Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy dinner or kid-friendly meal. Coated in a flavorful Panko breading, they cook up golden brown and delicious in just minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 cups seasoned Panko breadcrumbs (or plain with 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an extra savory twist!)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs whisked
- Light cooking spray
- Minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Gently pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better! Then, sprinkle them evenly with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you're using Parmesan cheese, stir it into this mixture now.
- Set Up Your Coating Station: Grab two more shallow bowls. Put the all-purpose flour in one and the whisked eggs in the other. You should now have three bowls: flour, eggs, and your flavorful breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat Each Tender: Take one chicken tender at a time. First, dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs, letting any extra drip away. Finally, press it firmly into the Panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's well coated on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 330°F (165°C). Let it preheat for a few minutes while you finish coating the tenders.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray. Carefully place them in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it (you'll likely need to cook them in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). For extra even crispiness, you can flip them halfway through cooking.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, transfer your perfectly crispy air fryer chicken tenders to a plate. Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite healthy dipping sauce!
Notes
Enjoy these crispy chicken tenders as a main course or a snack with your favorite dipping sauce! Remember to cook in batches to ensure even crispiness.
Nutrition per serving: 449 kcal Calories, 31g Total Carbs, 13g Fats, 49g Protein.
