These crispy air-fried chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders without sacrificing flavour or texture. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they will surely become a family favourite.

See our Delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Whether looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these chicken tenders are easy to make and always a hit. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauces and sides for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Recipe by Owais

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders

• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Cooking spray

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes, flip the chicken tenders over, and cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favourite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy!

Ideas for Serving

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• In a Wrap: For a quick lunch, wrap the tenders in lettuce, tomato, and your favourite dressing.
• With Veggies: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Net Carbs: 3g

History

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, have been a popular dish in American cuisine since the 1950s. Traditionally deep-fried, these tenders have evolved into various healthier versions, with the air fryer method becoming a favourite for its ability to deliver the same crispy texture with significantly less oil.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

A: Yes, you can use regular flour or breadcrumbs if you are not following a keto diet. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

A: Yes, you can freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken tenders. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.