Description
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer a perfect combination of juicy interiors and golden-crisp exteriors. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer for a healthier, low-oil cooking method that delivers restaurant-quality chicken tenders in under 30 minutes, suitable for the whole family with customizable flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- Chicken tenders: Fresh, trimmed chicken breast strips (about 1 pound)
Breading Station
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, grated
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Others
- Cooking spray or a light mist of oil (for air fryer basket and tenders)
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and another with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. This triple coating system ensures every tender is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs stick well for that perfect crunchy crust.
- Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to allow even air circulation.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for an all-around crisp exterior. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, and you’ll notice a crunchy golden coating with tender, juicy interiors.
- Rest and Serve: Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the crust to fully set. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your choice of dipping sauces and side dishes.
Notes
- Cut tenders uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key for crispiness.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for optimal crunch.
- Lightly spray tenders with oil before cooking to improve browning.
- Let tenders rest briefly after cooking to set the crust.
- For gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer recipe, crispy chicken, healthy chicken, quick snack, easy meal, gluten free chicken