Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe – Healthy, Crispy

The Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders without deep frying. To make this recipe, start by seasoning chicken tenders with your favorite spices—garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work well. For an extra crispy texture, dip each tender in beaten egg, then coat it in breadcrumbs or panko. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through. The result is perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty snack.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe – Healthy, Crispy & Delicious

Air fryer chicken tenders are a healthier and quicker alternative to the traditional fried chicken tenders, offering a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior without the need for excess oil. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, a quick lunch, or as a satisfying snack. The air fryer allows you to achieve that classic deep-fried texture with just a fraction of the oil, making it a great option for those looking to cut back on fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make air fryer chicken tenders, along with nutritional information, tips, and variations to suit your taste.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 6-8 pieces)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for a lighter option)
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking. You can trim any excess fat or tendons if necessary.
2. Set Up Dredging Station: Set up a three-part dredging station. In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the chicken.
5. Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on the chicken tenders to help them crisp up. Arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
6. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps retain their juiciness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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Nutrition:

• Calories per serving (1 tender): Approximately 200-220 calories (depending on the size of the tenders and the amount of oil used).
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

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Cuisines: American, Comfort Food, Healthy, Fast Food

Course: Main Course, Snack

Servings: 4-6 servings

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Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• 3 shallow bowls (for dredging)
• Tongs or a fork
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful for checking the internal temperature)

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your chicken tenders an extra crunchy coating.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air circulation is key to getting crispy tenders. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. If you have a large batch, cook them in batches.
3. Spray or Drizzle Oil for Crispiness: Although the air fryer requires less oil than deep frying, adding a light spray of oil will help create that golden, crispy exterior. Olive oil works well, but you can also use avocado oil or a non-stick cooking spray.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
5. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. You can try adding parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture, or use a mix of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve your chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup for extra flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair these crispy tenders with sides like a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

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Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

The air fryer has revolutionized cooking by allowing you to enjoy crispy foods with significantly less fat than deep frying. By using the air fryer to make chicken tenders, you get the same crispy texture you love, but without the mess and excess oil. Additionally, the air fryer cooks food faster than traditional ovens, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Not only is this recipe healthier, but it’s also easier and quicker to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

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Conclusion:

Air fryer chicken tenders are an easy and healthier way to enjoy this classic comfort food without compromising on taste or texture. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make a batch of crispy, tender chicken tenders that are perfect for dipping and serving with your favorite sides. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this air fryer recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.