- Trim and Flatten: If using chicken breasts, trim off any excess fat and cut them into strips about 1-inch wide. For more even cooking, you can gently pound the chicken strips with a meat mallet to an even thickness, but this is optional.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with a bit of salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the meat before breading.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare Flour: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. You can season it with a little salt and pepper if desired.
- Prepare Eggs: Crack the eggs into a second shallow bowl and beat them with a fork.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick to the chicken.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil. This helps them crisp up.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Check for Doneness: After cooking, check the tenders to ensure they are fully cooked. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear.
- Rest: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. They pair well with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Avoid Overcrowding: For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures that each tender gets crispy all over.
- Use Panko for Extra Crispiness: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Coated Tenders: Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a herby flavor.
- Parmesan Crusted Tenders: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesier coating.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a crispy, golden treat without the mess of traditional frying. With a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked chicken tenders that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Whether for a family dinner, game day, or a quick snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit!