A simple and quick recipe for perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders made in your air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying with minimal oil.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
A simple and quick recipe for perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders made in your air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil (or spray with cooking spray) until lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the tenders evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using), ensuring all sides are seasoned thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer rack or basket lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Air fry for 12-13 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking (around 6-7 minutes), or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes before seasoning. Serve these versatile tenders with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
