Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Making chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for deep frying. The air fryer method is also healthier than traditional frying methods, as it requires less oil. You can make chicken tenders from scratch by cutting chicken breasts into strips, or you can buy pre-cut tenderloins.

Seasoning and marinating the chicken

Seasoning the Chicken:

Firstly, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and also promotes even cooking. Place the dried tenders in a large mixing bowl.

Next, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can go in a few different directions here, depending on your taste preferences. A simple option is to season the chicken with just salt and pepper. However, if you're looking for something more complex and herby, you could try a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. For a spicier option, include some cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you could use a blend of paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, and black pepper.

Once you've chosen your seasonings, drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders and toss to coat them completely. Then, mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, and sprinkle them evenly over the oiled chicken tenders.

Marinating the Chicken:

For an extra flavour boost, you can marinate the chicken tenders before cooking. One option is to create a wet batter by mixing together eggs, flour, and some of your chosen seasoning blend. Dip the chicken tenders in this batter, allowing any excess to drip off, before placing them in the air fryer.

Another option is to create a simple marinade by mixing oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken tenders to this mixture and stir to coat. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours of marination, as this can over-tenderize the meat and give it a mushy texture.

Tips:

• If you're short on time, a quick and effective way to season your chicken tenders is to sprinkle them with a 2:1 ratio of salt and sugar while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
• When creating a wet batter or marinade, feel free to customize the seasonings to your preference. Options like white pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and mustard powder can enhance the flavour of your tenders.
• Always ensure your chicken tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. If needed, cook them in batches.
• Preheating your air fryer before adding the chicken is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the meat.
• For keto-friendly tenders, serve them with a low-carb dipping sauce, such as buffalo sauce.

Breading the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Start by preparing two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk a couple of eggs. You can also add a little water to create a slightly looser batter, but this is optional. In the other bowl, combine breadcrumbs and panko. You can use a variety of breadcrumbs, such as seasoned, gluten-free, or regular. Panko breadcrumbs are excellent for air frying as they create an extra crispy texture with less oil. You can also season the panko mixture with your choice of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and dip it first in the egg mixture. Ensure it's well-coated, then let any excess batter drip off. Next, transfer the chicken tender to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Generously coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, using your hands to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto all sides of the chicken. Make sure there are no bald or damp spots, as this can cause the breading to fall off during air frying.

Step 3: Spray with Oil

Once all your chicken tenders are well-coated in breadcrumbs, it's time to spray them with oil. You can use a neutral oil spray like avocado oil or olive oil spray, or any other oil of your choice. Spray both sides of each chicken tender generously. This step is crucial, as it helps the tenders get super crispy and golden during air frying.

Step 4: Air Fry

Now, you're ready to place the chicken tenders into the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the tenders for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you're cooking a larger batch, you may need to air fry them for a few minutes longer.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders:

• Brining the chicken tenders before breading can help keep them juicy and allow for a crispier exterior. Simply submerge the chicken in a brine solution (water mixed with salt and sugar) for 30 minutes to overnight.
• Don't be gentle when breading the chicken. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even and secure coating.
• Prevent soggy chicken tenders by patting the chicken dry after brining and using enough oil spray to cover all parts of the breading.
• If you want to add extra flavour, try marinating the chicken tenders before breading. You can use a variety of marinades, such as Italian dressing, or make your own with oil, vinegar, and spices.

Cooking the chicken

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

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Check your air fryer's instructions for how to do this.
• Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help ensure they cook evenly and crisply.
• Add oil and seasoning: Drizzle or spray olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured oil over the chicken tenders. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the tenders. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or try something more complex like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and more.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer: Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket. You may need to cook the tenders in batches.
• Air fry: Air fry the chicken tenders for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your tenders, so keep an eye on them. The tenders are done when they're golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Rest and serve: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps ensure they stay juicy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.

That's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken tenders. Enjoy!

What to serve with the chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to serve with your air-fried chicken tenders:

Vegetables

Roasted veggies are always a great option to pair with chicken tenders. Try roasted zucchini, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. You can also make air fryer veggies, which are hot and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a perfect complement to your juicy chicken tenders. If you're looking for something more exotic, try Korean Broccoli Salad or Blistered Shishito Peppers.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with chicken tenders. You can make oven-roasted potato wedges, crispy accordion potatoes, or homemade potato chips. For a more indulgent option, try crispy smashed buffalo potatoes, which are topped with a vinegary buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.

Pasta

Pasta dishes are also a great choice to serve with chicken tenders. Mac and cheese is a classic option, and you can make it in an instant pot for extra creaminess. For something more summery and refreshing, try a zucchini pasta salad packed with sauteed zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh dill, and crunchy walnuts. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a panzanella Toscana salad, which combines large chunks of toasted garlic bread with cucumbers, basil, onions, and tomatoes.

Salads

Salads can provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken tenders. Try a tomato cucumber salad, a shaved Brussels sprout salad with mustard and parmesan, or a cherry tomato salad with roasted lemons. If you're looking for something heartier, a couscous corn salad or an Israeli couscous tabbouleh salad might be a better option.

Fries

If you want to stick to the classic combination of chicken tenders and fries, you can make regular French fries or get creative with sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, or shoestring fries.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget the dipping sauces! Ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch are always popular options. But if you're feeling adventurous, try a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a lemon tarragon aioli.

How to store the chicken tenders

Storing chicken safely is important to prevent foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. Here are some tips for storing raw chicken tenders in the refrigerator or freezer:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Place raw chicken tenders in the fridge immediately after purchasing. Raw chicken should not be left out on countertops.
• Store raw chicken in the refrigerator for no longer than 2 days before cooking or freezing.
• Keep raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This prevents any leaking juices from dripping onto other foods.
• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and/or place it in a plastic bag to catch any juices.
• Do not let the chicken touch other foods, especially produce that will be consumed raw.

Freezer Storage:

• Freeze uncooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a plate or pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Alternatively, bread the tenders and freeze them on a plate or pan before transferring to a freezer bag.
• Frozen uncooked chicken tenders can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When cooking frozen tenders, follow the same cooking instructions but add 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Remember to practice good food safety and hygiene when handling raw chicken, and always cook chicken tenders thoroughly before consuming.

Frequently asked questions