Air frying chicken tenders is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enjoy this classic favorite. With minimal oil and quick cooking times, you get crispy, flavorful chicken tenders that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a snack. If you’ve been wondering, how do I air fry chicken tenders? – you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious air fryer chicken tenders every time.
Why Air Fry Chicken Tenders?
– Healthier than deep frying: Uses little to no oil, cutting down on fat and calories.
– Fast and convenient: Usually ready in under 20 minutes.
– Crispy outside, juicy inside: The hot circulating air crisps the coating while keeping the chicken tender and moist.
– Versatile: You can make breaded or unbreaded tenders, seasoned to your taste.
What You’ll Need
– Chicken tenders (about 1 pound)
– Olive oil or cooking spray
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or your favorites)
– Optional breading: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Chicken Tenders
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and promotes crispiness.
2. Season or Bread the Tenders
You have two main options:
– No breading: Toss the tenders in olive oil, then coat with your favorite spice blend (e.g., smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne for a kick). This keeps it low-carb and keto-friendly.
– With breading: For a classic crispy crust, dredge the tenders first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. A mix of regular breadcrumbs and panko with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works great for flavor and crunch.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and crisps up nicely.
4. Arrange the Chicken
Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate evenly, which is key for crispiness. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
5. Spray with Oil
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
6. Air Fry
Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for about 7 minutes. Then, flip them over, spray the other side with oil, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. The total cooking time is usually 12-14 minutes, but always check for doneness.
7. Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy outside.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or buffalo sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
– Don’t skip preheating: It makes a big difference in crispiness.
– Flip halfway: Air fryers cook unevenly, so flipping ensures both sides get crispy.
– Use a light coating of oil: This is the secret to that golden crust without deep frying.
– Season well: Even simple salt and pepper can shine, but adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs amps up the flavor.
– Cook in batches: Crowding the basket causes steaming instead of frying.
– Try different coatings: If you want extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs are excellent, but regular breadcrumbs with seasoning also work well.
– Reheat leftovers in the air fryer: At 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix.
– Herby: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or basil.
– Garlic Parmesan: Toss cooked tenders with grated Parmesan and garlic powder.
– Buffalo style: Toss with buffalo sauce after air frying for a tangy kick.
Air frying chicken tenders is quick, easy, and yields delicious results with less mess and fat than traditional frying. Whether you prefer them breaded or simply seasoned, the air fryer is your best friend for crispy, juicy chicken tenders every time. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dips and sides!