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chicken tender being dipped in sauce
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a great mix of crunchy texture and flavor. With a juicy interior and perfectly seasoned coating, they’re a quick go-to for a delicious meal!
Course entree, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer chicken tenders
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 325kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders about 8-10 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Set up three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl, whisk the eggs in the second bowl, and add the panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Set the chicken tenders aside.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
  • Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Close the basket and cook the tenders for 4 minutes. Open the basket and spray the tenders, then flip them.
  • Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure space between tenders for even air circulation and optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
  • The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenders. Larger tenders will need a little longer of a cook time. 

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 737mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3mg