Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These golden and juicy crispy Air Fryer chicken tenders are really simple to prepare and ideal for weeknight meals.
Since homemade chicken strips are so much healthier than fried ones, I enjoy cooking them. The tenders get really crispy with significantly less oil thanks to the air fryer. All you need for this air fryer chicken tender recipe is a little olive oil spray.
How long should chicken tenders be cooked in an air fryer?
Air fried the chicken tenders in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, rotating them halfway through. When the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy, they are done.
Because they turn out so crispy, I adore using the air fryer to prepare chicken strips. You may bake them in the oven at 425 degrees for 16 minutes, rotating halfway through, if you don’t have an air fryer.
Ingredients
▢12 1 1/4-pound chicken tenders
▢ Two big, beaten eggs
▢ One kosher salt teaspoon
▢ Black pepper, according to flavor
▢ *One-half cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
▢ Half a cup of seasoned panko
▢ Olive oil spray
▢ slices of lemon, to serve
Directions
1. Use salt and pepper to season the chicken.
2. In a shallow bowl, place the egg. Put the panko and bread crumbs in a second shallow bowl.
3. Place the chicken on a big platter or chopping board after dipping it in the egg and then the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess. Lightly coat the chicken on both sides with oil.
4. Set the air fryer’s temperature to 400°F.
5. Cook the chicken in batches for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy. Serve with wedges of lemon.
Notes
Nutrition
Health Information
Compared to conventional fried chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders are healthier. The following are the main health advantages:
Reduced Fat level:
Conventional frying techniques utilize a lot of oil, which raises the dish’s fat level considerably. Air fryers, on the other hand, employ hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil. As a result, the chicken tenders retain their crispy surface but have a significantly reduced fat content.
Decreased Calories:
Air fryer chicken tenders usually have fewer calories than deep-fried chicken tenders since less oil is used. Because of this, it’s a fantastic option for people trying to cut calories.
Preserved Nutrients:
When compared to deep-frying, air-frying can help retain more of the chicken’s nutrients. The high temperatures needed for deep-frying, which might destroy vital vitamins and minerals, are not reached by it.
Reduced Processed Oil:
Very little to no oil is needed for air fryers. When oil is utilized, healthier choices like avocado or olive oil—which contain healthy monounsaturated fats—are frequently employed.
Reduced Risk of Dangerous Compounds:
Conventional high-temperature frying can result in the production of dangerous substances like acrylamide, which has been connected to health problems. Air frying lowers the chance of these chemicals developing because it uses less oil and lower temperatures.
Cooking Tips
Select the Correct Chicken:
For optimal results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Often, chicken tenders come fully sliced, but if you’d like, you may also chop your chicken into strips.
Season Well:
To enhance the flavor of your chicken tenders, add your preferred herbs and spices. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme are common seasonings. You may improve the flavor and tenderness of your chicken by marinating it for at least half an hour to several hours.
Apply a Light Coating:
Lightly dust the chicken tenders with panko, crushed cornflakes, or breadcrumbs to give them a crunchy texture. To help the coating stick, you can dip them in buttermilk or beaten egg. If you have dietary constraints, try a gluten-free breadcrumb option or almond flour for a lighter alternative.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Prior to adding the chicken tenders to your air fryer, always preheat it. This makes it easier to guarantee that the tenders cook through and get a crispy outside. For three to five minutes, preheat at 375°F (190°C).
Place in a Single Layer:
Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to mushy patches and uneven cooking. For optimal results, cook the tenders in batches if needed.
Spray with Oil:
Although air-frying uses less oil, the crispiness of the chicken tenders can be improved by lightly misting them with cooking oil. Lightly coat the tenders with an avocado or olive oil spray. The coating may get overly oily if you use too much oil.
Keep an eye on the cooking time:
Depending on the size of the chicken tenders and the power of the air fryer, they usually cook in 8 to 12 minutes. To make sure the tenders cook evenly and are crispy on all sides, flip them halfway through the cooking process.
Check Internal Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through and safe to consume. The chicken’s internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Avoid Overcooking:
Chicken tenders may become dry if they are overcooked. To avoid overcooking, check them often as the cooking time comes to a close.
Serve Right Away:
To maintain their crispy texture, air fryer chicken tenders are best served right away after cooking. For a well-rounded lunch, serve them with nutritious dipping sauces like Greek yogurt ranch, homemade honey mustard, or a low-fat barbecue sauce.
Conclusion
With less fat and calories than typical fried chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders are a tasty and nutritious substitute. They are the ideal option for anyone wishing to eat better without compromising flavor because the air fryer assures a crispy outside and a juicy within. You may make tenders that are precisely cooked with little effort if you follow the cooking instructions. Air fryer chicken tenders are a flexible and healthful addition to any meal, whether they are eaten as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
