- Flour Mix: In the first shallow bowl or plate, add the all-purpose flour.
- Egg Wash: In the second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
- Dredge in Flour: Start by coating each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, press the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Lightly press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for all the chicken tenders, placing them on a plate or tray as you go.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange in the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- First Round of Cooking: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 5-6 minutes, carefully flip the chicken tenders using tongs. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Hot: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Optional Sides: Pair these crispy chicken tenders with air fryer fries, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:
- Uniform Size: Ensure the chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking.
- Double Breading: For extra crispy tenders, you can double bread them by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb coating process.
- Spice It Up: Customize the seasoning to your taste by adding more spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Chicken Tenders: Substitute some of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a game-changer, delivering the crispy, juicy goodness of traditional fried chicken tenders without the extra oil and calories. Whether you’re making them for a quick family dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit. The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs ensures a perfect crunch, while the seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor. Enjoy these delicious and healthier chicken tenders, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!