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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Crispy and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are golden and bursting with flavor. This quick and easy recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, delivering perfectly crunchy tenders that stay tender inside. Ideal for family meals or quick snacks with customizable flavors and minimal mess.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (naturally tender cuts)

Coating

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Additional

  • Cooking spray or oil for spraying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper; another with the beaten eggs; and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder (plus any optional seasonings). This helps ensure even and sticky coating.
  2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg, making sure it is well-covered, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the tenders start cooking immediately, promoting crispiness.
  4. Arrange and Cook: Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to enhance crunch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even golden browning.
  5. Check Doneness and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the tenders once cooked, let them rest for a minute, then serve.

Notes

  • Choose tenders of uniform size for consistent cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Lightly spray oil for a golden, crispy crust without adding extra fat.
  • Flip tenders halfway through cooking for even texture and color.
  • Let tenders rest a couple of minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, gluten free chicken tenders, quick chicken snack

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/