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Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

These Air Fried Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy treat, made healthier without sacrificing flavor. Using a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can whip up golden, crunchy breaded chicken tenders in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun snack, these tenders are a family favorite. With a crispy exterior and tender juicy chicken inside, they’re bound to become your new go-to for air fryer chicken recipes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray for extra crispiness

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken:

  • Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better and give you that crispy fried chicken tenders in air fryer texture.

Prepare the Breading Station:

  • In one bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

  • Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick well.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot and ready for cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken:

  • Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops with a bit of cooking spray.

Cook:

  • Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer— it should read 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer chicken tenders.

Serve:

  • Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken tenders!