Air fryer chicken tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken tenders. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In three separate bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Take one chicken tender at a time and dip it into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, place the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Flip it over and coat the other side as well. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken tenders.
- Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray or lightly brush it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes browning.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The tenders should be golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. They make a delicious appetizer, snack, or main course. Enjoy!