These Air Fryer Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are nothing short of amazing! Crispy Panko, smoky bacon, and cheddar cheese come together to form the most flavorful, easy to make chicken tenderrecipe ever! This family-friendly weeknight dinner is ready in just 12 minutes in the air fryer. #Bacon #Cheddar #Chicken #AirFryer @KitchenDreaming
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Entree, lunch, main meal
4-6slicesof bacon, cooked and crumbled [See Notes 1, 2]
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
canola oil spray
Panko Dredge:
1-1/2 to 2cuppanko bread crumbs [See Note 1]
2tablespoonspaprika
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1/2teaspooncayenne(optional)
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer according to manufacturer instructions.
Set up a two-stage dredging station. Whisk the eggs and water together in a bowl.
Combine the panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a zip-top plastic bag or brown paper lunch bag.
Dip the chicken pieces 3 or 4 at a time, into the egg mixture, then toss them in the seasoned panko, shaking to coat all sides. Repeat this procedure until all the tenders are coated.
Place chicken into the air fryer taking care not to over-crowd the pan.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with canola oil to encourage even browning.
Air-fry the chicken in two batches at 360ºF for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces over halfway through the cooking process.
Divide the cheese and bacon evenly among the chicken tenders sprinkling each evenly. Return pan into air fryer and fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve with honey mustard or sour cream ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
For Gluten-Free, be sure to use gluten free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free bacon.
May substitute Real bacon bits bacon crumbles - about 3 ounces.