Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Perfectly Crunchy and Juicy
Are you craving something crispy and delicious? These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution! They are golden-brown on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
In addition to being quick and easy, this recipe is healthier than traditional frying methods. The air fryer uses hot air to achieve that perfect crunch, reducing the need for excess oil. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these chicken tenders will impress everyone at the table.
So, let’s get started and bring some deliciousness to your kitchen!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer achieves a perfectly crispy coating without deep frying, giving you that satisfying crunch with less oil.
- Juicy Chicken: The air frying process keeps the chicken tender and juicy on the inside, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 20 minutes, these chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
- Healthier Alternative: With significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, these tenders are a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is easy to prepare and doesn't require special equipment.
- Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great option for family meals or gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, with dipping sauces, or as part of a larger meal, making them adaptable to any occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer is easy to clean, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast - Fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts are used for their lean protein and tender texture, ensuring juicy tenders.
- Breadcrumbs - Provides a crispy coating that helps achieve that satisfying crunch. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture!
- Egg - Acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for an even coating and preventing them from falling off during cooking.
- Flour - A light dusting of flour helps create a barrier, ensuring the chicken stays juicy inside while achieving a crispy outside.
- Seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder) - Enhances the flavor of the chicken, making each bite savory and delicious. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices!
- Cooking Spray (optional) - A light spray of oil helps the coating become golden brown and crispy without using a lot of excess fat.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Panko’s larger flakes create a crunchier coating.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Season both the chicken and the breadcrumb mixture to enhance flavor throughout.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking helps achieve a crispy coating and reduces cooking time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy tenders.
- Flip Halfway Through: For even crispiness, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get nicely browned.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist.
- Experiment with Dips: Pair your chicken tenders with various dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for added flavor and variety.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
More Recipes You’ll Like…
Are you craving something crispy and delicious? These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution! They are golden-brown on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (approximately 450 grams)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (about 100 grams)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (about 60 grams)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- Cooking Spray (as needed)
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips, about 1 inch wide.
- Set Up Breading Station
In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading station:
- In the first bowl, add the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.
- In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs (and garlic powder if using).
- Bread the Chicken
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- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Finally, coat the chicken strip with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Set aside on a plate.
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- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange in Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the Tenders
Cook the chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Tenders
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve
Serve your crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- Calories from Fat 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.