How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
American · Easy · 22 min · 4 servings
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without a drop of deep-frying oil. A seasoned breadcrumb coating delivers that satisfying crunch that everyone loves, and they are ready in just 20 minutes making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Why this recipe works
This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 22 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil spray
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls in a row. Fill the first with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Fill the second with the beaten eggs. Fill the third with panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line approach ensures each tender gets an even and thorough coating.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess. Dip it into the egg, letting any drips fall off, then press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs coating all sides evenly. Place coated tenders on a clean plate.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer making sure they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with olive oil spray to promote browning.
Step 4: Air Fry the Tenders
Cook the tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 5 or 6 minute mark. Spray the freshly flipped side lightly with oil before continuing to cook. The tenders are done when the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the inside moist. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed cornflakes for an extra crunchy and slightly sweet coating
- all-purpose flour → almond flour for a gluten-free and lower-carb alternative
- smoked paprika → cayenne pepper for a spicy kick in the seasoning blend
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not patting the chicken dry before breading which causes the coating to slip off during cooking
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket which traps steam and results in soggy rather than crispy tenders
- Skipping the oil spray on the breadcrumbs which leads to a pale and dry coating instead of a golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 34g protein, 22g carbs, 9g fat, 1g fiber.
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