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Air Fryer Crack Chicken Tenders

A stack of golden brown Crack Chicken Tenders, one broken open to show melted cream cheese and cheddar filling.
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Make crispy, flavorful chicken tenders stuffed with a creamy, cheesy bacon and ranch filling using your air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (for coating)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for coating)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning until combined.
  2. Take each chicken tender and carefully cut a pocket into the side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each tender. Pinch the edges closed to seal the filling inside.
  4. In a shallow dish, mix the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder for the coating.
  5. Lightly spray the outside of the filled tenders with cooking spray.
  6. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  8. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to work in batches.
  9. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you do not have ranch seasoning mix, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tenders again with cooking spray before the final flip in the air fryer.
  • You can bake these tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes if you do not have an air fryer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/