Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Quick, and Kid-Approved!
Tired of boring dinners? These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights. Even better, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. This recipe is so easy, the whole family can get involved in making it. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to these irresistible, crowd-pleasing chicken tenders, one of our family’s favorite air fryer recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthier Option: Enjoy the crispy texture without all the oil.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed favorite with both kids and adults.
- Minimal Clean-Up: The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to relax.
- Versatile: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Air Fryer Meals: Kick start your air fryer dinner journey!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko for a gluten-free option)
- Olive oil spray
Substitutions: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Set up your breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer will steam the chicken instead of crisping it. Work in batches for best results.
- Spray with Oil: A light spray of olive oil spray helps the chicken tenders get extra crispy.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Variations:
If you are in the mood for easy healthy dinner options swap plain Greek yogurt for the egg wash, and coat in crushed corn flakes. To give the recipe a flavorful twist, add some ranch seasoning to the flour or breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Classic Combo: Serve with french fries and your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
- Healthy Option: Pair them with a fresh salad and roasted vegetables for an easy healthy dinner.
- Family Fun: Try them in wraps or sliders for a fun and interactive meal.
- Weeknight Comfort: Serve alongside mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a quick and satisfying easy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can! However, they may require a longer cooking time. Check the package instructions for specific recommendations. Making these into chicken nuggets might be a game changer for kids!. Adding this to your Air Fryer Meal plan can be a huge success!
Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
A: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can cause the breading to loosen.
Q: Can I use this recipe for other chicken cuts?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Are these air fryer recipes suitable for a cheap dinners for a family?
A: Definetly! Chicken is an economical meat that is universally enjoyed. Adding this great air fried recipe to your meal options for cheap dinner ideas will bring new flavors to your family dinining experience.
Q: Are these recipe considered to be crockpot meals ?
A: The air fryer is used to cook the chicken tenders in this recipe. However, there are many tasty options for crockpot meals. This recipe makes tasty tender chicken in an affordable way.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a total win! They are quick, easy, and can be adapted to meet your family’s preferences. I hope this recipe will become a new staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget those crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later! You can also subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes. Enjoy!
Happy Air Frying!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- 3 shallow dishes
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko for a gluten-free option)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Set up your breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
