🌟 Crispy, Juicy, & Healthier! 🍗✨ Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!) 🍟
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s 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! 🎉 Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💖
✅ Healthier than deep-frying (but just as delicious!)
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – prep to plate!
✅ Crispy without the grease – thanks to your air fryer’s magic!
✅ Kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly 👶
✅ Versatile – pair with dips, salads, or fries!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
(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 🥚
- 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
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
(Optional: Add ½ tsp cayenne for a spicy kick! 🌶️)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ Air Fryer Time!
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) 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! 🌟
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite dips (honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch!) and sides.
Pro Tips for Success 💡
🔹 Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches for even crisping.
🔹 Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
🔹 Spritz with oil – a little goes a long way for golden perfection.
🔹 Check internal temp – chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Ideas 🥗
- Classic Combo: Fries + tenders + coleslaw 🍟
- Healthy Twist: Salad + avocado + lemon wedges 🥑
- Snack Attack: Dipping sauce trio (ranch, sriracha mayo, honey!) 🍯
Final Thoughts 🌈
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone craving crispy comfort food without the guilt. Easy, fast, and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen! 🏡💛
Tag us on social media when you try this recipe! 📸 Got questions? Drop them below – we’re here to help! 👇
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Hungry for more? Check out our [Air Fryer Hacks Guide] or [Weeknight Dinner Recipes]! 🍴✨