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

Close-up of air fryer chicken tenders, one piece cut open showing juicy white meat inside a crispy golden breading.
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Make perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders in your air fryer. This recipe includes instructions for both a classic breaded version using panko and a simple, healthy no-breading option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For Breading Option: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • For Breading Option: 1 large egg, beaten
  • For Breading Option: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenderloins completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a bowl, toss the dry tenders with the oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. If using the no-breading method, proceed to step 7.
  4. If using the breading method, set up a dredging station: one shallow dish with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dredge each tender first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  6. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
  8. Check the internal temperature; the tenders are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the breaded tenders with cooking spray just before the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If you want a Honey Garlic flavor, toss cooked tenders in a mixture of 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
  • For a Blackened flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the initial oil toss instead of paprika and garlic powder.

Nutrition

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