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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Golden, crunchy chicken tenders made fast in the air fryer—juicy inside, perfectly crisp outside, and ready in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
  • 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs unseasoned
  • 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil for spraying or brushing
  • 1 teaspoons hot sauce optional, for egg wash

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with olive oil.
  • Set up three bowls. Bowl 1: whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: beat eggs with a splash of water and hot sauce (if using). Bowl 3: combine panko and Parmesan.
  • Pat chicken dry. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture to coat all sides.
  • Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, spray any dry spots, and cook 4 to 6 minutes more, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Work in batches as needed. Let rest 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, chill breaded tenders in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying. Do not overcrowd the basket—leave space for airflow. To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 120g | Monounsaturated Fat: 120g | Trans Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 120g | Sugar: 120g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 120mg