Description
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders made in under 22 minutes using an air fryer. A family-friendly meal with a seasoned, homemade-style coating and no deep frying required. Serve with your favorite dips for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, or chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch strips
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup fine plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray, as needed
Optional for serving: honey mustard, ranch-style dip, ketchup, barbecue-style sauce, or garlic yogurt dip
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
Prepare the chicken by slicing chicken breasts into 1-inch strips if using. Pat strips dry with paper towels.
In the first bowl, combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
In the second bowl, whisk eggs and 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, fine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Coat each chicken strip: dredge in flour, dip in egg mixture, then press into the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded chicken in a single layer, lightly spraying the tops with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip each piece, and air fry for an additional 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Check for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with optional dips.
Notes
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
For extra crispiness, re-spray the chicken strips with oil before flipping.
These tenders freeze well—place uncooked breaded strips on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. To reheat, air fry at 375°F for 5-8 minutes.
Experiment with breading flavors by substituting dried herbs or adding grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 12
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg