Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
In short: Chicken tenders breaded in seasoned panko and air fried until golden, juicy and crunchy, with far less oil than deep frying. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 400 kcal
Crispy chicken tenders are the dinner that rarely gets refused. In the air fryer the crumb turns golden and crunchy with just a little oil mixed into it, and the chicken stays juicy in about ten minutes. A classic three-step breading of flour, egg and panko gives a coating that stays on the meat. Serve the tenders with fries or salad and a few dipping sauces, and make extra for lunchboxes.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Dry meat helps the coating stick.
- Stir the flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the pepper together in a shallow dish. Put the beaten eggs in a second dish.
- In a third dish, mix the panko with the oil, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, rubbing with your fingers until the crumbs look evenly damp.
- Coat each tender in flour and shake off the excess, dip in egg, then press firmly into the crumbs. Rest the coated tenders on a plate for 5 minutes.
- Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Arrange the tenders in a single layer with space between them, cooking in two batches.
- Cook for 6 minutes, turn them over, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes more until deep golden. The center should read at least 74°C (165°F).
- Serve hot with dipping sauces of your choice.
Tips
- Mixing oil into the crumbs is what browns them without spraying. Do not skip it, or the crumbs stay pale.
- For a spicy version, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne to the flour and serve with a honey and hot sauce dip.
Questions and answers
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Dry the chicken, coat in flour first, and press the crumbs on firmly. Resting the coated pieces for 5 minutes helps the coating set.
Can I freeze uncooked breaded tenders?
Yes. Freeze them on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes until they reach 74°C (165°F).
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes. Slice the breasts into strips of even thickness. Thicker pieces may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes.
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders?
About 400 kcal per serving, with 40 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 400 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
