Air-Fried 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, without the grease of deep-frying. The cooking time is short, and the tenders can be seasoned or breaded in a variety of ways, making them a versatile and easy weeknight dinner option.

Choosing the right oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for air fryer chicken tenders, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers typically operate at temperatures between 375°F and 400°F. Secondly, you'll want an oil that complements the flavour of the chicken without being too overpowering. Here are some recommendations to achieve that perfect golden crispiness:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a popular choice for air frying due to its high smoke point of around 520°F. It has a neutral flavour and a light colour, making it ideal for achieving that crispy texture without altering the taste of your chicken tenders. Avocado oil is also a good source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, making it a healthier option.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is a versatile choice for air frying. It has a smoke point of approximately 410°F, making it suitable for most air fryer recipes. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavour to your chicken tenders and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a common option for air frying and works well for chicken tenders. It has a neutral flavour and a smoke point of around 400°F to 450°F, depending on the specific type of vegetable oil. This oil is usually inexpensive and easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for everyday cooking.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another recommended option for air frying chicken tenders. It has a smoke point of approximately 400°F, and its neutral flavour won't overpower the taste of your tenders. Canola oil is also a good source of monounsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative to some other oils.

Peanut Oil

If you're looking for an oil with an even higher smoke point, peanut oil is an excellent choice. It has a smoke point of around 450°F, making it suitable for air frying at higher temperatures. Peanut oil has a mild nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of your chicken tenders without being too dominant.

When using any of these oils, remember to spray or drizzle a thin and even coating onto your chicken tenders before placing them in the air fryer. This will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Enjoy experimenting with different oils to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and cooking needs!

Preparing the chicken

Next, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste, but common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix your chosen spices and herbs together in a small bowl, and then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken tenders. You can also add some olive oil or another neutral-flavoured oil and toss the chicken to coat it completely.

If you want to bread your chicken tenders, prepare three shallow bowls. In one bowl, mix together flour, and perhaps some of your seasoning mix. In the second bowl, beat some eggs. The third bowl should contain your chosen breadcrumbs – panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for extra crunch. First, dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken so that the breading is secure.

Finally, spray the chicken tenders with a light coating of oil to help the breadcrumbs get extra crispy. You can now place the tenders into the air fryer and cook according to your chosen recipe's instructions.

Making the batter

You can also make a wet batter by mixing eggs, flour, and a teaspoon of your chosen seasoning mix. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter, so add water if needed. This will help the breading stick to the chicken and give it an extra layer of seasoning.

Now it's time to dredge the tenders. First, coat each tender in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure you press the breadcrumbs in firmly and shake off any excess. Spray the tenders with cooking spray or a neutral oil spray like avocado or olive oil.

Your tenders are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the tenders

Now that your chicken tenders are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here are the steps to follow:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

If you haven't already, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the tenders aren't soggy. Then, place the tenders in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil). Toss the tenders to ensure they are completely coated in oil.

Season the Tenders:

In a separate small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the oiled chicken tenders and toss again to coat.

Air Fry the Tenders:

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or oil.

Cook the tenders for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tenders and the model of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

Once the tenders are cooked to a golden brown crisp, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps ensure the juices are evenly distributed and the tenders stay moist. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce.

Your air fryer chicken tenders are now ready to be enjoyed! They should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces

• Lemon wedges
• Ranch
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Honey sriracha sauce
• Tzatziki
• Marinara sauce

Sides

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Onion rings
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Salad
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Greek Potato Foil Packs
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Kale and Quinoa Salad
• Easy Coleslaw
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad
• Air fryer brussels sprouts
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Air fryer baked potato

Dishes

These chicken tenders can also be served as part of a larger dish:

• Chicken sandwich
• Chicken salad

Frequently asked questions