Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders feature a light, shatteringly crisp panko crust thanks to the air fryer, delivering deep-fried texture with minimal oil. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are a simple, family-friendly weeknight dinner that feels both special and effortless.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 12min
- Total Time: 27min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: air frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with eggs beaten with milk, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, 1 tsp salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each tender in flour, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly oil the air fryer basket and arrange breaded tenders in a single layer without touching.
- Lightly spray tops of tenders with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best crispness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For dairy-free, use water instead of milk. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 150
Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/