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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe


  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Crispy and tender air fryer chicken tenders, perfectly seasoned and lightly coated with a crunchy breadcrumb and panko mixture. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without deep frying, making it a healthier and convenient option for a delicious homemade meal or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 12 chicken tenders (about 1 1/4 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Breading

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs

Finishing

  • Olive oil spray
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and panko mixture. Shake off any excess breading and place the tenders on a large dish or cutting board.
  4. Apply Oil Spray: Generously spray both sides of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray to help achieve crispiness while air frying.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
  6. Cook the Chicken: In batches if necessary, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until the tenders are cooked through, crispy, and golden brown on the outside.
  7. Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with fresh lemon wedges for added zest.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use seasoned breadcrumbs and panko for extra flavor and texture, or add your own spices to the mix.
  • Check the internal temperature of chicken tenders to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy coating while keeping the dish lighter than deep-frying.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, these tenders can be baked at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe