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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Close-up of crispy, golden air fryer chicken tenders, one sliced open showing juicy white meat inside.
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Make incredibly crispy and juicy chicken tenders fast in your air fryer. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy snack, using minimal oil for great results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into uniform strips
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Cooking spray (or 1 teaspoon oil for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tender strips completely dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve crispiness.
  2. Set up a dredging station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg and water together. In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the flour adheres well. Place the coated tenders on a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the tenders: Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Spray with oil: Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or brush with a tiny amount of oil. This promotes golden browning.
  7. Air fry: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the exterior should be golden brown and crisp.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a healthier, unbreaded option: Skip the flour and egg wash. Instead, toss the dried chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the same seasoning blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly browned.
  • To maximize crispiness: For an extra crunchy coating, you can add a step: after the flour dredge, dip the tenders briefly into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
  • Meal prep tip: Cooked tenders store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

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