Air-Fried Panko Chicken Tenders: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making panko chicken tenders in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy chicken without the need for lots of oil. This method is healthier than deep frying and can produce chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

To make panko chicken tenders in an air fryer, you will need chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips. You will also need panko breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, and seasoning. Some recipes suggest adding onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs.

First, prepare the chicken by cutting chicken breasts into strips and seasoning with salt and pepper. Next, set up a breading station with three separate bowls. One bowl should contain flour, the second whisked eggs, and the third a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and seasoning. Dip the chicken into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring there is space for the air to circulate. Spray the chicken with cooking spray and cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to bread the chicken

Breaded chicken tenders are easy to make from scratch. First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, prepare your breading station by setting out three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place your eggs and whisk them. In the second bowl, place your flour. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

Now you are ready to start breading the chicken. Take a chicken tender and dip it first in the flour, then in the eggs, and lastly in the panko mixture. Make sure the chicken is well coated at each step. Place the coated chicken tender on a large plate or cutting board, and repeat this process with the remaining tenders. Once all the tenders are breaded, spray them generously with olive oil or avocado oil spray on both sides.

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

Now that you've cut your chicken into strips, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your breading station: Set up three shallow bowls for the breading. In the first bowl, whisk some eggs. In the second bowl, place some flour. If you want to add extra seasoning to your flour, you can include spices like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with your desired spices.
• Bread the chicken: Start by coating the chicken tenders with flour, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, cover them with the panko breading. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
• Spray the chicken: Generously spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil or cooking spray. This step helps to ensure that your tenders come out crispy and golden.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap and that there's space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.
• Cook the chicken: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the tenders for 4-6 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the tenders, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your chicken tenders.
• Check for doneness: The tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch dressing.

Your panko chicken tenders are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing and reheating your air-fried panko chicken tenders properly is crucial to ensure food safety and maintain the crispy, juicy texture and flavor that makes them so delicious. Here's a guide to help you do it right:

Storing:

After cooking your chicken tenders, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Do not cover the tenders while they are still hot, as this can trap moisture and make them soggy. Once they are no longer hot to the touch, you can start storing them.

For short-term storage (up to 4 days), airtight containers are ideal. Place the tenders in a single layer, with a sheet of paper towel both underneath and on top of the layer of tenders. This will absorb any excess moisture. You can also use an airtight container with a wire rack inside, placing the tenders on the rack to keep them elevated and dry. Store in the refrigerator.

For longer-term storage (up to 3 months), freezing is a good option. Again, let the tenders cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to freezer bags or airtight containers. This way, you can take out and reheat individual tenders as needed.

Reheating:

For best results, reheat your panko chicken tenders in the air fryer. This will help restore their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the tenders in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even heating. Reheat for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip them over and continue for another 2 to 3 minutes, until they are crispy and heated through.

If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat them in a microwave oven, but this may affect their texture, making them slightly softer. Place the tenders on a microwave-safe plate, and cover them with a damp (not soaked) paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for 30-second intervals, checking the tenders each time, until they are heated through.

Remember, when reheating, always aim for a gentle, gradual process to avoid overcooking or drying out your chicken tenders. Enjoy your crispy, juicy treats!

What to serve with the chicken

Panko chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Salads

A bright, fresh salad can complement the tenders well. Try a cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad, or a broccoli apple salad. If you're looking for something heartier, a kale caesar salad could be a good option.

Starchy Sides

Potatoes are always a great option to serve alongside chicken. You could make instant pot baby potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or even polenta. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, fries are always a good choice. Try regular French fries, sweet potato fries, or even sweet potato waffle fries.

Vegetables

Green beans and corn are a great summer option to serve with the tenders. For something a little heartier, try broccoli rabe.

Dips and Sauces

Don't forget the dips and sauces! Ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and honey sriracha sauce are all great options. If you're feeling fancy, you could even make a balsamic mayo or marinara sauce.

Sandwiches

For a more casual option, serve the tenders on a hoagie roll with some tomato sauce and peppery arugula.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, try air fryer garlic bread or tater tots.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect sides to accompany your panko chicken tenders.

Tips for making the chicken

Preparation

Before you start breading the chicken, it's a good idea to prepare your breading station. You'll need three separate shallow bowls or plates for the flour, eggs, and panko mixture. Whisk the eggs in one bowl, and combine the flour and panko with their respective spices in separate bowls.

Chicken

If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 inch wide. The chicken strips should be thin, about 1/2 inch thick. If your chicken is thicker, pound it out to the desired thickness.

Breading

When breading the chicken, use one hand for the wet ingredients and one hand for the dry ingredients. This will prevent clumping and keep your hands from getting coated in the breading. Start by coating the chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, cover it with the panko mixture. Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.

Cooking

When cooking the chicken, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary, and keep the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Spray the chicken generously with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken in batches for 5-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Storage and Reheating

You can store uncooked, battered chicken tenders in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, add 2-4 minutes to the cooking time. Cooked chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-5 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350-375°F for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions