Looking for a healthier, yet delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders? Air fryer chicken tenders are your answer! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick snack, they can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 4 tenders) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, and 25g carbohydrates. This is based on one serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts cut into strips or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices to match your taste preferences.
Serving and Pairings
Air fryer chicken tenders pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through. While they can be frozen, it’s best to consume them fresh for optimal texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not preheating the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.
- Overcrowding the basket prevents proper air circulation.
- Skipping the egg wash can result in a less crispy coating.
- Failing to spray with cooking oil may lead to dry tenders.
- Not checking the internal temperature can result in undercooked chicken.
Helpful Tips
- Try marinating the chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends for unique flavors.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Allow the tenders to rest after cooking for better juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I make the tenders spicier?
To add heat, mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces work best?
Popular choices include ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
How do I know when they are done?
Chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown on the outside.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a simple, delicious option for a quick meal or snack. With their crispy coating and juicy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
