Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe in a Flash

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders convert ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering delight that’ll make you forget all about greasy restaurant versions.

These golden-brown gems combine tender meat with an irresistibly crunchy exterior that crackles with each bite.

Homemade tenders offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options, packed with flavor and minimal oil.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity and speed of this cooking method.

The secret lies in creating a perfectly seasoned coating that locks in moisture while delivering a satisfying crunch.

Modern kitchen technology allows you to achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or excessive cleanup.

Quick, nutritious, and incredibly tasty, these chicken tenders will become your new go-to meal for busy weeknights.

What Makes These Chicken Tenders So Good

• Crunch Beyond Compare: Achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders without deep-frying, thanks to the air fryer's magical technology that delivers golden, crunchy exteriors with minimal oil.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up a delicious meal in just 11 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy families, last-minute dinners, or quick hunger fixes that don't compromise on taste.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily personalize the recipe by experimenting with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture- from zesty cajun to herby italian seasonings- allowing endless taste variations that keep mealtime exciting and fresh.

Everything That Goes Into Crunchy Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender cut perfect for quick cooking, best when fresh and uniform in size.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Adds depth and warmth to the breadcrumb coating, creating a flavorful crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy texture that provides an irresistible golden crunch.

• Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken, creating a smooth and even coating.
• Olive Oil Spray: Promotes even browning and helps achieve a crispy exterior without excess oil.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken tenders completely dry using paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks perfectly. Season with salt and black pepper, creating a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Create Breading Station

• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Whisk eggs in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika. This setup makes coating super easy.

Step 3: Coat Chicken Thoroughly

Dunk each chicken tender into egg wash, making sure it’s fully covered. Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating. Press firmly so breading adheres completely.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden exterior.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

• First side: 6 minutes
• Flip and cook second side: 5 minutes

Chicken should be golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot chicken tenders immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Chicken Tender Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Ensure Dry Chicken: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to help seasonings adhere and create a crispier coating.
• Press Breadcrumbs Firmly: Use gentle pressure when coating to create a thick, even layer that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space tenders in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and that perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Spray with Oil Strategically: A light, even olive oil spray helps achieve restaurant-style crispiness without excess grease.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results, preventing dry or undercooked meat.

Keeping Chicken Tenders Crunchy After Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Revive crispy texture by air frying at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy. For oven method, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even heating and maintain crunchiness.

Dips, Sides, and Drinks for Chicken Tenders

• Dip into Delightful Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by pairing these crispy chicken tenders with homemade honey mustard, tangy BBQ sauce, or creamy ranch. Each sauce brings a unique taste that complements the golden-brown crunch of the tenders.
• Craft a Complete Comfort Meal: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw for a balanced dinner that satisfies both crispy and refreshing cravings. The air fryer chicken tenders become the star of a quick and delicious family-friendly feast.
• Quench with Perfect Beverages: Cool down the savory tenders with an ice-cold beer for adults or a sparkling lemonade for kids. Light, crisp drinks cut through the richness of the breaded chicken, creating a refreshing dining experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Transform into Versatile Leftovers: Chop up cooled tenders and toss into salads, stuff into wraps, or crumble over mac and cheese for exciting meal transformations. These chicken tenders are not just a one-time dish but a flexible protein option for multiple meals.

Creative Ways to Remix Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Tenders: Replace garlic powder with chili powder and add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix in some crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Herbed Chicken Tenders: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the breadcrumb coating. Serve with tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Parmesan Herb Crusted Tenders: Mix grated parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Add dried Italian herbs like rosemary and parsley for a rich, savory flavor profile. Finish with a light sprinkle of extra parmesan after cooking for added texture.
• Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders: Swap half the panko with shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired coating. Season with a touch of ground ginger and serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders deliver golden, juicy perfection with minimal effort. Quick marinades and seasoned breading create restaurant-quality results that make dinner exciting for everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders

Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Coating and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken tenders with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating an ideal surface for seasoning to adhere effectively.
2. Create a two-part coating system by whisking eggs in one shallow container and combining panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika in another.
3. Submerge each tender completely in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully press into seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
4. Lightly mist air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent potential sticking and promote uniform browning during cooking.
5. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining space between pieces to guarantee consistent heat circulation and crispy texture.
6. Mist chicken tenders with additional olive oil to enhance golden coloration and crispness.
7. Configure air fryer to 400°F and cook tenders for approximately 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure balanced cooking.
8. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until exterior reaches a deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Allow tenders to rest momentarily after cooking to retain moisture and help breading set properly.
10. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
11. For meal preparation, breaded uncooked tenders can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to storage containers for future quick meals, adding approximately 5 extra minutes to cooking time when preparing from frozen state.

Notes

• Freezing uncooked breaded tenders saves time for busy weeknight meals.
• Storing prepped tenders in a single layer prevents sticking and maintains crispy texture.
• Quick meal solution that transforms dinner preparation into a stress-free experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minute
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg