Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Description
To make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, chicken tenderloins are first seasoned with salt and pepper. They are then dredged in a flour mixture containing garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder, dipped in beaten eggs, and coated in a panko breadcrumb blend with finely chopped chives. Spraying both sides with cooking spray before air frying helps achieve a crisp exterior.
The tenders cook at 375˚F in the air fryer for about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through for even browning. Grinding panko breadcrumbs to a finer texture improves mouthfeel and helps the coating adhere better. The coating stays intact and crisps nicely without excessive oil.
This recipe produces tenders with a flavorful, crunchy crust and tender interior. It serves approximately 10 tenders, with each serving being about three tenders. The herbs in the breadcrumb mixture add brightness. Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing crispiness.
Use parchment paper lined trays to freeze coated tenders individually before bagging for storage up to 3 months. Frozen tenders can be air fried from frozen with adjusted cooking times. To maintain the crunch, spray frozen tenders well before cooking and avoid overcrowding. Flipping during cooking ensures even browning.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken tenderloin
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 egg large, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (further ground in food processor)
- 1 tablespoon chives plus more for garnish, thinly sliced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow dish combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika and onion powder.
- In another shallow dish combine panko and chives.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip tenders in beaten eggs. Shake off any excess.
- Finally dredge tenders in panko mixture, pressing the tenders into the panko mixture on both sides to ensure the tenders are fully covered in breadcrumbs.
- Generously spray both sides of each tender with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 375˚F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add 4 to 5 chicken tenders to air fryer (depending on air fryer basket size) and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip each tender and continue to air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until tenders have cooked through and are golden brown on the outside.
- Remove tenders from air fryer basket and repeat step 9 with remaining chicken tenders.
- Serve chicken tenders with dipping sauces of choice.
Notes
- This recipe yields 10 chicken tenders; a serving size is approximately 3 and one-third tenders.
- To freeze, fully coat tenders, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen tenders in the air fryer at 375˚F, spraying them and the basket with cooking spray, flipping halfway through.
- Use panko breadcrumbs ground finer in a food processor for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Press the panko coating firmly onto chicken to help it adhere during cooking and prevent flaking.
- Spray both tenders and air fryer basket with cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking.
- Flip tenders halfway through the air frying process for even cooking and color.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 434 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 434kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 216mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 384mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 772mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 580IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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