Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and healthy way to enjoy the classic taste of breaded chicken tenders with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This method ensures a delicious meal without the excess oil and calories of traditional frying.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Why These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are the Best
- Crispy Exterior: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy and golden-brown coating on the chicken tenders.
- Juicy Interior: The chicken remains tender and juicy inside, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making these chicken tenders a healthier option.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack.
- Beautiful Presentation: Served with a dipping sauce, these chicken tenders are visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or preparing a family dinner, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy coating and juicy chicken makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Tenders: Naturally tender cuts of chicken, perfect for quick and even cooking in the air fryer.
- Kosher Salt: Seasons the chicken throughout, enhancing its natural flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crisp coating for that signature crunch.
- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Balances the texture while incorporating whole-grain goodness.
- Paprika: Lends a smoky, subtly sweet flavor and an appealing golden color.
- Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Add depth and a touch of warmth to the breading mix.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for even coverage.
- Olive Oil Spray: Promotes crispiness without excess oil, ideal for air frying.
- Versatile dipping options like Greek Yogurt Ranch and Honey Mustard Sauce provide complementary flavors, making each bite customizable and delicious.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken breasts and high-quality breading ingredients.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning for the breading – it adds a lot of flavor to the tenders.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With Fries: Pair with air-fried or baked fries for a classic combination.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into one of these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—each bite offering a perfect blend of crispy coating and juicy chicken, served with your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients and create these delightful treats to impress your loved ones and make any occasion special!
Be sure to check out these other delicious Air Fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and healthy way to enjoy the classic taste of breaded chicken tenders with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders about 14
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp kosher salt divided
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
FOR DIPPING (optional):
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to enhance their flavor.
- In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, mixing evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it nearby for easy access during breading.
Coat the chicken tenders:
- Working in small batches, dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, gently patting to help the coating adhere. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs before placing the chicken.
- Place each coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces, arranging them in a single layer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. To keep cooked chicken warm between batches, preheat a regular oven to 250°F.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray and arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch (about four tenders per batch).
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with oil spray before cooking.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, with the exterior golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders, keeping them warm in the oven if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To Store: Refrigerate the chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Rewarm the leftovers in the oven at 350°F, in the air fryer, or in the microwave until heated through.
To Freeze: Lay the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
To Reheat: Rewarm the leftovers in the oven at 350°F, in the air fryer, or in the microwave until heated through.
To Freeze: Lay the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders