Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making breaded chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy, and tender chicken. The air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option. The key to getting crispy tenders is to ensure the chicken is coated evenly in the breading and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. The cooking time may vary depending on the model and power of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-12 minutes to cook the tenders.

How to season chicken tenders for the air fryer

Seasoning chicken tenders for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Firstly, prepare the chicken tenders by cutting them into strips if needed, and patting them dry with a paper towel. Next, season the chicken tenders with a blend of spices and herbs of your choice. A common combination includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or other spices to suit your taste.

After seasoning, you can proceed to bread the chicken tenders. Set up a breading station by whisking eggs in one shallow bowl and combining breadcrumbs with your chosen spices in another bowl. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure a complete coating.

Finally, spray the breaded chicken tenders with a neutral oil spray, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. This step will help to create a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

The best breading for chicken tenders

Firstly, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Then, prepare your breading station by whisking together eggs and flour in one bowl, and breadcrumbs in another. The flour and eggs will help the breading stick to the chicken. You can also add spices to your flour mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. For gluten-free chicken tenders, swap out the flour for gluten-free crumbs.

Next, it's time to bread the chicken. Dip the tenders first in the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly, then shake off any excess. You can also double-dip the tenders for an extra-thick breading. Spray the breaded tenders with oil, then place them in the air fryer.

For the best results, use panko breadcrumbs. Their coarse texture and initial crispiness make for an ideal exterior when less oil is used.

How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer

The cooking time for chicken tenders in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the model and power of the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid food poisoning.

Most recipes recommend cooking the chicken tenders for around 10 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking for up to 12 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy. It is recommended to cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

One recipe suggests cooking the tenders for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning halfway, which would result in a total cooking time of around 10 to 12 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders, and then cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, for a total of 12 to 14 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken tenders. It is always best to check the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken is also a good idea to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to add some extra flavour and colour to your plate. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your meal. You can serve them plain, air-fried, or roasted for a delicious spin. Some ideas for vegetables to serve with chicken tenders include broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms. You could also serve them with a salad, such as a kale Caesar salad.

Starches

Starchy foods can provide an easy side dish for chicken tenders and are usually well-loved by kids. Some ideas for starches to serve with chicken tenders include pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals. You could also make garlic bread or breadsticks.

Fruits

Fruits can be a great way to add some sweetness and nutrition to your meal. You can serve them fresh or prepared in a dish such as a fruit salad. Some ideas for fruits to serve with chicken tenders include grapes, apples, pears, and mango.

Snack Foods

If you're looking for a more casual meal, you could pair chicken tenders with some snack foods. This could include veggie sticks, pea crisps, pepperoni, muffins, string cheese, or ants on a log.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a dipping sauce. Some ideas for dips and sauces include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy Korean sauce.

How to store chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a great option for a quick and tasty meal, but what's the best way to store them to ensure they stay fresh and delicious? Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your chicken tenders properly.

Refrigerating Chicken Tenders:

If you have cooked chicken tenders that you want to store, it's best to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the tenders in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F to ensure food safety.

Freezing Chicken Tenders:

If you want to store your chicken tenders for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. First, place the uncooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer bag. With this method, your chicken tenders can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook them, follow the same cooking instructions, adding 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time after the first flip. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Storing Baked Chicken Tenders:

Baked chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Optimal Storage:

• Use airtight containers: Ensure your storage containers are airtight to maintain freshness and prevent odours from seeping into your chicken tenders.
• Label and date your containers: It's a good idea to label and date your containers to keep track of when the tenders were stored and to practice food safety.
• Store in the coolest part of the fridge: Place the containers in the coolest part of your refrigerator, usually the back or bottom shelves, to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Thaw frozen tenders safely: When thawing frozen chicken tenders, it's best to transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to defrost slowly and safely.

Frequently asked questions