Introduction
Crave perfectly crispy chicken tenders without the mess and guilt of deep-frying? Your air fryer is a total game-changer! This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is incredibly easy, quick, and a healthier way to enjoy a family favorite. You’ll achieve a gorgeous golden exterior and a juicy, tender interior every single time. Get ready for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Achieve restaurant-quality crispiness. The air fryer circulates hot air, giving these chicken tenders an irresistible crunch just like your favorite diner.
- Enjoy a healthier alternative to deep-frying. You use significantly less oil for these crispy tenders, making them a smart choice for your family.
- Quick and easy weeknight meal solution. From prep to plate, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are ready in under 30 minutes, saving you time.
- Minimal cleanup with less oil. Forget about greasy splatters and large pots; an air fryer means tidier cooking.
- Kid-friendly and customizable flavors. Picky eaters love these golden tenders, and you can easily adjust seasonings to suit any palate.
- Juicy, tender chicken every time. The quick cooking time ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful inside its crunchy coating.
Ingredients
Whip up these incredible Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Chicken: 12 chicken tenders (1 ¼ lbs)
- Wet Breading: 2 large eggs, beaten
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, to taste
- Dry Breading: 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs*, 1/2 cup seasoned panko*
- Cooking Aid: Olive oil spray
- For Serving: Lemon wedges
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to adjust the quantity of chicken tenders to feed your crowd. For the egg wash, try milk, buttermilk, or even a splash of hot sauce for a zesty kick. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Boost the flavor of your breading with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You can also use butter spray as an alternative to olive oil spray.
Equipment
Making perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders requires minimal tools.
- Air Fryer: A basket-style or oven-style air fryer works perfectly.
- Shallow Bowls: Essential for your organized breading station.
- Tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken without disturbing the breading.
- Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your chicken is cooked through safely.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders every time.
- Prepare Chicken: Start by patting your chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: Grab two shallow bowls. Whisk the eggs in one bowl until well combined. In the second bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and seasoned panko. This creates your efficient breading assembly line.
- Bread Chicken: Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breading onto the chicken firmly to ensure a complete and even coat. Place the breaded tenders on a large dish or cutting board as you finish them.
- Arrange and Spray: Once all tenders are breaded, spray both sides of each tender generously with olive oil spray. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crispiness.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, leading to a crispier exterior.
- Air Fry in Batches: Place the breaded and sprayed chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even air circulation.
- Flip and Finish: Cook the tenders for 5 to 6 minutes on one side. Then, using tongs, carefully flip each tender and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check Doneness: Always verify that your chicken is cooked through.
According to the USDA, all poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. - Serve Immediately: Transfer your crispy tenders to a plate. Serve them piping hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls for perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: This steams the chicken instead of crisping it.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Skipping this step can lead to less crispy results.
- Skipping the oil spray: The oil is essential for browning and crispiness.
- Not flipping halfway through cooking: Flipping ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Under-seasoning the chicken: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Even Cooking: Always cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This ensures proper air circulation and consistent crispiness.
- Extra Crispy: For an even thicker, crunchier crust, double-coat your chicken tenders in the breading mixture. You can also mist them with oil again halfway through cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Briefly marinade your chicken in buttermilk or a seasoned yogurt mixture for 30 minutes before breading. This adds moisture and deepens flavor.
- Temperature Control: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents over or under-cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your air fryer basket or use air fryer parchment liners to prevent the breading from sticking.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders warm on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) while the remaining batches cook.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These versatile Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic: Pair with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ.
- Light: Serve alongside a refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a simple side salad with vinaigrette, or steamed green beans.
- Hearty: Enjoy with creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, or fluffy rice pilaf.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Freeze: To freeze uncooked tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding extra time.
Flavor Variations:
- Spice it up: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into your breading for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous: Incorporate dried herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheesy: Stir in finely grated Parmesan cheese to the dry breading for a savory, nutty flavor.
- Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for a delicious smoky depth.
Nutrition
Enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders knowing they’re a balanced choice.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 3 tenders |
| Calories | 291 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16.5 g |
| Protein | 38.5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 197 mg |
| Sodium | 653 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips or nuggets before breading. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I get my chicken tenders extra crispy?
Ensure even breading, spray generously with oil, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also lightly mist again halfway through cooking.
What temperature should chicken tenders be cooked to?
Always cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the art of making perfectly crispy, incredibly delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! This recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer for restaurant-quality crunch and juicy chicken. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying for the whole family. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the magic of your air fryer.
Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us and leave a review! Enjoy every golden bite!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Guide
Equipment
- shallow bowls
- large dish or cutting board
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 12 chicken tenders (1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 beaten large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko
- olive oil spray
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken tenders thoroughly with salt and pepper.
- Set up two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. Place coated tenders on a large dish and spray generously with olive oil on both sides.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the chicken tenders in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.