Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Panko-crusted chicken tenders with zero deep frying that come out golden and crunchy in just 12 minutes.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 12 mins @ 400°F (204°C) (Flip at 6m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Set up three bowls: flour with garlic powder, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with parmesan and smoked paprika.
Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenders dry. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko mixture.
Arrange in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Spray tops with cooking spray.
Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes, until golden and internal temp hits 165°F.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Set up three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs. Bowl 3: 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Adding parmesan to the panko creates an extra layer of savory flavor and helps the crust brown more evenly in the air fryer.
Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko-parmesan mixture, coating all sides.
Use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet. This prevents your fingers from getting caked with breading that falls off in clumps.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer with space between each piece. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway at 6 minutes.
Do not stack or overlap the tenders. Air needs to circulate around each piece for even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Transfer to a wire rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Resting on a wire rack instead of a plate prevents the bottom from getting soggy from trapped steam.
These taste like restaurant chicken tenders but with a fraction of the oil and none of the deep fryer cleanup. The parmesan in the panko is the secret weapon for next-level crunch.
Serve with a lineup of dipping sauces: honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch. Let kids pick their favorites and dip away.
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Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. Never microwave or the breading will turn soft and rubbery.