This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners and a new favorite in our home! Made with tender chicken breast, flavorful turkey bacon, gooey melted pepper jack cheese, and topped with fresh avocado, it’s an explosion of taste and texture. The air fryer delivers that irresistible crispiness, making it superior to other methods. No air fryer? No problem! I’ve included easy-to-follow instructions for your Mealthy CrispLid and traditional oven methods too. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession: This is my first recipe post in a while – summer can get a bit crazy! As a busy parent, juggling work, family, and the fleeting moments of summer with my daughter, I understand the need for quick, delicious, and healthy meal solutions. These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders perfectly fit the bill, offering incredible flavor with minimal fuss.
Finding a meal that’s both healthy and universally loved by the family can be a challenge, but this recipe truly delivers. My husband declared these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders an instant favorite, and I can see why. The combination of savory bacon, moist chicken, and creamy toppings is simply divine. Plus, they make fantastic leftovers – perfect for tossing over a fresh salad for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Are Chicken Tenders the Same as Chicken Breast?
For this recipe, I specifically use chicken tenders, also known as tenderloins. As a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know these are my go-to! They are the strip of meat connected to the underside of a chicken breast and are naturally more tender and quicker-cooking than full chicken breasts. This makes them ideal for various cooking methods, including the Instant Pot, Crock Pot, grill, oven, and skillet meals.
If you can’t find chicken tenderloins at your local grocery store, or if they’re more expensive than boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily prepare your own. Simply slice a chicken breast lengthwise into 1-inch thick strips. This ensures even cooking and keeps the tenders juicy and succulent.
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
My love affair with the air fryer began when I discovered how incredibly crispy it makes bacon – with less mess and in less time than oven baking! It was only natural that my next culinary mission became wrapping everything in bacon and air frying it. This method truly shines when preparing bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for several reasons:
- Unbeatable Crispiness: The air fryer circulates hot air, creating an incredibly crispy exterior on the bacon while keeping the chicken inside perfectly moist. You get that satisfying crunch without excessive oil.
- Even Cooking: The consistent heat distribution ensures that both the bacon cooks thoroughly and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature without drying out.
- Faster Than the Oven: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Less Grease: The air fryer basket allows excess bacon fat to drip away, resulting in a healthier, less greasy dish.
- Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious journey. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible bacon wrapped chicken tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into strips: Opt for high-quality, lean chicken for the best results.
- 1 package of Applegate turkey bacon or other nitrate-free turkey bacon: Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative to pork bacon while still delivering great flavor and crispiness. For those on a Keto diet, choose a regular, no-sugar-added pork bacon to maintain carbohydrate limits.
- Sliced pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or cheese of your choice: Pepper jack adds a nice kick, but sharp cheddar or Monterey jack are also fantastic options. Ensure it’s thinly sliced for optimal melting and portion control.
- 1 avocado: Fresh, ripe avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat that perfectly complements the savory chicken and bacon.
- Olive oil spray: A light spray helps the bacon crisp up beautifully and prevents sticking.
- Garlic powder: A foundational seasoning that adds aromatic depth to the chicken.
- Himalayan salt (optional): Use sparingly, especially if your bacon is already salty.
Simple Steps to Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Making these bacon wrapped chicken tenders is surprisingly easy, even for novice cooks. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder and a pinch of salt (you can omit salt if monitoring sodium intake, as bacon is often salty).
- Wrap with Bacon: Take each seasoned chicken tenderloin and wrap it tightly with 1-2 pieces of bacon. Smaller tenders might only need one strip, while larger ones may require a second or an additional half-strip to cover completely. The bacon should stay secure on its own, but if needed, a toothpick can help hold it in place. Make sure to tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the tender to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
- Air Fry for Crispy Perfection: Arrange the wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy bacon. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil. Cook at 370°F (185°C) for ten minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Increase the temperature to 390°F (199°C) and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Melt the Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked and the bacon is crispy, turn off the air fryer. Place a half slice of your chosen cheese on top of each bacon wrapped tender. Close the air fryer basket and let the residual heat melt the cheese to gooey perfection. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, top each tender with 1-2 tablespoons of sliced or diced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy!
And there you have it! A deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that will impress everyone at your table.
What Kind of Toppings and Variations Should I Use?
The beauty of these bacon wrapped chicken tenders lies not only in their ease of preparation but also in their versatility. While the combination of melted cheese and fresh avocado is a dream, don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings and flavors to suit your taste:
- Cheese Choices: I personally love topping these with Sargento Brand Southwest Cheese or any thinly sliced Pepper Jack. The thin slices are great for calorie-conscious diets like the 21 Day Fix. Other excellent choices include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a classic mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Avocado: A non-negotiable for me! The creamy texture and healthy fats of avocado balance the savory bacon and chicken perfectly, creating a truly irresistible flavor profile.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: For a delightful southwest twist, add a spoonful of fresh 21 Day Fix Homemade Salsa | Copy Cat Chipotle Pico de Gallo. The acidity and freshness cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re dairy-free, simply omit the cheese. The bacon-wrapped chicken and avocado combination is still incredibly flavorful and satisfying on its own.
- Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving can add a wonderful heat.
- Herbs: Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley can add a bright, herbaceous note.
- Stuffing the Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, consider making a small slit in each chicken tender and stuffing it with a small amount of cream cheese and chives, or even a sun-dried tomato before wrapping it with bacon.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Your Kitchen
If you’re considering jumping on the air fryer bandwagon to make these crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, you’re in for a treat! There are many different models available, from compact basket-style air fryers perfect for individuals or small families to larger oven-style air fryers that can handle bigger batches and more versatile cooking. To help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your needs, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide: Which Air Fryer Should You Buy? | Which Air Fryer is Right for You? It covers various price points and features to ensure you make an informed decision.
What Can I Serve These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders With?
These flavorful chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, complementing their rich taste without overpowering them. Here are some of my favorite healthy and delicious accompaniments:
- Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad {21 Day Fix}: A vibrant, fresh, and slightly sweet salad that adds a fantastic textural contrast.
- 21 Day Fix Mexican Street Corn Salad: Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this salad is always a hit.
- Creamy Cole Slaw | The Foodie and The Fix: A classic side that offers a refreshing crunch.
- 21 Day Fix Broccoli Slaw | Carrie Elle: A lighter, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional coleslaw.
- Turnip Fries | My Crazy Good Life: A fantastic low-carb alternative to French fries, offering a similar satisfying texture.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, healthy, and quick to prepare, they provide a lovely fresh element.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a more substantial meal, a side of whole grains adds complex carbohydrates.
More Delicious Recipes with Chicken Tenders:
Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and a staple in my kitchen. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy these other easy and healthy chicken tender dishes:
- 21 Day Fix Krispie Baked Chicken
- 21 Day Fix Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Sauce
- Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli (21 Day Fix)
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 package Applegate turkey bacon or other nitrate free turkey bacon for keto, use a no sugar pork bacon
- Sliced pepper jack sharp cheddar, or cheese of your choice
- 1 avocado
- Olive oil spray
- Garlic powder
- Himalayan salt optional
Instructions
Air Fryer
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Sprinkle chicken with some garlic powder and salt (if desired, I usually leave it out), then wrap each tenderloin with 1-2 pieces of bacon. The smaller tenderloins work well with one, but if your tenderloins are bigger, you might need a second one or another half. The bacon should stay wrapped easily, but if you need to, use a toothpick to keep the bacon secure.
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Place chicken in your air fryer basket and spray with olive oil spray. Cook at 370 for ten minutes, then carefully flip and cook at 390 for 8-10 more minutes or until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through. Turn off air fryer.
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Place a half slice of cheese on top of your bacon wrapped chicken and leave in the air fryer basket (air fryer turned off) until it melts.
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Top with 1-2 T of sliced or diced avocado and enjoy!
CrispLid
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Follow Step 1 above to wrap the chicken.
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Place chicken in the CrispLid basket and spray with olive oil spray. Cook at 375 for ten minutes, then carefully flip and cook at 375 for 10 more minutes. If desired, you can bump the temp up to 400 for the last 3 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through. Remove CrispLid and place on rubber trivet.
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Place a half slice of cheese on top of your bacon wrapped chicken and leave under the CrispLid (turned off) until it melts.
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Top with 1-2 T of sliced or diced avocado and enjoy!
Oven:
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Preheat oven to 400.
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Follow directions to wrap the chicken, then place on a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment) and bake for 15 minutes and then flip.
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Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp. Add the cheese for the last minute!
Video
Notes
WW: 4 points (per 2 chicken tenders) [Calculated using 1 Tbsp avocado and reduced fat pepper jack cheese]
Nutrition