Chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing favorite, thanks to their juicy interior and crispy coating. When cooked in an air fryer, they become perfectly golden and crunchy without the need for deep frying. This article provides a detailed recipe for the air fryer homemade chicken tenders and tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
1. Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls
Bowl 1: Place flour.
Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and water.
Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better.
Dip each chicken tender into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the tender is evenly coated. Repeat with all tenders.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Tenders
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.
Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
2. Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Tenders
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which results in a crispier texture. Mixing them with regular breadcrumbs creates the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Season Every Layer: Adding seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture ensures the tenders are flavorful throughout. Don’t forget to season the flour too, if desired, for even more depth.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures the tenders cook evenly and develop a crispy coating. Skipping preheating may result in unevenly browned breading.
Spray with Oil: A light mist of cooking spray over the breaded tenders helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Avoid drenching them in oil as this can make them soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Allow space between each tender in the air fryer basket. This promotes airflow, ensuring all sides of the tenders become crispy. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the tenders halfway through cooking ensures both sides become evenly golden and crispy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the tenders rest for a few minutes. This keeps the coating intact and the chicken juicy inside.
3. What To Eat With Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are versatile and pair well with a wide range of sides. Here are some popular options to try:
French Fries: Crispy chicken tenders and golden fries are a classic combination. You can make fries in the air fryer for a healthier version.
Dipping Sauces: Serve the tenders with an array of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or sriracha mayo. The sauces elevate the flavor and add variety.
Coleslaw: A creamy or tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the tenders.
Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni pairs wonderfully with crispy chicken tenders for a comforting, indulgent meal.
Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks with a side of ranch dressing make a healthy and refreshing accompaniment.
Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the crispy tenders without being too heavy.
In conclusion, these crispy air fryer chicken tenders are a guaranteed hit for any meal. With the right breading technique, a few simple tips, and the perfect side dishes, you’ll have a meal that’s crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, healthier spin on a classic favorite!
