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

Chicken tenders are a family favourite, and they're even better when they're homemade. You can make chicken tenders in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. The tenders will be golden and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Plus, there's barely any mess to clean up afterwards!

Seasoning the chicken tenders

Firstly, gather your spices and herbs. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even cajun mix. Get creative and mix different spices to suit your taste preferences.

Next, prepare your chicken tenders. If you can't find pre-cut chicken tenders, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them lengthwise into strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help the seasoning stick better.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can simply sprinkle salt and pepper over the tenders and give them a good rub to ensure they are evenly coated. Alternatively, you can create a more complex seasoning mix by combining the spices and herbs of your choice in a small bowl. Mix them well, then generously sprinkle the blend over the chicken tenders. Make sure to coat all sides of the tenders by either rubbing the seasoning with your hands or placing the tenders in a large bowl and tossing them with the seasoning.

If you want an even more flavourful coating, you can try a dredging technique. Set up a breading station with three shallow plates or bowls. In the first bowl, place your flour of choice (all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour). You can also add some spices to the flour for extra flavour. In the second bowl, beat a couple of large eggs. You can even add some milk or water to the eggs and whisk them together. The third bowl should contain your breadcrumbs, such as Panko or Italian breadcrumbs. You can also use grated Parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs for added flavour and crispness. If desired, mix in some of your chosen spices and herbs to the breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese.

Now, you can begin the dredging process. Take each chicken tender and coat it evenly with the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Finally, coat the tender with the breadcrumb mixture or Parmesan cheese, again shaking off any excess. Place the coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet until you are ready to cook them.

Your chicken tenders are now seasoned and ready for the Air Fryer! Remember, you can always adjust the amounts and types of seasonings used to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different spice combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

Preparing the dredge

To prepare the dredge for your chicken tenders, you will need three shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, mix together dry ingredients such as breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, mustard, Italian seasoning, or any other spices of your choice. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the mix for extra flavour and crispiness. Set this plate aside.

In the second plate, prepare an egg wash by beating eggs and, if desired, adding a bit of water to the mixture. You can also use mayonnaise and mustard instead of eggs, which will make the chicken more moist and flavourful.

The third plate should contain flour, which will be used to initially coat the chicken and help the wet mixture stick. You can use regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if needed.

Now that your dredging station is set up, you can begin coating the chicken tenders. First, dredge each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg or mayonnaise mixture, making sure they are well coated. Finally, dip the tenders into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken and shaking off any excess.

Dredging the tenders

Firstly, prepare your dredging station. You will need three shallow plates or bowls. In the first bowl, add your flour of choice. All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use gluten-free flour or almond/brown rice flour for a low-carb or keto option. In the second bowl, add your wet mixture. You can use beaten eggs, or for a dairy-free option, try a combination of mayonnaise and mustard. Add some spices to this mixture for extra flavour. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper all work well. In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give an extra crunch, but regular or Italian breadcrumbs also work. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to this mixture for added flavour and crispiness. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Now you are ready to dredge the tenders! Take a chicken tender and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the wet mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, again making sure it is fully coated. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the tender if needed. Repeat this process for each tender.

Place the coated tenders on a plate or foil until you are ready to cook them. You can also cook them in batches if you don't have enough space in your air fryer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil, and place the tenders inside. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.

Air frying the tenders

Now that you've got your chicken tenders ready, it's time to air fry them to perfection! Here's a detailed guide on air frying the tenders to get that crispy, juicy texture:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before you begin air frying, ensure your air fryer basket is ready to go. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and add a thin layer of oil to help achieve that crispy texture.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. Refer to your specific air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Step 3: Place the Tenders in the Basket

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the basket into the inner pot of your air fryer and secure the air fryer lid. Set the temperature and timer according to your recipe. As a guide, cook the tenders for around 5 minutes at 350°F, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they're golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your tenders.

Step 5: Flip and Cook

After the initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and use tongs to flip each tender. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Close the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken tenders are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The tenders are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they're not quite there yet, return them to the air fryer and cook in short intervals until they reach the desired temperature.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy the juicy, crispy tenders as a delicious appetizer or main course!

Serving suggestions

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. They can be paired with a variety of side dishes and sauces to enhance their flavour and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions for your instant pot air fryer chicken tenders:

As a Main Course:

• Chicken Wrap: You can use the chicken tenders as a filling for wraps, adding some vegetables and a sauce of your choice.
• Salad Topping: Chop up the tenders and add them to your favourite salad for a boost of protein.
• With Sides: Serve the tenders with a variety of sides such as roasted cauliflower or broccoli, mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, or a side salad.
• Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken tenders and use them as a filling for tacos, adding your favourite toppings and sauces.

As an Appetizer:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve the tenders with a dipping sauce such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce.
• Side Dishes: Offer a variety of side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or fries.
• Appetizer Platter: Create a platter with the chicken tenders, some vegetables, and dips for a tasty starter.

Remember, these suggestions can be mixed and matched to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy instant pot air fryer chicken tenders!

Frequently asked questions