Dinner

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe

ByHarper Ellington January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and flavorful snack or meal. Wrapped in smoky bacon and coated with a sweet and spicy rub, they’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.

The image shows several pieces of bacon-wrapped chicken on a white plate, each piece tightly wrapped with crispy, reddish-brown bacon that has a shiny, glazed texture. The chicken inside is lightly browned with a slightly charred edge showing under the bacon. The arrangement is close together, filling the plate, with hints of green parsley in the background adding a pop of color. The white plate contrasts well with the rich colors of the meat, and the close-up view highlights the glistening, juicy surface of the bacon-wrapped chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 pound bacon (about 12 slices cut in half)
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Wrap each chicken tender tightly with a half slice of bacon.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Gently toss each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the spice mixture to coat.
Step 5: Arrange the wrapped chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch and have space between them.
Step 6: Combine the sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the chicken pieces.
Step 7: Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Flip each tender, brush again with the sauce mixture, and air fry for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 9: Remove the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Step 10: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use thick-cut bacon if you prefer a meatier wrap, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it crisps without burning.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
If your air fryer basket is small, cook the tenders in batches to allow even air circulation for crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bacon crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows many bite-sized pieces of chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, arranged closely on a white plate with speckled edges. Each piece has a golden-brown color with shiny, caramelized bacon that looks slightly crisp at the edges. The chicken inside peeks out lightly at the ends with a tender, cooked texture. Some green herbs are visible at the edge of the plate, adding a fresh color contrast to the warm, rich tones of the bacon-wrapped chicken. The scene sits on a white marbled texture, and the photo looks bright and sharp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative, but it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon. Adjust cooking time if needed and watch closely to prevent overcooking.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken tenders are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You can check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. The bacon should also be crispy and browned.