Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy meal, delivering golden and crispy perfection on the outside with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. A blend of panko and regular breadcrumbs provides the perfect crunch, making these homemade tenders far fresher and healthier than their frozen counterparts. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a family-friendly lunch or dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders (about 1.25lb)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided ($0.05)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.04)
- 2 large eggs ($0.33)
- 1/2 cup plain regular breadcrumbs ($0.40)
- 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs ($0.32)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10)
- 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.10)
- 1 tsp onion powder ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.05)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the chicken tenders on a cutting board. Season them on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Next sprinkle the flour over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
- In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and whisk them together. In another shallow bowl, add the regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
- Now line up the chicken tenders, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs or your hands, begin to coat the chicken tenders by first dipping them on both sides in the egg mixture, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs. Pat the breadcrumbs into the tenders and coat them evenly on both sides. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side on a clean plate or cutting board.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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