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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken tenders made with seasoned breadcrumbs and panko, perfectly cooked to golden perfection. A quick and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, served with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of zest.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 12 chicken tenders (1 1/4 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Breading

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs

Additional

  • Olive oil spray
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry and season them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Prepare the breading stations: Pour the beaten eggs into a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and seasoned panko breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy coating mixture.
  3. Coat the tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the coating, and shake off any excess. Place the coated tenders on a clean dish or cutting board.
  4. Apply oil spray: Generously spray both sides of each breaded chicken tender with olive oil spray to promote crispiness during cooking.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Cook the tenders: In batches to avoid overcrowding, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Cook each batch for 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, crispy, and golden brown.
  7. Serve: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken to add brightness and a hint of acidity.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation for crispiness.
  • Check internal temperature of chicken tenders reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Using seasoned breadcrumbs reduces the need for extra seasoning in the breading.
  • Olive oil spray helps create a crunchy coating without the added calories of deep frying.