Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Craving golden, crispy chicken tenders without the guilt of deep-frying? Healthy and delicious chicken tenders are just a few minutes away in your air fryer. This magical kitchen appliance delivers restaurant-worthy results with a fraction of the oil, making it a game-changer for healthy and delicious weeknight meals.
Why Air Fry Your Chicken Tenders?
Air frying uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, achieving a delightful crispy texture while minimizing fat absorption. This translates to leaner, healthier chicken tenders that are still bursting with flavor. Plus, the air fryer’s quick cooking time makes it a lifesaver for busy weeknights, getting those tenders on your plate in under 15 minutes!
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized tenders, ready to be crisped to perfection.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep Your Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure even crisping. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Dredging Station: Set up two additional shallow bowls. In one, whisk the egg. In the other, pour the panko breadcrumbs.
Coating Perfection: Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally, coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess crumbs.
Air Fryer Time! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for extra crispness (optional).
Crispy Countdown: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Dipping Delights: Serve your air fryer chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Facts per Serving (based on 4 tenders):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Absolutely! Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, air frying for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- What if my chicken tenders aren’t crispy? Make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket and that the tenders are coated evenly with breadcrumbs. A quick spritz of cooking oil can also help achieve extra crispness.
- Can I marinate the chicken before air frying? Yes! Marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Just pat dry before proceeding with the breading step.
- What are some healthy dipping options? Opt for yogurt-based dips, hummus, guacamole, or even salsa for a refreshing and nutritious complement to your air fryer chicken tenders.
Beyond the Recipe:
Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or Italian herbs to add a unique twist to your chicken tenders.
Get Creative: Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes, pretzels, or even grated parmesan cheese for a flavorful textural twist.
Double Duty: Leftover chicken tenders can be chopped and added to salads, wraps, or even used as pizza toppings!