These air-fried chicken tenders are a hit at our home! Golden, steaming, and crunchy, paired with your go-to dipping sauce!
Whoa. We Absolutely Adore These.
Everyone in our household gives these chicken tenders a solid 5 stars. We all truly enjoy them.
Having chicken tenders for dinner really is a fantastic meal idea:
- a platter of piping hot, crispy, expertly breaded chicken tenders
- everyone chooses their preferred sauce
- whatever random vegetables are lingering in the fridge (a fun salad, frozen mixed veggies, or simply a plate of fresh veggies, which we do quite often!)
Consider these favorite sauces: honey mustard, gochujang sauce, yum yum sauce, or just the usual store-bought ones – ranch, ketchup, etc. My husband has been mixing ranch with hot sauce lately, and it’s a game changer. It’s fantastic.
I’m not the kind of person who gets thrilled about the whole dredge and dip process, but I recently acquired these pans that significantly enhance the experience. (Plus, I utilize them to store the breaded chicken prior to baking, or any leftover chicken, if we have any.) They are truly a NICE quality product. They make me feel like I have everything under control.
And regarding leftovers, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these 1-2 days later with a quick reheat in the air fryer. Crisped and golden once again.
Hope you adore these (I mean, it’s hard not to). 🙂
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Total Time:
25 minutesYield:
6 servings (about 12 total tenders) 1x
Description
These air-fried chicken tenders are a hit at our home! Golden, steaming, and crunchy, paired with your go-to dipping sauce!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Instructions
- Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Bowl 1: Mix the flour, salt, and ranch seasoning together.
Bowl 2: Combine the milk and vinegar; let it stand for 5 minutes (you’re preparing a kind of “buttermilk”). Add eggs and hot sauce; whisk until blended.
Bowl 3: Mix the breadcrumbs with the seasoning blend. - Flatten Chicken Tenderloins: Gently smash each chicken tenderloin a few times on a cutting board using the flat side of a knife (watch the video). You want them to be a bit flattened or fanned out.
- Time to Coat: Dip each chicken tenderloin in flour; shake off the excess. Then, dip in the buttermilk mixture; allow any excess to drip off. Finally, coat in the breadcrumbs, flipping and pressing gently a few times to ensure the entire surface is covered. Set aside and repeat the process with all the chicken tenderloins.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place as many as you can fit into the air fryer in a single layer (mine usually accommodates 6 at once). Generously spray with avocado oil spray until the surface is lightly moistened with oil – this helps achieve that evenly golden brown, fried appearance.
- Cook and Serve: Air fry at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes. They should be golden brown on the outside, and the inside should be around 165-180 degrees. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce! DELICIOUS!
Equipment
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Notes
Seasonings: If you don’t have the seasonings or choose not to use them, simply add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and some freshly ground pepper to both the flour and breadcrumb mixes, and they’ll taste fantastic. However, I LOVE a full flavor profile, and I believe using both ranch seasoning and rotisserie chicken seasoning really enhances the taste, so that’s my favored method!
Hot Sauce: This is optional; it’s just added for flavor and a slight kick, but it won’t be spicy! I promise. My kids wouldn’t allow me to share this if the chicken tenders had any heat. 😉
Breadcrumbs: I’ve tried various types of breadcrumbs, but my favorites are Trader Joe’s or Progresso plain breadcrumbs for this recipe. Trader Joe’s breadcrumbs are a bit coarser than Progresso’s, but both perform great. In the pictures, I actually used half of each since I ran out of my TJ’s ones! So I had to go half and half, and it turned out wonderfully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, chicken tenders recipe, homemade chicken tenders, air fryer recipe
More Really Great Air Fryer Recipes
Title: How to Create Crispy Chicken Tenders Using an Air Fryer
Introduction:
Chicken tenders are a cherished dish for many, combining juicy meat with a crunchy exterior. By using an air fryer, you can attain that delightful crispiness without excessive oil, rendering it a healthier option than traditional frying techniques. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare crispy chicken tenders using an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
– Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
2. **Establish the Breading Station:**
– In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour mixed with a dash of salt and pepper.
– In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly combined.
– In the third bowl, blend the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. **Coat the Chicken:**
– Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, making sure it is completely coated. Shake off any extra flour.
– Submerge the floured chicken strip in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
– Finally, cover the chicken strip in the breadcrumb blend, gently pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere firmly.
4. **Preheat the Air Fryer:**
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes.
5. **Cook the Chicken Tenders:**
– Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with some oil to avoid sticking.
– Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for consistent cooking.
– Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to assist in crisping them up.
6. **Air Fry the Chicken:**
– Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking duration. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. **Serve and Relish:**
– Once cooked, take the chicken tenders out of the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
– Serve with your preferred dipping sauces and sides.
Conclusion:
Crafting crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer is a straightforward and healthier way to relish this classic dish. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, these tenders are ideal for a quick meal or a delightful snack. Try out various seasonings and breadcrumb kinds to personalize the flavor to your preference. Enjoy your crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders!