cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken tenderloin. Ensure that the bacon overlaps slightly as you wrap to create a tight seal. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful while the bacon crisps up.
- Once all the chicken tenderloins are wrapped in bacon, lightly drizzle them with olive oil. This will help the bacon crisp and add additional flavor.
- Carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the tenderloins in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the bacon should be crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.
- Serve the air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken tenderloins warm, and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes!
Tips
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy bacon texture and evenly cooked chicken.
- Dry It Out: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture will help the bacon crisp up beautifully during the cooking process.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Make sure to rub the paprika, salt, and pepper mixture evenly over each tenderloin to enhance the flavor profile.
- Wrap It Right: When wrapping the bacon around the chicken, overlap the slices slightly to create a tight seal. This not only keeps the chicken moist but also ensures that the bacon stays in place while cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked while keeping it juicy.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Serve with Style: Pair your bacon-wrapped chicken with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
