Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Enjoying Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders at Home
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into crispy chicken tenders, and making them at home has never been easier! With the help of an air fryer, you can whip up these delights without the extra oil needed for traditional frying. Perfect for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer at gatherings, or even a delightful snack, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are bound to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavorful dish that’s not only crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside—let’s dive into this simple and mouthwatering recipe!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 290
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why I Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
I absolutely adore these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders because they remind me of cozy family dinners and movie nights. They’re super easy to whip up and can be customized with your favorite spices or served with a variety of dipping sauces. Plus, the air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy every time without the guilt of deep frying! Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just treating yourself, these tenders are always a hit. It’s such a joy to watch everyone eagerly dive into this delicious meal. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them often!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve that golden brown crispiness!
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
Create a breading station: in one bowl, place the flour; in a second bowl, pour in the beaten eggs; and in a third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This assembly line will make it easy to coat your chicken tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender, dredge it in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick. The result will be a flavorful, crispy coating!
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.
Step 5: Arrange the Chicken Tenders
Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching or overlapping. You want them to crispy evenly on all sides.
Step 6: Add Some Extra Crispiness
Give the tops of the chicken tenders a quick spray with cooking spray to enhance their crispiness during cooking. It makes a big difference!
Step 7: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Cook the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, serve your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with your favorite dip—ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce all work great!
Tips & Variations
- Crispy Coating: For extra crunch, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumb mixture—it’s a great twist!
- Healthy Swaps: For a healthier version, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed whole grain cereal or ground oats.
- Spice Level: If you’re in the mood for something spicy, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a zing.
- Presentation: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter and serve with colorful veggies or pickles for a fun and inviting presentation.
Delicious Variations
If you’re looking to explore some variations of chicken tenders, here are a few suggestions:
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Coat your tenders in buffalo sauce after cooking for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Herb Tenders: Add fresh herbs and Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a deliciously different flavor.
- Coconut-Crusted Tenders: Use shredded coconut mixed with the breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
- Vegetable Tenders: Try this method with eggplant or zucchini slices for a vegetarian delight.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Serve your chicken tenders hot and crispy right out of the air fryer for the best experience. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Consider serving with icy cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea to complement the crispy goodness. If you love dipping sauces, try pairing with homemade potato wedges for a perfect combo that will satisfy your craving!
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through—they’ll regain their crispy texture!
Helpful Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and cooking procedure.What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
Ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce are popular choices, but you can also try sriracha or tzatziki for something different.Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.
Enjoy making these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, and watch as they disappear right off the plate!
Print
Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
Enjoy crispy and juicy air fryer chicken tenders made easily at home, perfect for dinner, appetizers, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Create a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dip.
Notes
For extra crunch, add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also customize with your favorite spices or swapping for gluten-free ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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