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

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time is short, and the cleanup is minimal. You can also make large batches and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Choosing the right chicken

Opt for Chicken Tenders or Tenderloins

Chicken tenders, also known as tenderloins, are an excellent choice for air fryer chicken tenders. They are already cut into strips, saving you time and effort in preparation. When purchasing chicken tenders, look for air-chilled options if possible. While they may be a tad pricier, air-chilled chicken tenders are not pre-packed with water, so you pay for pure chicken instead of added water weight.

Brining for Moisture and Flavour

Before cooking, consider brining your chicken tenders to enhance both their flavour and texture. Brining involves submerging the chicken in a seasoned water solution, allowing the meat to absorb moisture and seasoning. Aim to brine for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you're planning ahead, as this will result in extra juicy and flavourful tenders. The basic brine consists of water, salt, and sugar, but you can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Selecting the Right Cut

If you can't find chicken tenders or prefer to cut the chicken yourself, opt for a whole chicken or chicken breast. Breaking down a whole chicken yourself can save you money and provides a nice mix of white and dark meat. Alternatively, you can start with chicken breasts and cut them into strips.

Marinating for Tenderness

Another way to ensure juicy and tender fried chicken is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk before frying. The acids and enzymes in buttermilk help break down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly tender. For best results, soak the chicken in buttermilk the day before you plan to fry it.

Freshness and Quality

When choosing chicken, always look for fresh, high-quality options. Check the "best before" dates and select chicken with a longer shelf life. Additionally, opt for free-range or organic chicken whenever possible, as these options tend to have better flavour and texture due to the chickens' healthier diets and living conditions.

Remember, the key to choosing the right chicken is to look for fresh, high-quality cuts, preferably chicken tenders or tenderloins. Don't be afraid to brine or marinate the chicken to enhance moisture, flavour, and tenderness. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering fried chicken tenders in your air fryer!

Preparing the dredge

You can also add different spices to the breadcrumbs like chili powder, jerk spice, Cajun mix, or Italian seasoning.

Dredging the tenders

Firstly, prepare your dredging stations. You'll need three separate shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, combine your dry ingredients: flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. You can also add in other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning if you want to enhance the flavour. Mix these ingredients well. In the second plate, beat an egg or two, depending on the number of tenders you're making. The third plate should contain breadcrumbs, preferably panko for that extra crunch. You can also season your breadcrumbs with some of the spice mix you prepared earlier.

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken tenders. Start by coating each tender with the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it evenly and shake off any excess. Then, dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it's well-coated. Finally, dip the tender into the breadcrumbs, pressing them firmly onto all sides of the chicken to ensure an even and thick coating. Use your hands to really press the breadcrumbs into the chicken, and shake off any excess. There should be no bald or damp spots on the tenders after breading. This step is crucial to ensure the breading stays intact during the air frying process.

Once all your tenders are dredged and breaded, give the tops of the tenders a light mist of cooking spray. This will help ensure a crispy exterior. Now, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking the tenders

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the tenders! Place the tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.

Cook the tenders for 8 minutes, then flip them over and spray the other side with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 4-8 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but it should be around 12-16 minutes. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check if the tenders are done; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do this in batches to ensure even cooking. Repeat the process until all the tenders are cooked through and golden.

Once the tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Tips for Crispy Tenders

• Ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the tenders.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Spray the tenders generously with cooking spray or oil to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed to get the desired crispiness.
• If you want to add extra flavour, try brining the chicken tenders before breading them. This will help keep the meat juicy and allow for a crispier exterior.

Serving suggestions

These chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dips and Sauces:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Sweet chilli sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Your favourite dipping sauce

Sides:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Baked mac and cheese
• Roasted green beans with bacon
• Orzo with zucchini and tomatoes
• Mediterranean quinoa salad
• Hawaiian macaroni salad

Salads:

• Top a salad with diced chicken tenders
• Mediterranean quinoa salad

Other:

• In a sandwich
• As part of a weeknight dinner
• As a weeknight meal

Frequently asked questions