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AirFryer Chicken Tenders

AirFryer Chicken Tenders
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AirFryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and flavorful snacks or meals made quickly with an air fryer. This healthier alternative to traditional frying uses minimal oil and simple ingredients to deliver tender chicken coated in a crunchy panko and Parmesan crust, perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh chicken tenders – about 1 lb (450g)
  • All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon (divided)
  • Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (divided)
  • Eggs – 2, beaten
  • Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup
  • Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cooking spray (or light oil for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, mix flour with half the salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper. This setup helps streamline the breading process.
  2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs until fully coated. Finally, press the tenders firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, thorough coating.
  3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy, evenly cooked exterior.
  4. Arrange and Spray: Place the breaded tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Cook the tenders for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the tenders rest for a minute after removing from the air fryer, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before breading to help coatings adhere better.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
  • Choose chicken tenders of similar size and thickness for even cooking.
  • For an extra crispy crust, dip tenders a second time in egg and breadcrumbs before cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, healthy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, kid-friendly snack

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/airfryer-chicken-tenders/