Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken tenders or tenderloins; 4 cups water; 2 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp seasoning mix (from above); 1 tbsp water (optional, to adjust batter consistency); 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 2 tsp seasoning mix (from above); Neutral oil spray (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

Description

Enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders made effortlessly in the air fryer! Brined for tenderness and coated in a flavorful seasoned wet batter and crunchy panko, these chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried favorites without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders and Brining Solution

1.5 lb chicken tenders or tenderloins
4 cups water
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp sugar

Seasoning Mix (for wet batter and panko)

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Wet Batter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp seasoning mix (from above)
1 tbsp water (optional, to adjust batter consistency)

Breading

2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp seasoning mix (from above)
Neutral oil spray (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

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Instructions

Brine the chicken: In a large bowl, dissolve kosher salt and sugar in 4 cups water. Add chicken tenders and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain and pat dry.
Prepare seasoning mix: Combine all seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl.
Make the wet batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, 1 tsp seasoning mix, and water (if needed) until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
Prepare breading: In another shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 2 tsp seasoning mix.
Coat the chicken: Dip each brined chicken tender into the wet batter, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere.
Preheat air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Air fry the tenders: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with neutral oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-dip the tenders by repeating the batter and panko coating.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.
Can be baked in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes as an alternative to air frying.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American