If you’re a chicken tender lover, you know there’s nothing better than a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tender. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve that irresistible crunch without the added grease and oil of deep-frying. Air fryers have become increasingly popular for their ability to cook food quickly and with less fat. Here’s a delectable air fryer chicken tenders recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders

– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

– 2 large eggs

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes around 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.

3. Season the flour: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Beat the eggs: In another shallow dish, beat the two large eggs until they are well combined.

5. Coat the panko breadcrumbs: In a third shallow dish, pour in your panko breadcrumbs.

6. Dredge the chicken tenders: Taking one piece at a time, first coat the chicken tender with the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg mixture. Finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick.

7. Prepare for air frying: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. You may need to cook them in two or more batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

8. Spray with non-stick cooking spray: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with non-stick cooking spray. This step will help achieve a crispy, golden-brown appearance.

9. Air fry the chicken tenders: Cook the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until they reach a golden brown color and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73°C). If needed, carefully flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

10. Serve and enjoy: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer, and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or sides and enjoy these deliciously crispy air fryer chicken tenders!

Now that you know how easy and delicious it is to make chicken tenders in an air fryer, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Not only is this method healthier than traditional frying, but it also yields incredibly satisfying results. Happy cooking!