Print

Ultimate Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Close-up of golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken tenders sliced in half on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make golden, crunchy, and juicy chicken tenders in your air fryer. This recipe is quick, healthier than deep frying, and perfect for a family dinner or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (oil of choice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This step helps the breading stick better.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Cook the tenders: Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  6. Air fry: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the outside should be golden brown and crunchy.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy results, you can lightly spray the breaded tenders with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.
  • If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • You can prepare the breaded tenders ahead of time and store them on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before air frying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-crispy-recipe/