The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: So Crispy You Won’t Believe They’re Healthy!
Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a good Air Fryer chicken tender? That crispy, crunchy outside giving way to juicy, tender chicken on the inside is pure comfort food magic. But let’s not talk about the deep-fried guilt that usually comes with it. 🍗
Enter your superhero appliance: the AIR FRYER. We’re about to make the most incredibly crispy, flavor-packed, and downright addictive air fryer chicken tenders you’ve ever had. And the best part? They’re baked with hot air, not drowned in oil. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, picky eaters, and anyone craving a healthier crunch. Get ready to have your mind blown!
Why This Recipe is an Absolute Weeknight WIN
If you’re on the fence about whether to try these, let me give you the hard facts on why these air fryer tenders dominate:
- ⚡ Speed Demon: We’re talking 15 minutes from fridge to table. Seriously. Faster than delivery.
- 💪 Health Hack: All the crunch, a fraction of the oil and calories. It’s a guilt-free pleasure you can feel great about.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Savior: Picky kids? They’ll devour these. Adults? They’ll ask for seconds. It’s a universal crowd-pleaser.
- 🍽️ Meal Prep MVP: Make a huge batch and use them all week for salads, wraps, and lunches.
The Secret to MAX CRUNCH (No Deep Fryer Needed)
You might be wondering, “How do you get them so crispy without a vat of oil?” The air fryer is the star, but these pro-tips are the supporting actors that guarantee a standing ovation:
- THE PAT-DOWN: Seriously, dry those chicken breasts off with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crunch. Get rid of it!
- THE DOUBLE DIP: A classic flour-egg-breadcrumb station is non-negotiable for that perfect, shatteringly crisp coating. Don’t skip steps!
- DON’T CROWD THE BASKET: Give those tenders some personal space! If they’re all crammed in, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if you need to—it’s worth it.
- THE SPRAY: A light spritz of cooking oil or avocado oil spray on the breaded tenders is the final touch that guarantees golden-brown perfection.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: The Icing on the Tender
A tender is only as good as its dip. Here are some legendary pairings:
- Honey Mustard: The classic. Sweet, tangy, and perfect.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha. Thank me later.
- Buffalo Ranch: Combine your favorite buffalo wing sauce with cool, creamy ranch. A flavor explosion.
- Simple BBQ: You can never go wrong.
Alright, Let’s Get Cooking!
Your journey to the crispiest, juiciest chicken tenders of your life begins now. The recipe card below has everything you need. I’m telling you, once you try these, you’ll never look at that big bag of frozen tenders the same way again.
Fire up that air fryer—it’s tendertime! 🎉
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (juicy strips with crunchy coating, kid-friendly)
Incredibly juicy and tender chicken strips with a super crunchy, golden-brown coating, all made with minimal oil in the air fryer. This healthier version is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or use regular breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, adds great flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil or use olive oil spray for misting
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the coating to stick properly.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour (mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper) in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread the Tenders: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it fully into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring an even, complete coating on all sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange and Cook: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly mist the tops of the tenders with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until the coating is deep golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes on a cooling rack after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the coating to stay extra crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
🔹 Don’t Skip the Preheat: A hot air fryer is key to getting a crispy crust without drying out the chicken.
🔹 Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the tenders instead of making them crispy.
🔹 For Extra Crispiness: Lightly spraying the breaded tenders with oil before cooking is essential for that perfect golden color and crunch.
🔹 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
🔹 Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the tenders instead of making them crispy.
🔹 For Extra Crispiness: Lightly spraying the breaded tenders with oil before cooking is essential for that perfect golden color and crunch.
🔹 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 42gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 18mg
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Made this recipe? TAG ME on Instagram @AirFry24! I live for seeing your crispy creations. Now go enjoy your well-deserved crunch fest!
