Introducing a healthier twist on a classic favorite: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Say goodbye to greasy, deep-fried options and hello to crispy, golden-brown goodness with a fraction of the oil. These succulent chicken tenders are not only delicious but also guilt-free, thanks to the air fryer’s innovative cooking technology. With its rapid hot air circulation, the air fryer ensures that your chicken tenders are cooked to perfection every time, with a satisfying crunch that rivals traditional frying methods. Get ready to indulge in a tasty, wholesome meal that will leave your taste buds singing and your waistline thanking you. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a satisfying snack, air fryer chicken tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.Craving a crispy snack? Try our irresistible air fryer chicken tenders recipe for a perfectly golden and juicy treat.
Why should you try this recipe
- Healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders
- Crispy and golden-brown texture without excess oil
- Quick and easy preparation
- Customizable seasoning options
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
- Full control over ingredients and avoiding additives
- Suitable for individuals, families, or entertaining guests
Wondering how to make the best chicken tenders in an air fryer? Look no further! Our air fryer chicken tenders recipe is the ultimate solution.
air fryer chicken tenders recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and don’t forget to pair these crispy chicken tenders with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Breadcrumbs Only Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
These values are just examples and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipes. Adjust the values accordingly based on your ingredients and serving sizes.
air fryer chicken tenders with flour
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, coating it completely, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
These crispy and flavorful chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and enjoy this delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders!
comparison table for the two recipes:
Elevate your dinner game with our mouthwatering chicken tenders air fryer recipe – a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying.Both recipes produce crispy and delicious air fryer chicken tenders, but the second recipe with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs coating may result in a slightly thicker and more uniform crust. Choose the recipe that best suits your preferences and available ingredients.Here’s a comparison table for the two recipes:
| Aspect | Breadcrumbs Only Recipe | Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Ingredients | Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasonings | Flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasonings |
| Coating Process | Chicken tenders coated directly with breadcrumb mixture | Chicken tenders coated with flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture |
| Thickness of Coating | Lighter, thinner coating | Thicker, more even coating |
| Crispiness | Crispy and golden brown | Crispy and golden brown |
| Texture | Slightly lighter and less uniform | Slightly thicker and more uniform |
| Overall Result | Delicious and flavorful chicken tenders | Delicious and flavorful chicken tenders |
Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
These values are just examples and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipes. Adjust the values accordingly based on your ingredients and serving sizes.
tips for air fryer chicken tenders
Looking for a quick and easy meal? Whip up our delectable air fried chicken tenders in no time for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.Here are some tips to ensure your air fryer chicken tenders turn out perfectly:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Coat Evenly: Make sure to coat each chicken tender evenly with the breadcrumb mixture or flour-egg-breadcrumb mixture. This helps to create a uniform crust and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking. This helps to promote browning and crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken tenders immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious air fryer chicken tenders every time!
seasoning ideas air fryer chicken tenders
Dive into flavor with our scrumptious chicken tenders recipe, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for that extra crunch.Here are some seasoning ideas to add flavor to your air fryer chicken tenders:
- Classic Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Italian Seasoning: Dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley
- Cajun Seasoning: Paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Lemon Herb Seasoning: Lemon zest, dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley
- Honey Mustard Seasoning: Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Parmesan Herb Seasoning: Grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and parsley
- BBQ Seasoning: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Buffalo Seasoning: Hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Taco Seasoning: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder
- Sesame Ginger Seasoning: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder
how to freeze and store air fryer chicken tenders
- Cool Completely: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture of the chicken.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Once cooled, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure the chicken tenders are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
- Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the chicken tenders in the freezer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. This process, known as flash freezing, helps prevent the chicken tenders from clumping together during storage.
- Transfer to Freezer Bags or Containers: Once the chicken tenders are firm, transfer them to freezer-safe resealable bags or airtight containers. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Remove Air: Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in Freezer: Place the sealed bags or containers of chicken tenders in the freezer. Store them in a single layer if possible to prevent them from sticking together.
- Use within 1-2 Months: Air fryer chicken tenders can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Beyond that, they may start to lose flavor and quality.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken tenders in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature for a few extra minutes.
By following these steps, you can freeze and store air fryer chicken tenders to enjoy them at a later time with minimal effort.
frozen chicken tenders air fryer
how to reheat chicken tenders in air fryer
Here’s how to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange Frozen Chicken Tenders: Remove the frozen chicken tenders from the freezer and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Cook at High Temperature: Cook the frozen chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Flip Halfway Through: Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the chicken tenders using tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Check for Doneness: Check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Cooking frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer is quick and convenient, and it results in crispy and delicious chicken tenders without the need for thawing. Enjoy!
faq’s
How long should I cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders and the specific model of your air fryer. Typically, chicken tenders require about 12-15 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C).
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking chicken tenders?
- Yes, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken tenders. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispy results.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through?
- The best way to determine if the chicken tenders are cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?
- Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, but adjust the cooking time as frozen tenders may take slightly longer to cook.
What can I serve with air fryer chicken tenders?
- Air fryer chicken tenders pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as french fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Can I store leftover chicken tenders?
- Yes, leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Are air fryer chicken tenders healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders?
- Yes, air fryer chicken tenders are generally healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders because they require much less oil for cooking. Air frying also helps reduce the amount of added fats and calories compared to deep frying.