Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Golden crispy chicken strips with a crunchy crust, air-fried for a healthier twist.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Egg Mixture
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp water
→ Flour Coating
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
→ Cooking
12 - Olive oil cooking spray
# Directions:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs and water in the second, and combined panko, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
03 - Pat chicken strips dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
04 - Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by pressing into the breadcrumb mixture to adhere thoroughly.
05 - Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip tenders, spray again with olive oil, then continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove tenders and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're so much lighter than fried versions but still deliver that addictive crunch you crave.
- The whole process is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for unexpected guests.
- You can season the breadcrumbs however you like, turning this into a completely different meal every time.
02 -
- Don't skip the oil spray, even though it's an air fryer. Without it, the breadcrumbs stay pale and never get that satisfying crunch.
- If your tenders are uneven in size, pull out the smaller ones early so nothing overcooks.
03 -
- Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken like you mean it, loose coating falls off in the basket.
- Let the tenders rest for a minute after breading before you put them in the air fryer, it helps everything set.