Golden Air Fried Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy texture and tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is a game-changer for those who love fried chicken but are looking for a healthier alternative. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect golden crust without the need for deep frying, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack for game day, these chicken tenders are sure to impress.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Golden Air Fried Chicken Tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders: Fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour: For coating the chicken
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a savory depth
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Enhances the flavor
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika: For a subtle smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper: For a mild kick
- 1 teaspoon of salt: To taste
- 2 large eggs: Beaten, for dredging
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness
- Cooking spray: To help achieve a golden finish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Set up your dredging station: In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken tenders: Start by dredging each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip the tenders into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat them with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Place the tenders in the air fryer: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray: This will help the tenders achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Cook the chicken tenders: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. The tenders should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the tenders rest: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a minute or two before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: These tenders are perfect with a side of honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Tips and Variations
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Why are my chicken tenders soggy from the air fryer?: If your chicken tenders turn out soggy, it could be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Ensure the tenders are in a single layer and not touching each other for optimal air circulation.
- How long to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?: If you’re cooking frozen chicken tenders, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.
- How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F?: For fresh chicken tenders, 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is usually sufficient, depending on the thickness of the tenders.
- How to cook top chick tenders in air fryer?: Follow the same process as described, ensuring even coating and not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken tenders air fryer no breading: For a low-carb version, skip the flour and breadcrumbs. Instead, season the chicken tenders generously with your favorite spices and air fry until cooked through.
- Air fryer chicken tenders with flour: If you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip the breadcrumbs and simply dredge the tenders in flour before air frying.
- Extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the tenders in the egg and panko mixture before air frying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Golden Air Fried Chicken Tenders are a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With their crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a snack, or at a party, these tenders are sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make the recipe your own.