Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders: Quick, Easy, 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's super-hot air cooks the tenders to golden perfection, and with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. This guide will teach you how to make delicious breaded chicken tenders in your air fryer.

How to Make Breaded Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

Seasoning and brining the chicken

Brining

Brining the chicken tenders is an optional but recommended step. It involves submerging the chicken in a seasoned water solution, allowing the meat to absorb the solution and retain more moisture. This step helps to safeguard the meat from drying out during the air frying process, which can occur if cooked at high temperatures for longer periods. The brining process only takes 30 minutes but can be left overnight for best results.

Seasoning

There are a variety of seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. A simple option is to season the chicken with salt and pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, you can use a combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also use Italian seasoning as a substitute for the individual herbs. The seasoning can be mixed with the flour and breadcrumb coating or sprinkled directly onto the chicken tenders.

Breading

After seasoning and brining the chicken, it is time to bread the tenders. This typically involves a three-step process of dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in a wet batter, and then coating it with breadcrumbs. The flour helps the wet batter adhere to the chicken, and the wet batter helps the breadcrumbs stick. The wet batter can be made with eggs or buttermilk, and the breadcrumbs can be a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Preparing the breading station

Firstly, you'll need three separate dishes for the breading process: a shallow bowl for the wet ingredients, a second shallow bowl for the dry ingredients, and a plate or cutting board to place the coated tenders.

For the first dish, you'll need to prepare the wet mixture. In a shallow bowl, whisk together two large eggs. You can also add some flour to the eggs if you want, as this will help the breading adhere better to the chicken. Whisk the mixture until it reaches a slightly loose, pancake-like consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out.

For the second dish, it's time to prepare the dry mixture. In another shallow bowl, combine your choice of breading. You can use a variety of options, such as plain regular breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of these. If you want an extra crispy texture, a mixture of regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs works well. Season your breading mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you prefer. Mix the seasonings into the breadcrumbs until they are evenly distributed.

Now that your wet and dry mixtures are ready, it's time to line them up with the chicken tenders. Using tongs or your hands, dip each chicken tender into the wet mixture, making sure it's coated on both sides. Then, transfer the tender to the dry mixture and coat it evenly on all sides. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken and ensure there are no bald or damp spots. Set the coated chicken tender aside on a clean plate or cutting board.

Repeat this process for all your chicken tenders, and you'll have a perfectly prepared breading station, ready for the air fryer!

Coating the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Start by preparing two shallow bowls for the breading process. In one bowl, whisk a couple of large eggs. You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs if you prefer. In the other bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the breading. This typically includes breadcrumbs, and you can use a combination of regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs provide a coarser texture and a crispier crunch, while regular breadcrumbs offer a finer texture and a more even coating. You can also add some seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Before coating the chicken tenders, it's essential to season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour of the chicken.

Step 3: Dip in Egg Mixture

Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it's well coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

After dipping the chicken in the egg mixture, it's time to coat it with the breadcrumbs. Roll and press the chicken tenders into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are completely coated on all sides. Use your hands or tongs to firmly press the breadcrumbs into the chicken. Make sure there are no bald or damp spots on the chicken tenders, as this can cause the breading to fall off during cooking.

Step 5: Set Aside and Spray

Once the chicken tenders are coated with breadcrumbs, set them aside on a clean plate or cutting board. You can spray or drizzle both sides of the chicken tenders with oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil spray. This step helps to ensure a crispy texture.

Step 6: Repeat for a Second Coating (Optional)

For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the chicken tenders back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs for a second coating. This step is optional but can result in an even crunchier texture.

Step 7: Final Preparation

After coating the chicken tenders, it's important to let them sit for a while. You can place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help the breading stick better. This step is optional but can improve the final result.

Cooking the chicken

Now that your chicken tenders are prepped and ready to go, it's time to cook them! First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is an important step, as it ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and get nice and crispy on the outside.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can start cooking the chicken. Place the tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray, which will help them get crispy.

Cook the chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you're using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F when they're done.

If you're cooking a second batch, be sure to let the air fryer come back up to temperature before adding the next batch of tenders. Repeat the cooking process for the second batch, and then you're done!

Your chicken tenders should be golden and crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the tenders in batches if needed, so that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate and crisp up the tenders.
• Spray the tenders with cooking spray before and during cooking to help them get crispy.
• Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
• If you're making a large batch, you can cook and freeze the tenders, then reheat them in the air fryer when needed.

Dipping sauces

While breaded chicken tenders are delicious on their own, serving them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas for sauces that will complement the tenders' crispy texture and juicy flavour:

Honey-Mustard Sauce

This sauce is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the mustard, creating a flavourful sauce that enhances the chicken tenders. It's easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

BBQ Sauce

A tangy and slightly sweet BBQ sauce is a great option for those who want a smokey flavour. Try adding a bit of honey to your favourite BBQ sauce for a touch of extra sweetness.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a popular choice for dipping sauces, as its creamy texture and savoury flavour go well with the crispy chicken tenders. It's also easily accessible and can be purchased at most grocery stores.

Honey Sriracha Sauce

For those who like a bit of spice, a honey sriracha sauce is a perfect choice. The sweetness of the honey balances out the spiciness of the sriracha, creating a sauce that is both flavourful and addictive.

Buffalo Sauce

If you're looking for a keto-friendly option, buffalo sauce is a great choice. It's tangy and spicy, and it pairs well with the crispy breading of the chicken tenders.

Lemon Wedges

While not exactly a dipping sauce, serving your chicken tenders with lemon wedges can add a burst of freshness and acidity to your meal. Simply squeeze the lemon juice over the tenders before taking a bite.

Frequently asked questions