These chicken tenders taste so good you’d swear they were deep-fried!
Chicken tenders are an American staple. I should know. I make them about once a week, so I like to vary my recipe for variety’s sake. Sometimes, I fry them, and other times, I bake them. But one of the best ways to achieve the crispy and juicy flavor we all crave is with an air fryer. Not to toot my own horn (toot-toot), but this particular crispy air-fried chicken tender recipe is finger-licking good.
Its taste is reminiscent of college days when you used to get half-off apps at Applebee’s. Remember those late-night discounts? Yeah, I’m old. But boy, do these tenders satisfy my craving for greasy comfort food. I use a combination of regular and panko bread crumbs, which tricks your brain into thinking you’re indulging more than you think you are. Add your favorite dip, and you’re good to go!
Are you on a keto diet or wheat-sensitive? That’s okay! I got you. Try this keto chicken tenders recipe. It’s full of flavor, not carbs!
Are chicken tenders healthy?
Chicken tenders are cut from chicken breasts, which are low-fat and packed with protein. I also use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of the usual white-enriched variety for this recipe. Most notably, these crispy air fryer chicken tenders aren’t swimming in a pool of oil. Deep-fried chicken tenders are notoriously fatty. Thanks to the ever-faithful air fryer, you can enjoy your tenders without the excess calories.
If you’re gluten-free, simply swap the panko and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free variety. The overall texture and flavor should be about the same.
Keep it crispy: how to get that perfect crunch
One of the best things about chicken tenders is the subtle, crispy crunch of the breading. But how do you achieve this texture when you ditch the deep fryer? Well, one way is to dip your tenders in eggs. The eggs act as an adhesive for all those precious bread and panko crumbs. But here’s the key: after dipping the tenders into the eggs, you need to firmly press them into the breadcrumb mix so that the breading sticks.
If the breadcrumbs aren’t adhering to the tenders as well as I like, I’ll dredge them in the eggs a second time and then press them once more into the breadcrumbs. There’s nothing wrong with double dipping! After that, I’ll have the breaded chicken stand for about 30 minutes so the coating has time to settle.
How to make ahead and store?
These chicken tenders should be good for 3 to 5 days after making them and reheat nicely in the air fryer. If you want to store these tenders even longer, feel free to freeze them. They should be good for at least three months.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tenders work as a stand-alone meal or an appetizer—it’s really up to you! If you’re serving it as an app, why not pair it with other air fryer favorites, like cheese curds, onion rings, or French fries?
And you can’t have chicken tenders without a dip. My personal fave is honey mustard dipping sauce, but BBQ sauce is also a good pick. A creamy ranch dip is good, too, if you’re looking for something more decadent.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders about 1 1/4 lbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken tenders with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Crack the eggs into a shallow dish and beat them lightly. In a separate shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs and panko.
- One at a time, dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the tender in the breadcrumb mix. I recommend pressing gently to ensures it adheres. Gently shake off any excess and set aside on a plate.
- Lightly spray each chicken tender with olive oil on both sides. This is the trick to achieve that golden crispness without the need for deep frying.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (this step is crucial for cooking evenly).
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (make sure they do not touch).
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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