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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up stack of golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken tenders resting on a white plate.
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Make perfectly cooked, crispy chicken tenders in your air fryer. This easy recipe uses simple steps for a family-friendly, quick dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the breading stations. In the first shallow dish, place the flour mixed with half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Pat the chicken tender strips dry with paper towels. This step helps the breading stick and promotes crispiness.
  3. Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured strip into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  5. Press the strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating completely.
  6. Lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  8. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  9. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
  10. For extra crispiness, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray again after flipping.
  11. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond flour and the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • To make these low-calorie, use a light coating of flour and skip the flour dredge entirely if you prefer a less traditional coating.
  • If your tenders are sticking, make sure you spray the basket lightly with oil before placing the first batch in.
  • For the best results, ensure the chicken strips are uniform in size before breading.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/