Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Is it Friday night, the kids are starving and you’re drained? Why do you want a pizza?Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe.What are some game-changers? They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on inside, and so, so much faster (and healthier! ) than hitting up the drive-through. I always think of them like a delicious, homemade version of those frozen chicken nuggets, but I don’t know why. Is there anything in them that is infinitely better?
What is [Recipe Name]?
Alright, so Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders RecipeWhat is exactly what it sounds like: incredibly easy chicken tenders cooked in your air fryer. What is the best way to get that crispy texture with less oil? What’s essentially taking strips of chicken breast, coating them in a flavorful breading, and letting them rest for at least an hour before serving. How does an air fryer work? What is a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders? What is the name of a plant? Even my picky eaters devour these things. Is it a staple in our house, and it’s about to become one in yours too.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall in love with this girl?Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe.! First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that satisfying crunch, followed by the tender, juicy chicken – it’s a texture explosion. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize the seasoning. Feeling spicy? Add a little cayenne pepper. Want something more savory? A dash of garlic powder does the trick.
But beyond the taste, it’s the simplicity that truly wins me over. We’re talking about minimal prep time and clean-up. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s way more cost-effective than ordering takeout! You’re using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, which is always a bonus.
And let’s not forget the versatility! These chicken tenders are amazing on their own with your favorite dipping sauce (honey mustard is a must in our house!), but they’re also fantastic in wraps, salads, or even as a topping for a quick and easy pizza.
Honestly, I’ve tried other air fryer chicken tender recipes, but this one consistently delivers the crispiest, juiciest results. Maybe it’s the specific breading mixture, or maybe it’s just the magic of the air fryer – whatever it is, it works! You should try my Air Fryer Chicken Wings for an even easier method!
How do I make [Recipe Name]?
Quick Overview
Making these Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe.Is really a breeze. How do I make a basic breading station? After that, you just dip the chicken into the air fryer, and let it cook until golden brown. What are the advantages of using an air fryer to cook chicken? How do you get a crispy exterior without drying out the inside? Is it so easy to help a kid?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Chicken: How do you prepare
Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch thick strips. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They are super easy to work with and cook evenly.
For the Breading: What is the
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, used as the first layer of breading to help the egg wash adhere better. Can you substitute gluten free flour for a gluten-free option?
Eggs: 2 large, beaten. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
Panko Bread Crumbs: 1.5 cups. Pakko gives the tenders that extra crispy texture that we all love. What is the best bread crumbs recipe?
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, for added flavor and a little bit of saltiness.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon. Adds a classic Italian flavor to the breading.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, because everything is better with garlic!
Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really makes a difference!
Optional:
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, if you like it spicy!)
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that crispy exterior. While it’s preheating, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. How do you cook chicken tenders? I always do this even if my air fryer is non-stick, just to be safe!
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Serve immediately. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding cayenne pepper, mix it in with the bread crumbs. How do I set up my breading station in this order?
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
I want to dredge chicken strips in flour, making sure to coat all sides. I have a dozen strips. If you have an egg wash, dip it in the eggwash and let it drip off. And finally, coat it thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure that the loaf is clean. What gives these tenders their signature crunch?
Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer
Place the breaded chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the chicken will not get crispy. If you want to cook them in batches, you might need to add more water. Is it better to have a few batches than soggy chicken tenders?
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
I like to air fry chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling a bit. Breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked perfectly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. My family loves a little bit of everything!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe.What are some of the best ideas for a beginner to start with?
What is a quick lunch?Serve them with a side of crispy fries and coleslaw. What is a classic combination that everyone loves?
What is a fun dinner?What are some good ways to make a chicken tender wrap? What is a good way to use up leftovers?
As an appetizer:Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces. At your next party. They’re always a hit!
For a Healthier Meal: Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. It’s a great way to get your veggies in.
My family loves dipping these in honey mustard or BBQ sauce. My kids like to make little sliders with Hawaiian rolls and some lettuce!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your [Recipe Name]
Top Tips for Perfecting Your [Recipe Name]
Want to take your Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: This is the key to getting crispy chicken tenders. If the basket is too full, the chicken will steam instead of fry. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Use Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are larger and lighter than regular bread crumbs, which means they’ll give you a crispier coating. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the breading well. The chicken tenders will only be as flavorful as the breading, so make sure it’s packed with flavor.
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the chicken tenders halfway through cooking ensures that they cook evenly on both sides.
Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your model. Keep an eye on the chicken and cook it until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Experiment with Different Seasonings: Get creative with your breading! Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to create your own signature flavor.
I’ve found that letting the breaded chicken sit for about 10 minutes before air frying helps the breading adhere better. Also, a light spray of oil on top before air frying gives them a beautiful golden color.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend this but they should be covered if left out for more than 1 hour.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat these chicken tenders is back in the air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe a try! It’s a family favorite in my house, and I know it will be in yours too. The combination of crispy breading, juicy chicken, and easy preparation makes it a winner every time. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders never fail to satisfy! For another air fryer favorite that is just as easy, you could try my Easy Air Fryer French Fries!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!
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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko preferred
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 cup buttermilk optional, for soaking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for spraying
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- If using, soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray each chicken tender with olive oil.
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
