Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook up golden & crispy

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, golden, and juicy chicken without the excess oil and mess of deep frying. This recipe will guide you through making perfectly breaded chicken tenders that are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether for a quick dinner, a party snack, or a meal prep staple, these chicken tenders are easy to make and delicious.

Ingredients

Table of Contents

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
    • Place the flour in a shallow dish.
    • In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
    • In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

  1. Coat the Chicken:
    • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
    • Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  2. Repeat:
    • Repeat the process for all chicken tenders and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
See also  Air fryer Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

  1. Arrange in Air Fryer:
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  2. Spray the Chicken:
    • Lightly spray the top of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This helps to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
  3. Cook:
    • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken tenders should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Serve

  1. Rest:
    • Let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
  2. Serve:
    • Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Pair with a side salad, fries, or vegetable sticks for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Uniform Sizes: Try to cut the chicken tenders into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
  • Cooking Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps to achieve a golden crust without adding too much fat.
  • Batch Cooking: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked tenders warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) while you finish the rest.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Enjoy these golden and crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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