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Okay, confession time: I am OBSESSED with getting that perfect combo of crispy outside and super juicy inside, especially with chicken tenders. And let me tell you, achieving restaurant-quality air fryer chicken tenders right in your own kitchen? Totally doable! I’m Catherine, and here at Unfold Recipes, we’re all about making those impressive dishes feel totally doable. Forget soggy or dry—we’re talking golden, perfectly seasoned bites that have that satisfying crunch without all the oil of deep frying. Trust me, these are going to be your new weeknight dinner go-to!
- Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Creation
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Seriously, these easy chicken tenders are my go-to for a reason! You get that amazing crispy coating and super juicy chicken without even turning on the deep fryer. It’s the best chicken tenders magic, plain and simple. Plus, they’re so quick, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You get all the deliciousness with a little less fuss and way less oil!
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Alright, listen up! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for these air fryer chicken tenders. It’s all about grabbing the right ingredients and doing a little something special with them. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice, bite-sized strips about an inch wide.
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs – we need that crunch!
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for that perfect base.
- 2 large eggs, beaten up good.
- 1 teaspoon salt to make everything pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a little kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, because, well, garlic!
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder to round things out.
- And a little cooking spray to help things along.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get these delicious air fryer chicken tenders ready to go! It’s a super straightforward process, honestly. Just a few little steps and you’ll be on your way to crispy, juicy perfection.
Preparing the Breading Station
First things first, we gotta set up our little assembly line for the breading. Grab three shallow dishes, like pie plates or even just sturdy bowls. In the first one, put your flour. In the second, whisk those eggs until they’re nice and frothy. And in the third, mix your panko breadcrumbs with all those yummy spices – the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. This makes sure every bite is seasoned!
Breading the Chicken
Now for the fun part! Take one chicken tender strip at a time. First, dredge it really well in the flour, making sure it’s coated all over and then shake off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture. You want to really coat it well, getting that panko stuck on there good and tight. For an extra-crispy coating, you can totally do a double dip: after the first panko coating, dip it back into the egg, then right back into the panko again. It’s a little extra work, but oh boy, is it worth it for that crunch!
Air Frying to Perfection
Time to get these beauties into the air fryer! Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C). It’s super important to preheat it – that hot air needs to be ready to go. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray so nothing sticks. Then, carefully arrange your breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Seriously, don’t pile them up! If you have too many, just pop them in a second batch. Overcrowding means they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Pop them in and air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a little shake or flip the tenders so they cook evenly on both sides. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color, and they’re cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Okay, we’ve talked about the steps, but let’s really dive into what makes these air fryer chicken tenders just *perfect*. You know, that extra little something that takes them from good to absolutely amazing. It really comes down to a few key things.
Achieving Extra Crispy Texture
Want that ultimate crunch? My secret is the double-dip! After you bread them the first time, give them a quick dip back into the egg and then another good coat of that seasoned panko. It builds up a thicker crust that gets super crispy in the air fryer. Also, make sure you really press that panko onto the chicken so it sticks well!
Ensuring Juicy Chicken
Nobody likes dry chicken, right? The best way to keep these tenders delightfully juicy is to not overcook them. Keep an eye on them during those last couple of minutes. If they look golden and an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F (74°C), they’re done! Also, try to cut your chicken breasts pretty evenly, so they all cook at the same rate. Using chicken breasts that aren’t super thin also helps.
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders are just begging to be dipped and devoured! They’re perfect on their own, of course, but they really shine with some fun sides. My favorites are some classic crispy french fries or sweet potato fries – you know, more crispy goodness because why not? A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is also lovely if you want something a little lighter. And for dipping sauces? Ketchup is always a winner, but a honey mustard or a creamy ranch really takes them to the next level. Get creative!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Even though these air fryer chicken tenders are so good, sometimes you end up with leftovers – which is totally fine! To store them, just let them cool down completely and then pop them into an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Now, reheating is where the magic happens to get them crispy again. Forget the microwave, please! It just makes them soggy. The best way is to pop them back into your air fryer. Just preheat it to around 375°F (190°C), arrange the tenders in a single layer, and heat them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re nice and hot and crispy again. You could also use a toaster oven or a regular oven at about 400°F (200°C) for a similar effect!
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Got questions about making these amazing air fryer chicken tenders? I totally get it! It’s a bit different from the usual way, but honestly, it’s so worth it. Let’s clear up a few things:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for these tenders?
You know what? Chicken thighs are awesome and super forgiving, meaning they stay extra juicy! You can totally use them for this recipe. Just cut them into similar strip sizes. They might need a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer because they have a bit more fat, but you’ll still get that delicious crispy coating. Go for it!
How do I make sure my chicken tenders don’t stick to the air fryer basket?
Ah, the dreaded sticky situation! The best trick is to give your air fryer basket a good spray with cooking spray *before* you put the chicken in. Panko can sometimes be a bit clingy. Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket – give those beauties some breathing room. For extra insurance, especially if your basket is older, you can buy perforated parchment liners made for air fryers. They let the air circulate but keep everything from sticking!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fryer chicken tenders and keep them crispy?
Okay, this is a big one! Definitely avoid the microwave – that’s a recipe for soggy sadness. The absolute best way is to pop them back into your air fryer. Just preheat it to about 375°F (190°C), lay the tenders in a single layer, and cook ’em for about 3-5 minutes. They’ll come back to life, crispy and delicious. A toaster oven or a regular oven works pretty well too if you don’t want to fire up the air fryer again!
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can definitely bread them ahead of time! If you bread them and then put them on a baking sheet in a single layer, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge, they’ll be ready to go right into the air fryer when you are. I wouldn’t bread them *too* far in advance, maybe just a few hours max, so the coating stays nice and crisp when they hit the hot air.
Nutritional Information
Just a little note about the nutrition numbers for these air fryer chicken tenders – they’re estimates, you know? What you end up with can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how thick you cut your chicken. So, think of them as a good guideline!
Share Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Creation
Okay, I *love* seeing what you all make! If you try these air fryer chicken tenders, please, please, PLEASE let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment below and tell me what you think. Did you double-dip? What sauce did you serve them with? And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media! Seeing your delicious creations makes my day!
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Tenders
Make juicy and crispy chicken tenders in your air fryer with this simple recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the flour.
- Dredge each chicken tender strip first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken tenders. Dip in egg, then panko, then egg again, and finally panko again.
- Ensure chicken tenders are fully coated in the panko mixture for the best texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken tenders and your specific air fryer model.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg