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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

Crispy and golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, delicious meal. Coated with a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust, these tenders are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering a juicy interior and crunchy exterior without the extra oil of traditional frying.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken tenders

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • Cooking spray or oil for misting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes for an efficient coating process: one with the seasoned flour mixture combining flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the panko breadcrumbs. This setup ensures a quick and mess-free breading process.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by a thorough coating in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick well and form a crispy crust when cooked.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve an even cook and a crispy outer crust on the chicken tenders.
  4. Air Fry the Tenders: Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for optimal air flow. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crunch on all sides.
  5. Check for Doneness and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Let the chicken tenders rest briefly after cooking to lock in juices before serving them hot.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Lightly spraying the tenders with cooking oil helps the coating crisp up without deep frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain proper air circulation and even cooking.
  • Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through cooking for uniform browning.
  • Resting the tenders after cooking helps keep them juicy and tender.

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