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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Craving crispy chicken tenders without the mess and oil of deep frying? This easy air fryer recipe is your new weeknight hero! Perfect for busy families, these tenders come out wonderfully golden and crunchy every time, making them an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these air-fried chicken tenders deliver on flavor and convenience. Get ready to ditch the drive-thru and enjoy homemade deliciousness in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the two large eggs until well beaten. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

    2. 2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Working one at a time, dredge each tenderloin first in the flour, shaking off any excess.

    3. 3. Egg Dip and Crumb Coat: Next, dip the floured tenderloin into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, transfer it to the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs fully coat the chicken. Place the breaded tenderloin on a clean plate or cutting board. Repeat with all remaining chicken pieces.

    4. 4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior.

    5. 5. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You will likely need to cook them in two or three batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray as well.

    6. 6. Air Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the tenders over and continue to air fry for another 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken.

    7. 7. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the crispy tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: air frying
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer, crispy, easy, weeknight, kid-friendly, healthy, quick, poultry, dinner