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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Spice Fusion: Whisk flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish, ensuring comprehensive spice integration for maximum flavor potential.
- Egg Preparation: Blend eggs thoroughly in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly eliminate moisture from chicken tenders using paper towels, creating an ideal surface for seasoning and coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- Crisp Enhancement: Delicately mist tender tops with cooking spray to amplify golden-brown potential.
- 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.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing oil absorption and applying a final subtle salt seasoning.
- 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