Dip each chicken strip into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between each tender for the air to circulate, ensuring crispiness.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices inside the chicken.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tip: Serve these air fryer chicken tenders with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a veggie platter for a balanced meal. They also make great appetizers for parties or gatherings.
Storing: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tip: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You can also reheat them in the oven, but the air fryer works best for restoring crispiness.
Variants:
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are also gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available for extra crunch.
Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a little heat by mixing cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture, or marinate the chicken in a bit of hot sauce before coating.
Parmesan-Crusted: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy, extra crispy finish. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan on top of the tenders halfway through cooking.
Baked Chicken Tenders: If you prefer to bake the chicken tenders, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer? A: Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, you can air fry them directly without thawing. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I skip the breadcrumbs and still get crispy chicken tenders? A: The breadcrumbs are essential for getting the crispy texture, but you can substitute them with crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or even almond meal for a different crunch.
Q: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can coat the chicken tenders and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before air frying.
Q: Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and can add a richer flavor to your tenders. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are thicker.
Q: How can I make these tenders healthier? A: To make these tenders even healthier, you can skip the flour and use only the egg wash and breadcrumbs. You can also reduce the amount of oil spray used or opt for an air fryer model that requires less oil.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a convenient and healthy way to enjoy a crispy, delicious meal without the mess of deep frying. This recipe allows you to enjoy comfort food at its best—without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or preparing snacks for a gathering, these tenders will be a crowd-pleaser every time!
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