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Ultimate Crispy BREADED Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Juicy Inside!)

A stack of crispy, golden brown air fryer chicken tenders, with one tender cut open to show juicy white meat inside.
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Welcome! You can make incredibly crispy, juicy chicken tenders right in your air fryer. This recipe is quick, family-friendly, and healthier than deep frying. We focus on simple steps to get that perfect crunch every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips very dry with paper towels. This step helps the breading stick and promotes crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: Place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish and mix well. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Bread the tenders: Take one chicken strip and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it completely into the egg mixture. Finally, press the strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the breaded tender on a clean plate. Repeat with all strips.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange in basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  6. Spray tops: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded tenders with cooking spray. This helps them brown and crisp up.
  7. Cook: Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Check the internal temperature; they are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crunchy.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a gluten free air fryer tenders option, substitute the flour with a gluten free blend and use gluten free breadcrumbs.
  • To make no breading air fryer chicken tenders, skip the dredging steps. Instead, toss the dried chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • For maximum crunch, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/