Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, this air fryer chicken tenders recipe is perfect. Using egg yolks for a richer coating and breadcrumbs for crunch, these tenders are great for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Enjoy a guilt-free, protein-packed meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breast strips
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray or non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   • Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   • In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Coat the Chicken
   • In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Dip each chicken tender into the egg yolk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Air Fry the Tenders
   • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes.
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
   • Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
   • Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
5. Cook
   • Air fry the chicken tenders at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
   • The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
6. Serve and Enjoy
   • Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, honey mustard, or a low-carb ranch dressing.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

• Double-Coating: For an extra crispy texture, dip the tenders in egg yolk and breadcrumbs twice.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to add paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

This air fryer chicken tenders recipe is a family favorite that combines a deliciously crispy texture with juicy, tender chicken. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a healthier way to enjoy fried chicken without all the oil. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation!