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The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Perfectly Juicy Every Time)

Close-up of several golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken tenders stacked on a white plate.
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Welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so happy you’re here. These air fryer chicken tenders deliver a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy interior, making them an easy weeknight dinner or quick snack. This recipe includes instructions for both a classic breaded version and a no-breading option for minimal oil cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil (for the no-breading version)
  • For Breading (Optional):
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tender strips completely dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve crispiness.
  2. Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the dry chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Prepare for breading (if using): Set up a standard breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Bread the chicken (if using): Dredge each seasoned tender first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in Panko breadcrumbs. Place breaded tenders on a plate.
  5. For the No Breading version: Lightly spray the seasoned chicken strips with cooking spray or toss with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  7. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  8. Air fry: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around the 5-minute mark), flip the tenders.
  9. Check for doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crunchy.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a family friendly chicken dinner.

Notes

  • For the crispiest coating, ensure your Panko breadcrumbs are fresh and press them firmly onto the chicken.
  • If you want golden brown chicken without breading, ensure you spray the pieces lightly but evenly with oil before cooking.
  • These are great as quick chicken snacks or part of easy air fryer dinners.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/