Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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.
Ultra-crispy breaded chicken tenders made in the air fryer in just 20 minutes.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Chicken
Coating
Seasoning
Cooking
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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