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Crispy, Juicy, & Healthier! Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

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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!

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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!

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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! )

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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.

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.

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!

Serve & Enjoy!

• Let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite dips (honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch!) and sides.

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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).

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Serving Ideas

• Classic Combo: Fries + tenders + coleslaw
• Healthy Twist: Salad + avocado + lemon wedges
• Snack Attack: Dipping sauce trio (ranch, sriracha mayo, honey!)

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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]!