Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken tenders that are crispy and golden on the outside, and juicy on the inside. They are also healthier than deep-fried chicken tenders, as they require only a tiny amount of oil. You can make chicken tenders in an air fryer by seasoning the chicken, dipping it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then cooking it in the air fryer for around 10 minutes.

How to brine chicken tenders

Brining is a great way to ensure your chicken tenders are juicy and full of flavour. It's a simple process of soaking the meat in a saltwater solution, but it makes a big difference to the taste and texture of the meat. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the brine solution

The basic brine solution is made with salt and water. For a standard brine, you'll need 1/4 cup of kosher salt dissolved in 1 quart (4 cups) of water. You can combine the salt and water in a shallow baking dish and stir until the salt is dissolved. This amount of brine is enough for around 4 chicken tenders.

You can also add aromatics and other seasonings to your brine to infuse extra flavour into the meat. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. For example, if you want to add some garlic flavour to your brine, use 1 tablespoon of garlic granules for every 4 cups of water.

Step 2: Submerge the chicken tenders

Once your brine solution is ready, it's time to add the chicken. Make sure the tenders are fully submerged in the brine. You can use a narrow bowl or a zipper bag to ensure the meat is covered.

Step 3: Brine for 15 minutes to 2 hours

The ideal brining time is about 30 minutes, but even a quick 15-minute brine can make a difference. However, be careful not to over-brine, as leaving the meat in the solution for too long (more than 2 hours) can make it mushy.

Step 4: Remove, pat dry, and cook

Once the brining is complete, remove the chicken tenders from the solution and pat them dry with paper towels. At this point, you can cook the chicken any way you like—grilling, broiling, or pan-searing are all great options.

Remember, brining adds salt to the meat, so be sure to taste the chicken before adding any additional salt during cooking or seasoning.

How to make a wet batter

Making a wet batter for chicken tenders is a crucial step in achieving that crispy, juicy texture that makes them so delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to make a perfect wet batter for your air fryer chicken tenders:

Ingredients:

• Eggs: Start by whisking two large eggs in a shallow bowl. Eggs act as a binding agent and help the breading adhere to the chicken tenders.
• Flour: Combine all-purpose flour with some of your favourite seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients in a separate large bowl.
• Liquid: To achieve the right consistency for your wet batter, you'll need to add a small amount of liquid. You can use water or, for extra flavour, try buttermilk. Add the liquid a little at a time until the batter is slightly looser than pancake batter.

Battering Process:

• Prepare your chicken tenders by seasoning them with salt and pepper, or even brining them beforehand for extra juiciness.
• Dip each chicken tender into the wet batter, ensuring they are well coated.
• Allow any excess batter to drip off. This step is important to ensure a light and even coating.
• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-dip the tenders by coating them with the wet batter, then dredging them in seasoned flour, and finally dipping them in the wet batter again.
• After the wet batter, it's time to bread the tenders. Prepare a tray or plate with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and firmly press the tenders into the breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are well coated.
• Spray the tenders with a neutral oil spray, such as avocado or canola oil, to help achieve that extra crispiness.

Now your chicken tenders are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Follow the instructions provided by your air fryer for the best results. Enjoy your homemade, crispy chicken tenders!

How to dredge chicken tenders

Dredging is a straightforward process that involves lightly coating chicken tenders with a dry ingredient, such as flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dredge chicken tenders:

• Prepare the coatings: In separate shallow dishes, combine the dry ingredients for dredging, such as flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs. You can also add seasonings to the coatings for extra flavour.
• Dredge the chicken: Roll the chicken tenders in the coating until they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess coating.
• Dip in liquid: After dredging, dip the chicken tenders in a liquid such as beaten eggs, buttermilk, or milk. This step helps the final coating cling to the chicken.
• Final dredge: For a thicker coating, dip the chicken tenders in the dry coating again. Use your hands to gently pat the coating onto all sides of the chicken.
• Rest: Place the coated chicken tenders on a platter and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick better.
• Fry: Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides.

By following these steps, you will achieve crispy and flavourful chicken tenders.

How to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Oil or oil spray
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (panko and/or regular)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning)

Optional ingredients:

• Flour
• Dipping sauces (e.g. BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, Greek yogurt ranch dip, honey, buffalo sauce, sweet chili sauce)

Method:

• Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
• If you want to, you can brine the chicken tenders first by submerging them in a mixture of water, salt and sugar for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare your breading stations by beating eggs in one bowl and mixing breadcrumbs and any desired seasonings in another bowl.
• Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.
• Spray both sides of the chicken tenders with oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with oil.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over and spray the other side with oil.
• Continue air frying for another 4-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy.
• Repeat with any remaining batches of chicken tenders.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

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 variety to your meal. 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 plate. They can be served plain, air-fried, or roasted, and provide a delicious and healthy side option. Some great vegetable options to pair 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 or a Greek quinoa salad.

Starches

Starchy foods, such as pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals, can provide a great source of energy and fibre. Pasta, in particular, is a super easy and kid-friendly side dish that can be served plain, with cheese, or with a creamy sauce. For a gluten-free option, you can also use gluten-free pasta or mix in some beans, legumes, or vegetables.

Fruits

Fruits are a great way to add some natural sweetness to your meal. They are generally easy to prepare and can be taken on the go. Some ideas for fruit sides include a creamy Greek yogurt fruit salad, mango quinoa salad, or baked oranges with honey whipped feta.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. Some popular options include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and sweet and sour sauce. You could also get creative and make your own dipping sauce, such as a sweet and spicy Korean sauce or a honey mustard sauce.

Snacks

If you're looking for a more casual meal, you could pair your chicken tenders with some snack foods. This could include veggie sticks, grapes, pepperoni, sweet potato apple muffins, string cheese, or ants on a log. This can be a great way to introduce new foods to picky eaters by pairing them with a familiar favourite like chicken tenders.

Frequently asked questions