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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders deliver golden-brown perfection with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make these tenders a quick, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Additional Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty seasoning blend by whisking together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  2. Create a smooth egg wash by thoroughly beating eggs in a separate bowl until uniformly blended.
  3. Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee optimal flour adherence.
  4. Meticulously coat each tender by first dredging in the seasoned flour mixture, then immersing in egg wash, allowing surplus liquid to drip off, and finally re-coating with flour for a robust, crispy exterior.
  5. Lightly spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, strategically positioning tenders with ample spacing for uniform heat circulation.
  6. Mist tender tops with cooking spray to enhance golden crispiness.
  7. Orchestrate air frying at 400°F, cooking for 5-6 minutes, then carefully flipping and continuing for an additional 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature and exterior develops a satisfying crunch.
  8. Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate for excess oil absorption, delicately seasoning with a final salt sprinkle.
  9. Present piping hot alongside an array of tantalizing dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or creamy ranch for a delectable dining experience.

Notes

  • Crispy exterior starts with thorough drying of chicken tenders to help flour stick perfectly.
  • Layering flour and egg wash creates an irresistibly crunchy coating that locks in juicy meat.
  • Double-coating technique ensures maximum crispiness and golden-brown texture in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg