There’s something universally appealing about chicken tenders. Whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a game night, the crispy, golden goodness of chicken tenders never fails to delight. With the invention of the air fryer, you can now enjoy perfectly cooked chicken tenders that are not only delicious but also healthier compared to traditional frying methods.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a dish: they are crispy, tender, and incredibly easy to prepare. The air fryer cooks the chicken by circulating hot air, resulting in that classic crunch we all crave without the added oil and calories from deep frying. This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delectable tenders in no time. Plus, you can customize the seasoning and dipping sauces to suit your tastes. Whether you’re creating a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders will leave you and your guests satisfied.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
To create your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 chicken tenders (approximately 1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Directions
Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly crispy and golden every time:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken tenders with kosher salt and black pepper. This initial step enhances the flavor of the chicken, establishing a great base for the rest of the recipe.
Set Up Breading Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. This will act as the binding agent for your breadcrumbs.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and seasoned panko. Mix them well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Bread the Chicken: Take a chicken tender and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely covered. Gently shake off any excess egg before transferring the chicken to your breadcrumb mixture. Coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure adherence. Place the coated chicken on a large dish or cutting board. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders.
Oil the Chicken: To achieve that beautiful golden crispiness, spray both sides of the breaded chicken tenders generously with olive oil spray. This step is vital, as it helps create a crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F. Preheating ensures that the chicken begins cooking immediately, locking in moisture and flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them over and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. You will know they are done when they are cooked through and the exterior is crispy and golden.
Serve with Lemon Wedges: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The bright acidity of the lemon enhances the flavors of the chicken and adds a refreshing touch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. You can serve them as a delicious main dish accompanied by your choice of side dishes, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. They also make excellent snacks or appetizers for game nights or parties. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce, to enhance the flavor further. Placing the tenders on a platter with lemon wedges not only makes for an appealing presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to complement each bite.
Expert Tips: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
To ensure that your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders turn out as perfectly as possible, consider these expert tips:
Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen. Fresh chicken will cook more evenly and maintain its juiciness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches may take a little longer, but this ensures that each chicken tender gets enough hot air circulation to become perfectly crisp.
Adjust Cooking Time for Size: If your chicken tenders are particularly large or thick, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Try Different Breading: Feel free to experiment with various types of breadcrumbs or seasonings. Adding spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne can give your chicken tenders a unique flavor twist.
Check Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can help you ensure they are perfectly cooked.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you have any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (though that might be a challenge!), storing them properly will ensure they remain delicious for your next meal. Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Variation of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can easily switch things up to keep mealtimes exciting. Here are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Herbed Chicken Tenders: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the breading for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy Chicken Tenders: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders: Replace half of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Vegetable-Infused Tenders: Blend finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the breadcrumbs for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQ: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Can you use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?
While fresh chicken tenders yield the best results, you can use frozen ones if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This can save time on busy evenings.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 pieces chicken tenders (approximately 1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In another bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs and seasoned panko.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place on a dish.
- Spray both sides of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!