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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Enjoy perfectly crispy, tender, and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders made with simple pantry ingredients. This quick, healthy, and versatile recipe offers a guilt-free crunch with less oil, ideal for snacks, meals, or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken tenders

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional

  • Cooking spray or oil for misting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with the breadcrumbs. This setup ensures quick and mess-free dipping and coating.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well to the chicken.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  4. Air Fry the Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray each tender with cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  5. Check for Doneness and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the tenders rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
  • Pat the chicken tenders dry before breading for better coating adherence.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for superior crunchiness.
  • Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra thick, crunchy crust.
  • Lightly spray oil on tenders before air frying for a golden finish without deep frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer, Chicken Tenders, Healthy Snack, Crispy Chicken, Gluten-Free Option, Quick Dinner

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