Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Image for recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Dinner
Ready in: 36 mins
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6

These chicken tenders use the familiar flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating of classic breaded tenders, adjusted for crisp results in the air fryer. A little barbecue seasoning keeps a nod to the original recipe while the pork-rind crust is replaced with panko for a more canonical tender texture.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

1 1⁄2
pounds chicken breast tenderloin, patted dry
3⁄4
cup all-purpose flour
2
teaspoons barbecue seasoning
1
teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄2
teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1⁄2
teaspoon garlic powder
2
 egg, beaten
2
tablespoons milk
1 1⁄2
cups panko breadcrumb
1
tablespoon olive oil
• cooking spray

For Serving

1⁄2
cup barbecue sauce, for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Stir the flour, barbecue seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder together in a shallow dish.
3. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a second shallow dish.
4. Toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil in a third shallow dish until the crumbs are lightly coated.
5. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and press it into the panko until evenly coated.
6. Set the breaded tenders on a plate or rack and let them stand for 5 minutes so the coating can hydrate and adhere.
7. Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the tenders in a single layer with space between them.
8. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 7 minutes.
9. Turn the tenders, spray any dry spots, and air fry until crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest piece, 5 to 7 minutes more.
10. Cook any remaining tenders in the same way and serve hot with barbecue sauce.

Published on Aug 11, 2024 by Luminița