Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Healthier

Craving crispy, golden chicken tenders without the guilt of deep frying? This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is the perfect solution! These tenders are juicy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and made with minimal oil for a healthier version of the classic favorite.

Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken tenders are quick, easy, and a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even meal prep. Whether you dip them in ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard, you’ll love the satisfying crunch with every bite.

Let’s fire up the air fryer and make these irresistible chicken tenders!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Healthier Alternative:
   Made with minimal oil, these tenders are a healthier take on the deep-fried classic.
2. Quick and Easy:
   With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
3. Super Crispy Texture:
   Thanks to the air fryer, you get perfectly crispy tenders without the mess of frying.
4. Family-Friendly:
   Kids and adults alike will love these tenders, making them a great option for family dinners or snacks.
5. Customizable:
   You can easily tweak the seasonings or breadcrumbs to suit your taste.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create crispy, juicy tenders:

1. Chicken Tenders

• Use fresh or thawed chicken tenders. You can also slice chicken breasts into strips if tenders aren’t available.

2. All-Purpose Flour

• Flour helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken, forming the base for the crispy coating.

3. Eggs

• Beaten eggs act as the binder, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken evenly.

4. Panko Breadcrumbs

• Panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy coating. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch.

5. Seasonings

• A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika adds flavor to the coating.

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Optional Add-ins and Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
• Cheesy Coating: Mix grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs as substitutes.
• Herb Blend: Add dried parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor.

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How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy chicken tenders:

Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Stations

• Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

• Dip each chicken tender into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tenders

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips:

• Fries: Serve with French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.
• Veggie Sticks: Pair with carrot and celery sticks for a light, fresh side.
• Salad: Add the tenders to a green salad for a crispy protein boost.
• Dips: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, ketchup, or sriracha mayo for dipping.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the tenders cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the tenders in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from crisping up.
3. Use Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil helps the tenders turn golden and crispy.
4. Flip Halfway: Flipping ensures even browning on both sides of the tenders.
5. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).