Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
I still remember the day I tried to deep-fry chicken tenders for my family’s Sunday dinner. Let’s just say it didn’t end well. The kitchen was a mess, and my loved ones were left with a plate of greasy, overcooked “chicken”. It was a disaster!
Fast forward to the next Sunday, and I decided to give air frying another try. This time, I had heard great things about using an Air Fryer for crispy chicken tenders without the guilt. And boy, am I glad I gave it another shot! The result was tender, juicy, and oh-so-crispy chicken that left everyone asking for seconds.
So, what makes this air fryer chicken tenders recipe stand out? For starters, it’s all about texture. When you cook chicken in an Air Fryer, the hot air circulates around the meat, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It’s like having your cake and eating it too (or in this case, having crispy chicken and tender insides!).
But what really sets this recipe apart is its focus on health. By cooking with little to no oil, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the added calories or fat. This makes it a great option for those looking for a healthier twist on traditional fried foods.
Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders (I recommend Perdue or Tyson)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work great)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
- 1 egg, beaten (use a fork to beat it until it’s nice and smooth)
- Air Fryer cooking spray (I recommend Pam or cooking spray of your choice)
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get started with the step-by-step process!
Step-by-Step:
Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your chicken tenders by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender piece into the wet mixture, then coat in the dry mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated tenders on a plate or tray.
Once your Air Fryer is preheated, spray the basket with cooking spray. Add the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer). Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
The “Secret Trick”:
Here’s the pro-tip that sets this recipe apart: After cooking the chicken tenders for the initial 6-7 minutes, increase the temperature to 420°F (220°C) and finish cooking them for an additional 3-4 minutes. This helps achieve that extra crispy exterior you’re looking for!
FAQs:
- Q: Can I use different seasonings or herbs? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to give the dish a unique flavor.
- Q: Do I need to pat dry the chicken tenders before cooking? A: No, you can skip this step. The Air Fryer will help remove excess moisture from the meat during cooking.
- Q: Can I cook frozen chicken tenders in the Air Fryer? A: Yes! Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the package instructions or your personal preference.
And there you have it – the best air fryer chicken tenders recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Remember, with this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can enjoy crispy, juicy, and healthy air-fried chicken tenders without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!
