Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Are you a busy parent? Locating quick and nutritious meals for the family can be challenging. I’m excited to share my favorite air fryer chicken tenders recipe. They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. You can make tender, juicy chicken tenders at home with just a few ingredients and an air fryer.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 3 Bowls for Breading Station
- 1 Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders Boneless and Skinless
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs or Panko
- Seasonings to taste garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Set up three bowls for breading:- In the first bowl, mix flour with your desired seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, paprika). - In the second bowl, beat the eggs.- In the third bowl, place breadcrumbs or panko.
- Dip each chicken strip into the seasoned flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs or panko.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To achieve maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space out the chicken tenders so the hot air can circulate evenly for the crispiest result.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spritz the chicken tenders with oil before cooking. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and results in an even crispier texture.
- Flipping is Key: Flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. This will give you that perfect, crispy coating.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Customize your breading by adding different seasonings. For a spicy kick, mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also use herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic flavor. Try using different international spice blends like curry powder or za’atar for unique twists.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or gluten-free panko for a healthier, gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Add Cheese: For extra flavor, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs or sprinkle it on top of the chicken tenders before air frying.
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers:- Let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
- Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken tenders are heated through and crispy again. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.