Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders: The Perfect Recipe

Making chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer requires a tiny amount of oil compared to shallow or deep-frying, resulting in a dish that is just as crispy and crunchy as its deep-fried counterpart.

The process is simple: dredge the tenders in flour, coat them in a wet mixture of egg and seasonings, and then dredge them again in seasoned breadcrumbs. Spray the tenders with oil and air fry for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

This recipe is a weeknight dinner win and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

How to prepare the chicken

Preparing the chicken is a straightforward process and the first step is to season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to your chicken tenders.

Next, prepare your dredging station. You will need three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place your flour. You can use plain, all-purpose, or gluten-free flour. In the second bowl, beat your eggs. You can use two or three large eggs, depending on the recipe. For an extra crispy coating, you can add some buttermilk to the eggs. In the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with the seasonings. You can use regular, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs. If you want an extra crunchy texture, panko breadcrumbs are a great option.

Now you are ready to dredge the chicken tenders. First, coat each tender with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured tenders into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the tenders with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even and secure coating.

Once all your tenders are coated, spray them with a light layer of cooking oil. You can use a neutral oil spray like avocado, canola, or olive oil. This step will help the tenders get that extra crispy texture without using a lot of oil.

How to make the breading stick

To make the breading stick to your chicken tenders, you'll need to follow a few key steps. Firstly, prepare a wet batter by mixing eggs, flour, and your desired seasonings. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter, so feel free to add water if needed. You can also substitute flour with potato starch if you prefer. This wet batter is essential for the breading to adhere to the chicken.

Next, prepare your chicken tenders by dipping them in the wet batter and letting the excess drip off. This step ensures that the breading has something to cling to. After this, it's time to add the breading. Use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs, or just panko, and press the chicken into the breading firmly. Make sure to get an even coating and don't be afraid to use your hands to really pack it on. You can also season your breadcrumbs with your chosen spices for added flavour.

Once the breading is on, give it a good spray with a neutral oil spray like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden. You can now place your tenders in the air fryer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on your air fryer model and power, cook at around 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes.

To summarise, the key steps to making the breading stick are:

• Prepare a wet batter with eggs, flour, and seasonings.
• Dip the chicken tenders in the wet batter.
• Firmly press the tenders into the breading (panko and/or regular breadcrumbs).
• Spray the breaded tenders with oil.
• Cook in the air fryer at the appropriate temperature and time for your model.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for your chicken tenders will vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken tenders. It is recommended to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through. This can be adjusted to get the chicken as crispy as you like.

For example, some recipes suggest cooking chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, for a total of 10-12 minutes. However, others suggest cooking for 8 minutes on one side and 4-7 minutes on the other side, for a total of 12-15 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure it is cooked through.

What to serve with the chicken tenders

Now that you've made your crispy chicken tenders in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, tender chicken:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. You can keep them simple, like roasted green beans or broccoli, or get creative with recipes like Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish Aioli, Sesame Sweet Potatoes with Green Onions, or Lemon Pepper Green Beans.

Starches

Starchy sides provide energy and fibre, and there are plenty of options to choose from. You could go for a classic like French fries or sweet potato fries, or try something different like roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, spinach sweet potato tots, or even sweet potato pretzel bites.

Salads

If you're looking for something light and refreshing, a salad could be a great option. Try a simple kale caesar salad or get adventurous with a mango lime summer quinoa salad or a beet, butternut squash, and apple maple vinaigrette salad.

Pasta

Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser and can be customised in so many ways. You could go for a cheesy pasta bake, mix in some vegetables, or try something unique like a Greek quinoa salad or a sweet potato spaghetti.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are great for dipping, so why not set out some fun sauces? You could go for the classics like ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce, or branch out with sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy Korean sauce.

Snacks

If you're serving chicken tenders as a fun snack or appetiser, you can pair them with some other snack foods. Try veggie sticks, grapes, pepperoni, or even something baked like sweet potato apple muffins or cheese straws.

How to store leftovers

Storing fried chicken tenders properly is key to keeping them crispy and delicious. Here are some tips to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and tasty:

Storing in the Refrigerator:

• Cool the chicken tenders completely before storing. Place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drip off and prevent the tenders from becoming soggy.
• Once cooled, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil and moisture, keeping the tenders dry.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• When ready to enjoy, preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer in a single layer and heat for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Storing in the Freezer:

• If you have a large batch of chicken tenders, consider storing them in the freezer. First, place them 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 and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

• To cook from frozen, follow the same cooking instructions as fresh tenders, but add 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time after the first flip. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
• You can also thaw the frozen tenders on the counter, uncovered, for 15-30 minutes before reheating.

Remember, for the best taste and texture, it's always recommended to enjoy fried foods fresh!

Frequently asked questions