Air-Fried Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Flour-Coated Perfection

Chicken tenders are a great, quick meal to make in an air fryer, and you can add your own twist with different seasonings and dips. You can make them with or without flour, and they are healthier than fried chicken tenders. They are also versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted broccoli to sweet potato fries.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture on the outside.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by checking your manufacturer's instructions. Different air fryer models may have specific guidelines, so it's always good to refer to the manual. Once you've set the temperature to 400°F, allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the chicken tenders. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, creating the ideal cooking environment for your tenders.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can continue preparing your chicken tenders. This includes seasoning the chicken, coating them in flour, egg, or breading, and arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. By the time you're done with this preparation, your air fryer should be preheated and ready for cooking.

The preheating process is similar to preheating an oven and helps ensure consistent cooking results. It's a key step in achieving that perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken on the inside and a crispy, golden exterior. So, while it may be tempting to skip it, preheating is well worth the wait!

Season the chicken tenders

Seasoning the chicken tenders is a crucial step in this recipe, as it adds flavour and helps to keep the meat juicy and moist. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your chicken tenders effectively:

Firstly, prepare your chicken tenders by placing them on a cutting board or clean surface. It is important to ensure that your work area is clean and sanitised to avoid any cross-contamination. You can also use chicken breasts and cut them into strips if you prefer.

Next, season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavour. Some popular options include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, and cumin. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite blend.

After seasoning, it's time to add a light coating of flour to the chicken tenders. This step helps the egg coating adhere better in the next step. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken tenders and toss them to ensure an even coating. You can also try dipping the tenders in flour if you prefer.

Once the chicken tenders are seasoned and coated in flour, it's time to move on to the next step of preparing the breading station and dipping the tenders. However, if you are following a gluten-free or flourless recipe, you can skip the flour coating step and proceed directly to dipping the tenders in the egg mixture.

In conclusion, seasoning the chicken tenders is a crucial step in this recipe, as it enhances the flavour and helps keep the meat juicy. By following the above instructions and experimenting with different spices and herbs, you can create delicious and flavourful chicken tenders that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Prepare the breading

The breading is a crucial step in achieving that crispy texture and flavourful taste for your chicken tenders. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the breading for your air fryer chicken tenders:

Firstly, gather your dry ingredients for the breading: all-purpose flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, and, optionally, panko breadcrumbs. You can also add some spices to the flour for extra flavour. A combination of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder will do the trick. Mix these dry ingredients in a shallow bowl. You can also add some parsley flakes and seasoned salt for an extra kick of flavour.

Next, prepare your wet mixture. In a separate shallow bowl, crack and beat one or two eggs, depending on the amount of chicken you're preparing. You can also use buttermilk as a substitute for eggs.

Now, it's time to bread the chicken tenders. Start by dredging each piece of chicken tender in the seasoned flour. Ensure each tender is evenly coated. Then, dip the floured tenders in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is thoroughly and evenly coated. You can use tongs or your hands for this process. If desired, you can repeat the process for a double breading, resulting in an even thicker and crispier crust.

Once all the tenders are breaded, set them aside on a clean plate or cutting board. You can now proceed to preheat your air fryer and prepare the cooking spray or oil.

Bread the chicken tenders

Now that you have your flour, eggs, and breading mixtures ready, it's time to bread the chicken tenders. This process will give the tenders that delicious crispy coating. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Begin by dipping each chicken tender into the flour mixture. Be sure to coat the chicken tender evenly on all sides. This step helps the egg coating adhere better to the chicken.

Step 2: Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten egg mixture. Ensure the tender is well-coated, then let any excess egg drip off.

Step 3: It's time to add the crispy coating! Dip the egg-coated tender into your breading mixture. You can use a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs for the perfect texture. Make sure the tender is completely coated in the breading mixture.

Step 4: Place the breaded chicken tender on a clean plate or cutting board. Repeat the previous steps with the remaining chicken tenders.

Step 5: Once all the tenders are breaded, give them a final coating. Spray or brush both sides of the tenders with olive oil or cooking spray. This step will help ensure a crispy exterior.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly breaded chicken tenders ready for the air fryer!

Cook the chicken tenders

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook the chicken tenders!

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. Most recipes recommend this temperature setting. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. You can also use a couple of eggs for this step, which will help the breading stick to the chicken. Add your choice of seasonings and mix until combined. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or try something more complex like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder,section=Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders (Optional)

If you want to add a crispy breading to your chicken tenders, prepare a breading station with a shallow bowl of beaten eggs and another shallow bowl of breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.

Cook the tenders for 7-8 minutes, then flip them over and spray the other side with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when fully cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard. Enjoy!

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