Crispy Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe For Dinner

Sizzling, golden-brown air fryer chicken tenders dance with crispy perfection, promising a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

These tender morsels bring restaurant-quality crunch right to your kitchen without drowning in excess oil.

Seasoned with a delectable blend of spices, each bite delivers maximum flavor and irresistible texture.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a delightfully crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

You’ll love how quickly these chicken tenders come together, making them an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

A pinch of creativity and a dash of seasoning turn simple chicken into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both healthier and more delicious than traditional fried versions.

Dive into this simple recipe and get ready to become the dinner hero everyone raves about.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step

Crispy Chicken Adventure

• Chicken Preparation A quick pat-down with paper towels sets the stage for flavor magic. Season generously with your favorite spice blend for a taste explosion.
• Breading Excitement Create two separate zones: one with whisked eggs, another with a zesty blend of crunchy breadcrumbs and aromatic seasonings. This is where the transformation begins.
• Coating Technique Dive each tender into the egg bath, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. The key is complete coverage that promises a crunch in every bite.
• Air Fryer Setup Lightly mist the basket with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations and ensure a beautiful golden finish.
• Cooking Performance Arrange tenders in a single layer, giving each piece breathing room. Blast at high heat, flipping midway to guarantee an even, crispy exterior that'll make mouths water.
• Serving Celebration Pull out these golden beauties and pair with your favorite dipping sauce. A crowd-pleaser that works for any meal or snack moment.

Bonus Meal Prep Hack: Batch prepare by freezing breaded tenders. When hunger strikes, pop directly from freezer to air fryer, adding a few extra minutes for perfectly crisp results.

Tips for Perfect Breading & Crisping

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Seasoning Boost: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, ranch, or Italian seasoning mixed into your breadcrumb coating for extra flavor punch. Each blend adds a unique twist to your classic chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. These alternatives maintain the crispy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
• Protein Alternatives: Try this breading technique with turkey strips, fish fillets, or even tofu for a versatile recipe that works beyond chicken. Different proteins can create exciting meal variations.
• Dipping Sauce Adventure: Create homemade sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or herb-infused ranch to elevate your chicken tenders. Matching the right sauce can transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
• Texture Trick: For extra crunch, add finely grated parmesan cheese or crushed cornflakes to your breadcrumb mixture. These ingredients provide an additional layer of crispy goodness that takes your tenders to the next level.

Ideas for Serving These Tenders

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging these golden chicken tenders on a large wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo.
• Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack these crispy tenders with a fresh garden salad and quinoa for a balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout the afternoon without feeling weighed down.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner Delight: Transform dinner into a fun experience by cutting tenders into bite-sized pieces and serving with colorful vegetable sticks, letting children customize their meal with their favorite sauces.
• Movie Night Munchies: Prepare these chicken tenders as a crowd-pleasing snack during movie nights, setting up a DIY dipping station that allows everyone to mix and match flavors to their heart's content.

Storing Leftover Chicken Tenders Easily

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of chicken tenders and store extras in airtight containers. These delicious bites stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making quick lunches and dinners super convenient.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Layer uncooked breaded tenders between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for instant meal solutions. Cook directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect crispiness.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive leftover tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior better than microwave reheating, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Meal Prep Companion Ideas: Pair these tenders with pre-chopped salads, quinoa, or roasted vegetables prepared earlier in the week. Mix and match side dishes to create diverse meals without extensive daily cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender strips perfect for a quick and delightful meal that everyone will love. Choose fresh, uniformly sized tenders for even cooking and consistent texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that awaken the chicken's natural taste and create a robust flavor profile. Opt for freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Magical spices that add depth and warmth to the crispy coating. Select high-quality, fragrant spices for an extraordinary flavor boost.

• Eggs: Magical binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, airy crumbs that create an irresistibly crispy exterior with a delicate crunch. Look for Japanese-style panko for superior texture.
• Olive Oil Spray: Provides a golden, crisp finish without excessive oil. Choose a high-quality spray for even coverage and healthier cooking.

What Equipment You Need for This Recipe

• Air Fryer: Your key tool for crispy, golden chicken tenders without excessive oil.
• Shallow Dishes: Two are needed for egg wash and breadcrumb coating, making breading easy.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add garlic powder and paprika to breadcrumbs.
• Paper Towels: Essential for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Whisk or Fork: Perfect for beating eggs thoroughly and creating smooth egg wash.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken tenders in the air fryer without burning fingers.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing chicken.
• Spatula: Useful for spraying olive oil evenly in air fryer basket.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken tenders with this easy air fryer recipe bring restaurant-quality crunch to home cooking. Quick preparation and perfectly seasoned coating make these tenders a weeknight dinner favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken tenders
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1.5 tsps salt
• 0.75 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken tenders dry, creating an optimal surface for seasoning adhesion.
2. Coating Setup: Whisk eggs in one vessel while blending panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika in another container.
3. Breading Process: Immerse each tender fully in egg mixture, allowing excess to drain, then carefully press into seasoned breadcrumb mixture for comprehensive coverage.
4. Air Fryer Preparation: Lightly spray basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote uniform browning.
5. Positioning: Arrange breaded tenders in a single, uncrowded layer within the basket, ensuring adequate space for heat circulation and crispy development.
6. Pre-Cooking Treatment: Mist chicken with additional olive oil to enhance golden coloration and textural crispness.
7. Cooking Cycle: Set air fryer to 400°F, cook for 6 minutes, then gently flip tenders to guarantee balanced cooking and consistent browning.
8. Finalization: Continue air frying for 4-5 minutes until exterior achieves deep golden hue and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Resting Phase: Allow tenders brief repose to retain moisture and stabilize breading structure.
10. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately with complementary dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
11. Meal Prep Option: Freeze uncooked breaded tenders in single layer, transferring to storage containers for future use, adjusting cooking time by adding approximately 5 minutes when preparing from frozen state.

Notes

• Blot for Perfection: Remove excess moisture from chicken tenders with paper towels to help seasonings stick and create a crispier coating.
• Double-Dip Technique: Use a two-step coating method with egg wash and seasoned breadcrumbs for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Spacing Matters: Arrange tenders in a single layer with gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking and ultimate crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare extra batches by freezing uncooked breaded tenders for convenient future meals, adjusting cooking time slightly when cooking from frozen.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg