Description
These air fryer chicken tenders are extra crispy thanks to the use of two types of breadcrumbs. They are easy to prepare, cook quickly, and make a perfect protein-packed meal or snack. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like Greek yogurt ranch or barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 14 tenders)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
For Dipping (optional):
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Barbecue Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon kosher salt evenly to season.
- Set up breading stations: In a shallow bowl or pie dish, beat the eggs thoroughly. In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Bread the chicken tenders: Working in batches, dip each piece of chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated tenders on the lined baking sheet. Repeat for all tenders.
- Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). If desired, preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) to keep cooked tenders warm while cooking remaining batches. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
- Cook the tenders: Arrange 4 chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the top of the tenders with olive oil spray. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Repeat cooking: Continue cooking the remaining chicken tenders in batches, keeping finished tenders warm in the preheated oven if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken tenders hot with your choice of Greek yogurt ranch dip, barbecue sauce, or another favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Rewarm leftovers in a 350°F oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through.
- To Freeze: Lay cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen tenders to an airtight freezer-safe container and store up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
