Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are just what you need! They're easy to make, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for that coveted crunch without all the extra oil.

Imagine biting into a tender piece of chicken that’s coated with a golden, crispy breadcrumb exterior. It's a satisfying crunch with every bite, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. You can serve them as a snack, a main course, or even in a delicious sandwich!

Overview of the Dish

This dish features crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are golden brown and beautifully cooked. The tenders are not only appealing to the eyes but also promise a satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with ranch dressing and fresh vegetable sides, this meal is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

Creating the Perfect Coating

The magic of air fryer chicken tenders lies in their coating. A mixture of breadcrumbs, spices, and seasonings ensures that each tender is flavorful and crunchy. Using panko breadcrumbs can add an extra layer of crunch, making them even more irresistible.

To ease the process, we like to use these mixing bowls which are perfect for this task as well as others since they stack perfectly together to save space. They also have non-slip bases to help

Setting up a breading station with flour, eggs, and the seasoned breadcrumbs streamlines the process and helps achieve an even coating on each tender. This breading station is great for tasks like these, and the best part is that it's all in one which makes cleanup a breeze.

Preparation Tips

Before you start cooking, it's essential to prep your ingredients properly. Make sure the chicken tenders are thawed and patted dry to ensure the coating adheres well. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

The air fryer offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. We really enjoy using this Ninja Air Fryer for fast and efficient cooking. With its two baskets, it makes it easy to cook multiple tenders at once without overloading the basket. You can even use the Match Cook function so that is ensures both sides cook at the same time and temperature making your cooking a breeze.

Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly. Spraying the basket and the tops of the tenders with cooking spray helps achieve that crispy exterior without excessive oil.

Cook them in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring they become perfectly golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, let the chicken tenders rest for a moment before serving. This simple step helps lock in moisture, ensuring each bite remains juicy. Serving them with a small bowl of ranch dressing is a classic choice, but other dips can also be great options.

Accompaniments for a Complete Meal

Fresh carrot and celery sticks add a crunchy, refreshing element to the dish. These vegetables not only complement the flavors of the chicken tenders but also provide a nutritious balance. The rustic wooden table with a checked cloth setting enhances the inviting atmosphere, making this meal feel like a warm, homemade experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating: Set up a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops with a little more cooking spray.

5. Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

6. Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 270kcal

• Fat: 8g

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 24g

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