Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Air fryer chicken tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the crispy texture of fried chicken with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. These tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack that kids and adults will love. The air fryer ensures they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without the excess oil.
Chicken tenders made in an air fryer are not only a healthier alternative to traditional frying, but they also cook faster and with less mess. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious fried chicken without the guilt or hassle. The recipe is straightforward and allows for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken tenders.
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste and texture. Chicken tenders provide a tender and juicy base, while Panko bread crumbs add a unique crunch. The egg and buttermilk mixture helps the breading adhere to the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Spices like paprika and garlic powder infuse the tenders with rich flavor, while salt and black pepper balance and enhance the overall taste.
If you need to substitute ingredients, there are several options available. Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier version. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use a plant-based milk in place of buttermilk. Additionally, gluten-free Panko can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
To ensure a smooth and efficient breading process, set up three wide, shallow bowls or pie plates. Fill the first dish with flour, which helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This mixture not only adds flavor but also acts as a glue for the Panko bread crumbs. Place the Panko bread crumbs in the third dish, ready to create a crunchy exterior.
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the flour stick better. Next, coat each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured tenders into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully covered. Let any excess egg mixture drip off before coating the tenders in Panko bread crumbs. Press the bread crumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the tenders start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, resulting in a crispier texture. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip each tender and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F and the tenders are golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Ensure Even Breading
Pat chicken tenders dry before breading.
Press Panko firmly onto the tenders.
Tips for Crispy and Golden-Brown Chicken Tenders
Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t skip preheating the air fryer.
Ensure tenders are coated evenly with flour, egg mixture, and bread crumbs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for best results.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Yes, but they may require a longer cooking time. Ensure they are fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.
How Do I Know When the Chicken Tenders are Fully Cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders in the Oven Instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. For a complete meal, serve them alongside fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or classic sides like French fries and coleslaw. Beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer can complement the meal perfectly.
Variations and Customizations
For a spicier version of these chicken tenders, add cayenne pepper to the egg mixture or use a spicy Panko blend. For those who need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour and Panko with gluten-free alternatives. To make the recipe more kid-friendly, reduce the spices or omit them entirely, letting the natural flavor of the chicken shine through.
Air fryer chicken tenders are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Try this recipe for a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a complete and delightful dining experience.
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds chicken tenders
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
2 large eggs
¼ cup buttermilk
½ cup all-purpose flour, or whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
â…› teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Set up three wide, shallow bowls or pie plates for the breading process. Fill the first dish with flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended. Place the Panko bread crumbs in the third dish.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
Begin by coating each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tenders into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tenders evenly with the Panko bread crumbs.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F and achieves a light golden brown color. Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Set up three wide, shallow bowls or pie plates for the breading process. Fill the first dish with flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended. Place the Panko bread crumbs in the third dish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
- Begin by coating each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tenders into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tenders evenly with the Panko bread crumbs.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F and achieves a light golden brown color. Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces.