Description
Crispy and golden air fryer chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering crunch that elevates dinner in minutes. Seasoned with zesty spices and sealed with a perfect breading, these tender bites promise restaurant-quality flavor without excess oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Organize three separate wide, shallow containers for the coating process: one with flour, another with whisked eggs mixed with water, and the third with a blend of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Take each chicken tender and meticulously coat it by first rolling in flour, ensuring excess is gently shaken off, then thoroughly dipping into the egg wash, and finally completely covering with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere firmly.
- Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing it to warm up and prepare for cooking.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and potential burning.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single, uncrowded layer within the basket, ensuring each piece has adequate space for even cooking. If the basket cannot accommodate all tenders simultaneously, cook in multiple batches.
- Delicately spray the top of the tenders with additional oil to promote a crispy, golden exterior.
- Cook the tenders for approximately 8-10 minutes, carefully turning them midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform browning and crispiness.
- Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by swapping out spices to match your flavor preferences, like adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs for an earthy twist.
- Ensure crispy texture by patting chicken completely dry before coating, which helps breading adhere better and creates a crunchier exterior.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same delicious coating technique.
- Prep extra batches and freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals that cook directly from frozen with slight time adjustment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 62
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 16 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg