Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender, isn’t there?
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with minimal effort (and mess!).
Whether you’re whipping these up for game night, a quick weeknight dinner, or even meal prep, they’re guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “dip me in ranch!”
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into evenly sized strips. Consistency here is key—if some pieces are thicker than others, they won’t cook evenly. In a shallow bowl, mix together your dry ingredients for the breading. For extra flavor, I love tossing in a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder.
Step 2: Coat Those Tenders
Now comes the fun part! Dip each chicken strip into your wet mixture (egg wash works wonders) and then generously coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered—this is what gives them that irresistible crunch later. Pro tip: Use one hand for wet and one for dry to keep things neat.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece so the hot air circulates properly. Pop them in for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye out—you want them golden brown and crispy but not burnt.
Step 4: Serve with Style
Once they’re done, transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s classic ranch, honey mustard, or something spicy, these tenders pair beautifully with just about anything.
Pro Tips
- Double Dip: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken twice—first in egg, then in breadcrumbs, repeat!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Crowded tenders steam instead of getting crispy.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Spray Lightly: A light spritz of olive oil or cooking spray before air frying helps achieve that golden crunch.
- Customize Seasonings: Swap out spices based on your mood—try cajun seasoning for a kick or Italian herbs for a twist.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Freeze unbaked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Description
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on a classic favorite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they're perfect for busy nights or snack attacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into even strips, about 1-inch wide. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.
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Make the Breading Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Set Up Your Station:
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (if using). This will act as your wet mixture.
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Coat the Tenders:
Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage. Place the coated tenders on a plate.
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Preheat and Cook:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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Serve Hot:
Transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breading for a little heat.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
