Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
9 mins
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Total Time
39 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
295 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe produces chicken tenders with a crispy, crunchy coating achieved through air frying after marinating the chicken in pickle juice, which helps in tenderizing and adding subtle flavor. The breading combines all-purpose flour with spices including paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and a touch of powdered sugar for a lightly sweet contrast. The chicken is dipped in an egg and milk mixture before being coated in the seasoned flour to ensure even crispiness.
The air fryer cooks the tenders quickly at 360°F, allowing the coating to become golden and the chicken inside to remain moist. This preparation provides a less greasy alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing texture or flavor. Variations include adjusting the spice level with cayenne or swapping flour for gluten-free flour or panko.
Cooked tenders freeze well for up to three months and can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness. The recipe also offers an oven-baked option for those without an air fryer, maintaining a similar texture by baking at 400°F with flipping halfway through.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken tenderloin raw
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Breading for chicken tenders:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Marinate: Place chicken tenders in a bowl or ziplock bag with the pickle juice and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Make Breading: Add flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder to a ziplock bag.
- Prep Egg Mixture: Add milk, and egg to a separate bowl and mix together. Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from pickle marinade and add to the bowl with the egg mixture. Spoon out tenders, letting any excess egg mixture drip off, and place them in the ziplock bag with the dry seasonings. Seal and shake bag to evenly coat all of the chicken tenders.
- Air Fry: Spray the bottom of the fry basket with nonstick cooking spray. Take each tender from the bag, shaking it well to get rid of any excess flour, and place tenders in a single layer in the bottom of the fry basket (you will likely need to do two batches). Space them out so they don't stick together. Generously spray the top of each piece of chicken with cooking spray so that flour is not visible. Then flip the chicken over in the fry basket and spray the other side.
- Air Fry the chicken tenders at 360 for 6 minutes. Open air fryer, flip chicken tenders to the other side, spray tops again with cooking spray. Increase air fryer temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until crisp and cooked through. (Exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of your tenders, your air fryer, etc.).
Notes
- Cooked chicken tenders can be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer at 380°F until crispy.
- To reduce sugar, omit the powdered sugar from the breading and substitute wheat flour or panko for all-purpose flour for a healthier variant.
- For gluten-free tenders, replace the flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Increase heat by adding 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier flavor.
- To bake instead of air fry, coat chicken as usual and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then bake an additional 5-10 minutes until done.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 690mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 679mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 521IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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