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.
Equipment
- 3 Shallow Bowls (for Breading Station)
- Tongs
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
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
