1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the bacon adhere better and ensures a crispy texture.
2. Wrap the Chicken Tenders
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick if needed. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly to stay in place during cooking.
3. Season the Chicken Tenders
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere the seasoning evenly.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking.
5. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Place the seasoned, bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer using tongs.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Even Wrapping: Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken tenders to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Single Layer: Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations to Try
- Spicy Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the chicken tenders with a mixture of honey and mustard during the last few minutes of cooking for a tangy glaze.
- Maple Bacon Tenders: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweet and savory flavor.
Conclusion
Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to impress. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these tenders are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect bacon brown sugar chicken tenders lies in the seasoning and cooking technique. By following this guide, you’ll achieve crispy, flavorful chicken tenders that are sure to be a hit.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!