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The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Juicy Inside & Golden Outside

A close-up of several golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken tenders piled on a white plate.
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Make incredibly crispy air fryer chicken tenders that stay juicy inside. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for a fast, family-friendly weeknight chicken dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry using paper towels. This step helps the coating stick and promotes crispiness.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper together. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Set up a standard breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, lightly beat the egg in a second dish, and spread the Panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  4. Dredge each seasoned tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  5. Lightly spray the breaded tenders on both sides with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil. This helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Work in a single layer, cooking the tenders in batches to avoid crowding the basket.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For a low-carb or gluten-free option, skip the breading entirely. Season the naked tenders well and spray with oil before air frying at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
  • To make these tenders freezer-friendly, place the fully cooked and cooled tenders on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer until hot.
  • If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using a blackened seasoning blend instead of the standard mix listed above for a spicy, smoky taste.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-crispy-juicy/