Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Golden, juicy chicken tenders cooked to crispy air fryer chicken tenders recipe perfection tantalize taste buds with every bite.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned coating that crunches delightfully.

No greasy mess means healthier eating without sacrificing flavor.

Each tender emerges with a beautiful golden-brown exterior that promises incredible texture.

A simple marinade adds depth and ensures the meat stays incredibly moist.

Pantry staples create this restaurant-quality dish that comes together in minutes.

You’ll want to make these crispy delights again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a crispy, golden base that helps breading stick perfectly to chicken, creating that irresistible crunchy exterior.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of chicken and balance the breading.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Adds depth, warmth, and a beautiful reddish-brown color while creating a complex, savory flavor profile.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial glue that helps the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coating that crisps up beautifully.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean strips that cook quickly and evenly, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crisp exterior without excess oil, ensuring a lighter, healthier version of classic fried chicken tenders.

Tools That Help Crisp Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy, golden chicken tenders without excess oil.
• Shallow Dishes: Two needed for flour mixture and egg wash, perfect for easy coating.
• Whisk: Great for beating eggs until fully blended and smooth.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying chicken tenders and removing excess moisture.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds extra crispiness to the tenders.
• Plate: Used for placing breaded chicken tenders before air frying.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

Instructions to Cook Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Foundation

Mix together a blend of aromatic seasonings that will transform ordinary chicken into a crispy sensation. Combine dry spices to create a tantalizing coating that promises maximum flavor.

• Moisture Management

Pat chicken tenders completely dry, ensuring each piece is ready to absorb the delicious seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.

• Coating Dance

Create a two-step breading ritual that guarantees a thick, irresistible crust. First, roll the chicken in seasoned flour, then give it a luxurious egg bath, and finish with a final flour dusting for maximum crispiness.

• Air Fryer Magic

Arrange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket with plenty of breathing room. A light spray of cooking oil will help transform these tenders into golden, crispy perfection. Let the hot air work its culinary wizardry.

• Crispy Completion

Cook until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside reaches perfect tenderness. The air fryer will create a crust that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

• Serving Celebration

Transfer your masterpiece to a waiting plate, letting any excess oil drain away. Sprinkle with a final touch of seasoning and pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips to Spice Up Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Cooking Tips & Variations
• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to guarantee extra crispy results. The drier the meat, the crunchier the coating will turn out.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian herb, or southwestern spice mixes to transform the flavor profile. Each blend can create a unique taste experience.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions. These alternatives maintain a deliciously crisp exterior while accommodating different nutritional needs.
• Healthier Crunch Hack: Instead of traditional breading, try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an even lighter, crispier texture. These alternatives provide a satisfying crackle with fewer calories.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Create homemade dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy honey mustard, or zesty ranch to elevate the chicken tenders. Mixing your own sauces allows for personalized flavor combinations that store-bought versions can't match.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Just Right

• Dipping Sauce Delight: Create a mini sauce bar with 3-4 different homemade or store-bought dips like tangy barbecue, creamy ranch, zesty honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo to let everyone customize their chicken tender experience.
• Family Fun Platter: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a large wooden board with colorful vegetable sticks, sliced pickles, and a variety of dipping sauces for a casual and interactive meal that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair these air fryer chicken tenders with quick sides like crisp coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a light garden salad to create a balanced and satisfying dinner that comes together in minutes.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack the cooled chicken tenders in a portable container with sealed dipping sauces for an easy lunch option at work, school, or outdoor adventures that keeps the meal interesting and delicious.

Store Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Maintain Crunch

• Advance Prep Magic: Bread chicken tenders up to 24 hours before cooking and store them covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows spices to marinate and intensify flavor profiles.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cooked chicken tenders can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in freezer paper or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated tenders within 3-4 days for maximum taste and food safety.
• Reheating Hack: Restore crispiness by warming tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and maintain original crunchy exterior.

Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders deliver golden, crunchy perfection without excess oil. Seasoned breadcrumbs and precise air frying technique ensure delightful texture you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (pounds) chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)

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Instructions

1. Spice Fusion: Whisk flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish, ensuring comprehensive spice integration for maximum flavor potential.
2. Egg Preparation: Blend eggs thoroughly in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly eliminate moisture from chicken tenders using paper towels, creating an ideal surface for seasoning and coating.
4. Coating Technique: Execute a triple-layer coating process by first dredging tenders in seasoned flour, submerging in egg wash, allowing excess liquid to drain, then re-coating with flour to create an irresistibly crisp exterior.
5. Air Fryer Setup: Apply a light cooking spray to the air fryer basket, strategically positioning tenders with sufficient spacing to promote even heat distribution and optimal crispiness.
6. Crisp Enhancement: Delicately mist tender tops with cooking spray to amplify golden-brown potential.
7. Precision Cooking: Air fry at 400°F, implementing a mid-cycle flip after 5-6 minutes, continuing until chicken achieves perfect internal temperature and develops a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
8. Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing oil absorption and applying a final subtle salt seasoning.
9. Serving Suggestion: Present steaming hot with an enticing selection of dipping sauces, including barbecue, honey mustard, or creamy ranch for a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Remove all moisture with paper towels to ensure crispy, perfectly adhered flour coating.
• Spice Blend Balance: Whisk flour and seasonings uniformly for consistent, flavorful coverage across every chicken tender.
• Coating Technique: Double-dredge in flour and egg wash to create an extra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Cooking Spray Trick: Lightly mist basket and chicken tops to promote even browning and prevent sticking during air frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg