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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Kids Will Love

air fryer chicken tenders - featured image

These Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are impossibly crunchy, juicy inside, and seasoned just right. They come together in under 20 minutes and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) fresh chicken tenders
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips about 1-inch thick.
  2. In one shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth. In a second shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides firmly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  6. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.
  7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest in the basket for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast. To freeze, bread uncooked tenders and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to air frying time.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken tenders, kid-friendly chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders