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
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
- 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.
- Apply Oil Spray: Generously spray both sides of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray to help achieve crispiness while air frying.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- 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.
- 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
