Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite. These golden, crunchy strips are seasoned with flavorful spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and low-fat milk until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Step 5: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
6. Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil to encourage crisping.
7. Step 7: Cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal or snack.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
• Try swapping whole-wheat breadcrumbs for panko crumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tenders at 425°F on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper breading adhesion. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?

Classic options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Coated in a flavorful mix of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these tenders are air-fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. Perfect as a snack or meal, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken

• 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Coating

• 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk

For Cooking

• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and low-fat milk until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the whole-wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly blended.
5. Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides well.
6. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray to promote crispiness.
7. Air Fry: Cook the tenders at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety.
• If you don’t have whole-wheat breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted but will alter the nutritional profile slightly.
• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken strips by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb step.
• If you prefer, swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
• These tenders can be frozen before air frying; freeze on a single layer and then cook straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, air fryer chicken, healthy chicken tenders, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan crusted chicken, easy chicken recipes