Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Golden crunchy chicken tenders with juicy interior, air-fried to perfection in just 12 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
→ Breading
02 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp paprika
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Egg Wash
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
→ Coating
09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
# Directions:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first; whisk eggs and milk in the second; mix panko and plain breadcrumbs with olive oil in the third.
03 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
04 - Coat each chicken strip in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
05 - Dip floured chicken into egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
06 - Press chicken into breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly and pressing gently for adhesion.
07 - Place breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in air fryer basket.
08 - Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
09 - Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crust gets incredibly crispy without any deep frying mess or extra oil
- These come together in under 30 minutes even on busy weeknights
02 -
- Crowding the basket leads to soggy spots, so cook in batches if necessary
- Letting breaded chicken sit for 5 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better
03 -
- Use an instant read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 74°C for food safety
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute