Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover how to make healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with this easy recipe. These tenders come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to a perfect blend of marinade and breadcrumb coating. Ideal for any meal, they offer a delicious and nutritious option!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

resting time 30

Total Time 48

Servings servings

Calories 242

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

1 lb. Chicken Tenders
2 tbsp Hot Sauce
1 tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs
¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
3 tsp All-Purpose Flour
2 Eggs beaten
Salt to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinating and Crumb Coating Chicken Tenders

In a bowl, combine beaten eggs, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything thoroughly to create your marinade.
Place the chicken tenders into the bowl with the marinade. Mix well to ensure each tender is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
In a shallow tray, mix Italian breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs. The Italian breadcrumbs are already seasoned, but if you desire an extra flavor boost, you can add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and Italian herbs to taste.
Dredge each marinated tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a good coat. This helps achieve a crispy and crunchy exterior when air-fried.

Air Frying Chicken Tenders

Start by preheating your Air Fryer. Open the basket, lightly spray it with oil, and set the temperature to 400°F. Preheat for about 5 minutes. Keep in mind that preheating times can vary depending on your air fryer model, so you might want to check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.
After preheating, place the crumb-coated chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Ensure there is space around each tender to allow for even air circulation, which helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
Close the basket and cook the tenders at 400°F for 8 minutes, pausing halfway through the cooking time.
Halfway through, open the air fryer and flip each tender using tongs. You can spray them again with oil if you prefer for extra crispiness.
Close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining time. Once the air fryer beeps, press the cancel button and open the basket. Your chicken tenders should now be crispy and ready to enjoy.

Serving

Serve these healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with couscous, quinoa, roasted veggies, or your favorite dipping sauces for a wholesome meal. Looking for more pairing ideas? Check out our serving suggestions section below for additional inspiration.

Notes

Here are my handy tips to ensure perfectly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders every time:

Infuse the Flavors: Marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to soak the meat with delicious flavors and ensure it becomes juicy and succulent when cooked.
Bread Crumb Coating: For that irresistible crispy crunch on the outside with a juicy inside, I coat the tenders with breadcrumbs. If you prefer them without a crispy exterior, try my baked chicken tenders marination method.
Spritz with Oil: Even if using breadcrumbs, a light spritz of oil can help achieve an extra crispy texture. Use an oil spray to lightly coat the breaded tenders before starting the air fryer and again after flipping them.
Optimal Temperature: Chicken tenders cook quickly due to their size. I find that cooking them at 400°F for 8 minutes usually does the trick. Remember, the cooking time might vary based on the size and thickness of the tenders, so adjust accordingly.
Customize Your Seasoning: While I've kept the seasoning simple, don't hesitate to customize it to your tastes. Some of my favorite seasonings include lemon pepper, BBQ spice rub, chicken seasoning, and Cajun spice. Each of these can add a unique and flavorful twist to your tenders.
Let Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking. This not only helps them cool slightly, making them easier to handle, but also allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is as juicy as possible.
Safety First: Always check that the chicken tenders have reached an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer before eating. This is the safe consumption temperature recommended by the FDA to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Nutrition

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