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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are healthier and quicker to prepare than traditional deep-fried versions. This recipe features a simple, flavorful seasoning and a crunchy panko coating, cooked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders, boneless

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Other

  • Olive oil spray (for light coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one filled with seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika. This setup ensures a crispy crust when cooked in the air fryer.
  2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
  3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the tenders start crisping immediately.
  4. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray to promote even browning and crispiness.
  5. Cook the Tenders: Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Confirm doneness when the coating is golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes to maintain juiciness, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken tenders to help the coating stick better.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crispiness.
  • Use tenders of similar size for consistent cooking times.
  • Prefer panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and better browning.
  • Use a light olive oil spray instead of drenching in oil to keep tenders crispy but not greasy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken tenders

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/