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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients and equipment, ensuring chicken tenders are patted completely dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Configure air fryer to 400°F, allowing it to fully preheat for optimal cooking performance.
- Generously season chicken tenders with a harmonious blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic garlic powder.
- 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.
- Methodically dredge each tender through flour, ensuring complete but light coverage, then immerse in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll coated tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere thoroughly and create a uniform, crisp layer.
- Arrange breaded tenders inside air fryer basket, maintaining spacing between pieces to guarantee even hot air circulation.
- Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating tenders midway to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent internal temperature.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior appears beautifully bronzed and crunchy.
- 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