Description
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an easy and healthier option for lunch, perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch thick, 3-4 inch long strips, ensuring uniform thickness.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 contains flour mixed with half the salt and pepper; Bowl 2 contains eggs whisked with milk and remaining salt and pepper; Bowl 3 contains panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and remaining salt.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
- Press the chicken strip firmly into the panko mixture to ensure the coating adheres, then place on a clean plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place tenders in a single layer without overlapping.
- Spray the tops of the tenders generously with oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the tenders and spray the other side with oil.
- Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the tenders rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving to maintain crispiness.
Notes
Make sure the chicken strips are of equal thickness for even cooking. Don’t skip spraying the chicken tenders with oil before cooking; this helps achieve the golden crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer, crispy chicken, easy recipe, healthy lunch