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A plate of crispy, air fryer chicken tenders with a small bowl of dipping sauce on a marble countertop.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is super simple to make and packed with delicious flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer during game night. It's a great way to satisfy your craving for something savory and crunchy without the hassle of traditional frying. Whether you're cooking for the family or just treating yourself, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken tenders
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 316kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 egg beaten
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch thick slices. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
    2 chicken breasts, Salt and pepper
  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, panko, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
    ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Prepare the breading station with the flour in one bowl, the egg in another bowl and the breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
    ½ cup flour, 1 egg
  • Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then in the egg and lastly in the breadcrumbs.
  • Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the chicken tenders. Spray them with a little oil (optional).
    cooking spray
  • Bake in the air fryer at 355°F/180ºC for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy your air fryer chicken tenders with a mayo mustard dipping sauce (optional).

Notes

  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: For the best results, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This helps achieve a more even and crispy coating.
  • Do Not Overcrowd: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space in between each tender. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
  • Use Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil on the chicken tenders before cooking can help mimic that beloved deep-fried texture without all the oil.
  • Flip Halfway Through: For an even crisp on both sides, flip your chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time.
  • Check Doneness: Ensure your chicken tenders are cooked through by checking their internal temperature. They should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. The flavors can mellow a bit during cooking, so a little extra can go a long way.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different spices to the breadcrumb mix, like cayenne pepper for a kick or some Italian seasoning for an herby touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Cool: Before storing any leftovers, allow your chicken tenders to cool completely to avoid condensation building up inside the container.
  • Refrigerate: Store the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the Air Fryer: To get them crispy again, reheat your chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. This method helps retain the crispy texture much better than the microwave.
  • Freezing: If you want to keep your chicken tenders for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and cooked directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 3mg
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