Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for Family Night

My friend recently shared this crispy air fryer chicken tenders recipe that changed my weeknight dinner game completely.

Crunchy exteriors and juicy interiors make these tenders irresistible for anyone seeking a quick meal.

Home cooking can seem intimidating, but these simplified steps guarantee success every single time.

Lean protein meets minimal oil in this healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.

Seasoning choices range from classic ranch to spicy buffalo, allowing you to customize each batch.

Kids and adults alike will devour these golden-brown morsels faster than you can plate them.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a flavor destination with this foolproof technique.

Crispy Tenders with Juicy Centers – No Deep Frying Needed

• Quick Family Meal Magic: Simple chicken tenders that transform dinner into a stress-free experience.
• Rapid Cooking Solution: Air fryer method cuts cooking time to just 12 minutes, delivering crispy results without excessive oil.
• Kid-Approved Deliciousness: Crunchy exterior and tender chicken make this recipe a guaranteed hit with children and picky eaters.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different seasonings and perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings.

What You Need For Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender strips perfect for a crispy air-fried dish. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken tenders trimmed of excess fat.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, All-Purpose Flour: Provides crispy, golden exterior and helps breading stick to chicken. Panko offers extra crunchiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Seasoning blend that enhances overall flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality spices for best taste.

• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumb mixture adhere to chicken. Large eggs work best for creating a smooth coating layer.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Prep

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to 400°F to create the perfect crispy environment for golden chicken tenders.

Make sure the basket is clean and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Create Coating Station

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Breadcrumbs

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Tenders

• Coating in flour
• Dipping in egg wash
• Rolling in breadcrumbs

Ensure each tender is completely covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding to help achieve even cooking and crispy exterior.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping tenders halfway through cooking.

Look for a golden brown color and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy tenders to a serving plate.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Smart Advice for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Space chicken tenders slightly apart in the air fryer basket to ensure even air circulation and achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to help the breadcrumbs create a non-stick coating and easy removal.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooked meat.
• Experiment with different spice blends like cajun, ranch, or Italian seasoning to add exciting flavor variations to your chicken tenders.
• Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions.

Chicken Tenders – Save and Heat for a Quick Meal

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Restore crispiness by placing tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating.
• Spread tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.
• Skip microwaving to prevent soggy breading and rubbery chicken texture.

What to Add Alongside Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Pair Zesty Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion with homemade ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo that complement the crispy chicken tenders perfectly.
• Complement with Refreshing Sides: Serve alongside light coleslaw, crisp cucumber salad, or fresh green salad to balance the rich, crunchy chicken with cool, fresh textures.
• Match with Cool Beverages: Enjoy ice-cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or crisp white wine to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites of golden chicken tenders.
• Create Family-Style Spread: Add french fries, corn on the cob, or mac and cheese to transform this dish into a complete meal that everyone will love and devour together.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Breading and Dip Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Heroes: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto Crispy Delight: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground almond meal to reduce carbohydrates and maintain crunchiness.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne to the seasoning mix for a zesty kick that transforms the classic chicken tenders.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the breadcrumb coating for an elevated, aromatic chicken tender experience.

FAQs

• Are these chicken tenders healthier than deep-fried ones?

Yes, air fryer chicken tenders use significantly less oil, reducing calorie and fat content while maintaining a crispy exterior.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Panko, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes work great for creating a crunchy coating on these chicken tenders.

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Is it necessary to use all three coating steps (flour, egg, breadcrumbs)?

The three-step coating process helps create a crispy, well-adhered breading that locks in moisture and provides a perfect golden-brown crust.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders bring golden perfection to dinner tables with minimal effort. Seasoned breadcrumbs and quick cooking deliver restaurant-quality crunch without excess oil, making this simple recipe a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders, trimmed

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder

Wet Binding Ingredient:

• 3 large eggs, beaten

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Instructions

1. Assemble all ingredients and equipment, ensuring chicken tenders are patted completely dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness.
2. Configure air fryer to 400°F, allowing it to fully preheat for optimal cooking performance.
3. Generously season chicken tenders with a harmonious blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic garlic powder.
4. Create a strategic breading station with three separate shallow dishes: flour for initial coating, whisked eggs for adhesion, and seasoned breadcrumbs for final crunchy exterior.
5. Methodically dredge each tender through flour, ensuring complete but light coverage, then immerse in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Roll coated tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere thoroughly and create a uniform, crisp layer.
7. Arrange breaded tenders inside air fryer basket, maintaining spacing between pieces to guarantee even hot air circulation.
8. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating tenders midway to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent internal temperature.
9. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior appears beautifully bronzed and crunchy.
10. Transfer immediately to serving plate and accompany with preferred dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs.
• Spray or lightly brush tenders with olive oil to enhance golden-brown color and prevent sticking in air fryer basket.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg