Description
Crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer emerge as a perfect weeknight meal solution. Crunchy breading and juicy interior make these tenders irresistible for both kids and adults craving satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to maximize potential for crispy texture.
- Seasoning: Massage a vibrant spice blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder thoroughly into the chicken’s surface for deep flavor infusion.
- Breading Process: Create a strategic coating station with whisked eggs and seasoned breadcrumbs, dipping each tender first into eggs, then rolling comprehensively in breadcrumb mixture to ensure complete coverage.
- Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, strategically positioning tenders in a single, non-overlapping layer to promote optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Cooking Technique: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, executing a precise mid-cycle flip to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispness and consistent internal temperature.
- Safety Check: Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure complete doneness and food safety.
- Resting and Serving: Allow tenders to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution, then plate immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.
Notes
- Maximize Moisture Removal: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess and boost crispy texture.
- Ensure Even Seasoning: Massage spice blend thoroughly into chicken surface, distributing flavors uniformly for maximum taste impact.
- Prevent Breading Clumping: Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken, avoiding thick patches that might create uneven, heavy coating.
- Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked tenders without drying out meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg