Description
Irresistible Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a crispy, golden crust and tender inside. This quick, easy, and healthier recipe uses minimal oil and pantry staples to deliver a crunchy, flavorful dish perfect for dinners, snacks, or appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders, fresh and trimmed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy crust after cooking.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika for easy coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture to cover completely for a sturdy crust.
- Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They are done when golden and crisp on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before breading for better adhesion and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Lightly spray tenders with cooking oil before air frying to achieve a golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crunch, dip tenders twice in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (about 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg