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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Craving something crispy and satisfying? These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, delivering a perfect crunch without the excess oil. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, you won't be able to resist making them tonight!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders about 14
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup panko breadcrumbs
  • cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray Olive oil spray
  • Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
  • Barbecue Sauce

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Oven
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. With paper towels, pat the chicken tenders dry. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
  2. In a shallow bowl (a pie dish works well) beat the eggs together.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and remaining 1 ½ teaspoons salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep it nearby.
  4. Coat the chicken tenders: Working a few at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, patting it gently as needed to adhere. Shake off excess.
  5. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. If you’d like to keep the chicken warm between batches, turn a regular oven to 250 degrees F. Coat the air fryer basket with the olive oil cooking spray, then add chicken tenders in a single layer so that they are not touching (I can cook 4 at a time). Coat the top of the chicken tenders with oil spray.
  7. Cook the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes, pulling out the air fryer basket and flipping the pieces over once halfway through. (The chicken should register at least 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer and the outsides will be golden brown and crisp.) Repeat with remaining chicken tenders, keeping them warm in the oven between batches as desired. Enjoy hot.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken tenders in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F, in the air fryer, or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Lay cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.