Description
Achieve perfectly crispy chicken tenders using your air fryer with minimal oil. This healthier cooking method delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenderloins or cut chicken breast strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 to 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place beaten eggs in the second bowl. Put panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
3. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
4. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing extra to drip off.
5. Press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage. Place breaded tenders on a plate.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Spray the basket with cooking spray.
8. Arrange tenders in a single layer without touching, working in batches if necessary.
9. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
10. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Notes
Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is essential for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
The cooking spray step is crucial. Spray both before and after flipping to ensure the coating crisps properly rather than staying floury.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce.
These tenders also work beautifully sliced over salads or tucked into sandwiches and wraps.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American