๐ Crispy, Juicy, & Healthier! ๐โจ Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!) ๐
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal thatโs crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and guilt-free? Say hello to these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Perfect for busy weeknights, kid-friendly dinners, or game-day snacks, this recipe delivers all the crunch of fried chicken with 90% less oil! ๐ Letโs dive in!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe ๐
โ
Healthier than deep-frying (but just as delicious!)
โ
Ready in 30 minutes โ prep to plate!
โ
Crispy without the grease โ thanks to your air fryerโs magic!
โ
Kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly ๐ถ
โ
Versatile โ pair with dips, salads, or fries!
Ingredients Youโll Need ๐
(Serves 4)
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs ๐ฅ
- 1 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp salt ๐ง
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
(Optional: Add ยฝ tsp cayenne for a spicy kick! ๐ถ๏ธ)
Step-by-Step Instructions ๐
1๏ธโฃ Prep Station Setup
- Create a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour + salt + pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs + milk.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder.
2๏ธโฃ Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry. Dip each tender into Bowl 1 (flour), then Bowl 2 (egg), and finally Bowl 3 (breadcrumbs). Press gently to coat evenly.
3๏ธโฃ Air Fryer Time!
- Preheat air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer (no overlapping!).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness! ๐
4๏ธโฃ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite dips (honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch!) and sides.
Pro Tips for Success ๐ก
๐น Donโt overcrowd the basket โ cook in batches for even crisping.
๐น Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
๐น Spritz with oil โ a little goes a long way for golden perfection.
๐น Check internal temp โ chicken should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Serving Ideas ๐ฅ
- Classic Combo: Fries + tenders + coleslaw ๐
- Healthy Twist: Salad + avocado + lemon wedges ๐ฅ
- Snack Attack: Dipping sauce trio (ranch, sriracha mayo, honey!) ๐ฏ
Final Thoughts ๐
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone craving crispy comfort food without the guilt. Easy, fast, and endlessly customizable, theyโre sure to become a staple in your kitchen! ๐ก๐
Tag us on social media when you try this recipe! ๐ธ Got questions? Drop them below โ weโre here to help! ๐
๐ Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe, Healthy Chicken Tenders, Easy Air Fryer Recipes, Quick Dinner Ideas, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Kid-Friendly Meals, Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
Hungry for more? Check out our [Air Fryer Hacks Guide] or [Weeknight Dinner Recipes]! ๐ดโจ