Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable View)
Golden, juicy chicken tenders with a crunchy crust, made healthier using the air fryer for quick meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
→ Breading
02 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp paprika
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Egg Wash
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
→ Coating
09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first; whisk eggs and milk in the second; mix panko and plain breadcrumbs with olive oil in the third, tossing to coat evenly.
03 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
04 - Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
05 - Dip floured chicken strips into the egg wash.
06 - Press chicken strips thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coating on all sides.
07 - Place breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
08 - Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
09 - Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crust stays impossibly crispy while the meat remains juicy inside, no deep frying required
- My kids actually cheered when I started making these weekly, and theyre getting restaurant quality results in under 30 minutes
02 -
- Crowding the basket is the fastest way to soggy tenders, so cook in batches if needed
- That internal temperature of 74°C is non-negotiable for safety, but an instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out
03 -
- Letting the breaded chicken sit for 10 minutes before cooking helps the coating set better
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out 20 minutes before starting