Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer chicken tenders with a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior. This easy baking recipe uses simple ingredients and the power of hot circulating air to create perfectly crunchy chicken tenders with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2cm thick strips</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120g panko breadcrumbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried Italian herbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">3 shallow dishes for breading station</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which ensures your coating sticks well and helps achieve maximum crispiness. Set aside while you prepare the breading station. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a shallow dish, mix the flour, half the salt, and pepper. In a second dish, whisk the eggs until completely blended. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, and remaining salt. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Drizzle the olive oil over the panko mixture and use your fingers to toss until the crumbs are lightly coated. This extra step helps the breadcrumbs achieve that golden-brown color and crispiness that traditionally comes from deep frying. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3-5 minutes. Preheating creates an immediate high heat environment that starts crisping the exterior of the chicken as soon as it's placed inside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Working one at a time, dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place breaded tenders on a clean plate until all are coated. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Cook at 200°C for 6 minutes, then flip the tenders using tongs. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. The meat should be white throughout with no pink remaining. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> If cooking in batches, transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack instead of a plate to maintain crispiness. The air circulation underneath prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy from trapped steam. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders require chicken breast fillets, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, olive oil, and seasonings including garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients create a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

How to cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe by creating a three-step breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat dried chicken strips, place in a preheated air fryer at 200°C, and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 74°C.

Why are my chicken tenders not getting crispy in the air fryer?

If your tenders aren't crispy, you may be overcrowding the basket. Cook in single layers with space between pieces. Also, adding oil to the panko and spraying the tenders before cooking helps achieve crispiness. Ensure you're preheating the air fryer properly.

Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer! Adjust the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes at 200°C, flipping halfway. For best results, give them a light spray with oil before cooking to help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

What dipping sauces pair best with crispy chicken tenders?

Classic pairings include honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, and buffalo sauce. For something different, try sweet chilli sauce, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or even a maple-dijon blend. Homemade sauces often taste better and can be customised to your preference.

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