Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Quick and Easy Dinner
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.
Servings 14 Tenders
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.