Craving a quick and delicious meal? These air fryer chicken tenders are the answer! Juicy chicken coated in a crispy breading, cooked to perfection without the excess oil. Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish that’s healthier and equally satisfying.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup bread crumbs
– 1/2 cup flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe): Calories: 320, Protein: 30g, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fat: 10g. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for bread crumbs mixed with seasonings.
3. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off the excess.
5. Dip the floured tender in the beaten eggs, coating evenly.
6. Roll the tender in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
7. Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
8. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
9. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
10. Once golden brown, remove from the air fryer and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts cut into strips. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives. Additionally, you can experiment with various seasonings to customize the flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These air fryer chicken tenders are perfect with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch. Serve alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.
- Not preheating the air fryer may result in less crispy tenders.
- Skipping the cooking spray can make the tenders less crispy.
- Using wet hands when breading can cause the coating to fall off.
- Not seasoning the chicken properly may result in bland flavor.
- Flipping the tenders too early may cause them to break apart.
- Not monitoring the cooking time can lead to overcooking.
Helpful Tips
- Try marinating the chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the breading mix.
- Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, like panko, for varied texture.
- Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C).
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
It’s best to use fresh chicken tenderloins for this recipe. Frozen tenders may not cook evenly in the air fryer. If using frozen, adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I make them spicier?
Add spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mix. You can also serve with spicy dipping sauces for an extra kick.
Can I use other meats?
Yes! This recipe works well with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even turkey. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the meat.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Popular choices include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and buffalo sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Can I reheat them in the microwave?
While you can reheat them in the microwave, the air fryer gives the best result for maintaining crispiness. If using the microwave, do so for a short time to avoid sogginess.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With their crispy coating and juicy interior, they’re perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customize, they are sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy them with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a delicious meal!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs mixed with seasonings.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each tender in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and roll in bread crumbs.
- Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.