Air fryer chicken tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Here’s a simple recipe for making crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mist
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In one dish, place the flour. In another, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender, coat it in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere well.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil mist. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air Fry: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer chicken tenders! They’re great for a quick and tasty meal or as a snack.