Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly seasoned, irresistibly crispy, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy them right away or freeze for a quick and easy lunch or dinner anytime.

Prep Time15

Cook Time22

Total Time37

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 299kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

1¼ pounds chicken breast tenders
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¾ cup plain Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
nonstick cooking spray or olive oil or avocado oil in a mister

Optional For Serving

Ranch dressing

Instructions

Prepare Your Breading Station

Place the breading ingredients in 3 separate shallow bowls.
Bowl 1: Flour.
Bowl 2: Using a fork or a whisk, lightly beat the eggs.
Bowl 3: Combine the bread crumbs, granulated garlic (or garlic powder), paprika, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Chicken Tenders

Place a large piece of foil or a lined baking sheet close by. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
While air fryer is preheating, coat each chicken tender first in flour, then the beaten egg, and then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Transfer the breaded chicken tenders to the foil as you work.

Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Coat the preheated air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray (or mist with oil). Add as many breaded chicken tenders as possible, leaving a little space in between and coat the tops with nonstick cooking spray or oil until no dry spots appear. Cook for 7 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip the tenders, spray with a little additional nonstick cooking spray and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Total cook time assumes you will cook the chicken tenders in two batches.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating from fridge: Using an air fryer to reheat the chicken tenders will yield the best, crispiest result. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Add a single layer of cooked chicken tenders and air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Freeze: Cook the tenders as directed and allow them to cool completely. Place the tenders on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe food storage bag. Be sure to press out as much air as possible and label the bag with the date. They’ll be at their best if used within a few weeks.

Reheating from frozen: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F. Add the frozen chicken tenders and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through, flipping halfway through.

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