Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenders
- 1 package of bacon strips (you’ll need 1 strip per chicken bite)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks or bamboo skewers
- Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket)
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch cubes or strips. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss them to coat evenly.
- Wrap with bacon: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a seasoned chicken piece, securing it with a toothpick or a bamboo skewer. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Air frying: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cooking time: Cook the chicken bites in the preheated air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. The bacon should become crispy, and the chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. You can serve them as-is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.
- Enjoy: These bacon-wrapped chicken bites are best served hot and make for a fantastic appetizer or snack. They’re sure to be a hit at parties or as a tasty treat for yourself.