Description
Crispy homemade air fryer chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality flavor without excess oil. Golden breaded strips combine perfect crunch and juicy meat, promising a quick family-friendly meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Create three distinct coating zones – first with flour, second with whisked eggs and water, third with seasoned breadcrumbs incorporating Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken Coating Technique: Meticulously dredge each chicken strip through the stations, ensuring thorough coverage by gently pressing breadcrumb mixture onto surface for optimal adherence.
- Air Fryer Configuration: Heat air fryer to 400F (200C), preparing basket with light oil spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cooking Process: Arrange chicken tenders in single layer without overcrowding, lightly misting tops with oil. Rotate midway through cooking cycle, monitoring until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), approximately 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.
Notes
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, even breading that sticks perfectly during air frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, leaving space between tenders ensures maximum crispiness and even cooking throughout.
- Customize breadcrumb mixture with different herbs or spices like Italian seasoning, cayenne, or ranch powder for unique flavor profiles.
- Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F (74C) for safe, juicy result without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg