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Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image

These golden-brown chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and healthier than traditional fried chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or game nights!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: Dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken tender into the flour, shaking off excess. Then coat it in the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to ensure the coating sticks.
  4. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet or plate and spray both sides lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, add another 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.’, ‘Use fresh breadcrumbs for better crispiness.’, ‘Spray oil sparingly to prevent soggy coating.’, ‘Experiment with seasonings for a personalized flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, kid-friendly chicken recipe, quick dinner recipe